A whole watermelon should be hard and firm, with no soft spots or cracks. Weight is a sign that there’s a lot of water inside and the fruit will be juicy, so look for watermelons that are heavy for their size.
Should a watermelon be soft to touch?
The best watermelon is juicy yet firm with just a little bit of give in the rind. If the outer rind is soft, it may indicate an overripe or malnourished fruit. You can also try pressing the blossom end of a watermelon.
Is it OK to eat a soft watermelon?
If the rind is soft, discolored, or downright moldy, you really have no choice but to toss the whole thing — rind, flesh, and all. If you don’t see signs of spoilage on the rind but the flesh turns out to be slimy or smelly, you still need to toss it out instead of eating it.
Should a watermelon be firm?
A ripe watermelon should have a firm rind that doesn’t give to pressure and is not easily scratched.
How do I know if my watermelon is bad?
The easiest way to tell is to check the skin for any soggy spots and patches of greenish-blue, black, or white mold. Even if the exterior looks OK, there’s a chance that the fruit could have gone bad. If the flesh has noticeable dark spots or is covered in anything slimey, you should toss it.
What does it mean when a watermelon is hard?
A whole watermelon should be hard and firm, with no soft spots or cracks. Weight is a sign that there’s a lot of water inside and the fruit will be juicy, so look for watermelons that are heavy for their size.
How do you tell if it’s a good watermelon?
Look for the yellow spot: Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe. Give it a thump: Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound, which means it is brimming with juice and at the peak of its ripeness.
What does it mean if my watermelon is mushy?
Answer. This sounds like overripe watermelon. When a watermelon goes past its prime it becomes mealy, may develop cavities around the seeds and the taste may be unappetizing.
What does unripe watermelon look like?
Look at the Belly
Watermelons have an underside, or belly—which is in contact with the ground throughout its growth—called a “field spot.” This spot on a ripe watermelon will be yellowish (sometimes referred to as “buttery”) and not white, which indicates an unripe melon.
How long does it take for watermelon to go bad?
Watermelon will keep for 7-10 days at room temperature. After two days at 32°F, watermelons develop an off-flavor, become pitted and lose color. Freezing causes rind to break down and produces a mealy, mushy texture. Once a melon is cut, it should be wrapped and stored between 9-36°F.
How do you pick a good watermelon from the store?
You should pick a melon that has a strong, consistent stripe pattern. The green stripes should be a deep, dark green, while the pale stripes should be a creamy, light yellow. Additionally, you may want to choose a dull-looking watermelon. If the melon is very shiny, it is likely underripe.
How do you pick a non mushy watermelon?
Test the vibration of a watermelon. Avoid a mushy, mealy watermelon by slapping one end of the melon while feeling the other end. The higher the vibration, the better the melon. The mushy melons don’t transfer shock waves as well as the juicy, ripe ones.
Should a watermelon sound hollow or solid?
Using your knuckles, rap on the middle of the watermelon while holding it up to your ear, or flick it with your finger. A ripe watermelon will have a hollow sound when knocked. An unripe watermelon will have more of a higher-pitched sound, while an overripe one will make a “thud” or a lower-pitched sound.
How long does watermelon last in fridge?
If you’re worried about your watermelon spoiling, you can pop the whole thing in the fridge; FreshDirect says that you can keep a whole watermelon in the fridge for up to three weeks, at best.
Can watermelon go bad in the fridge?
A whole watermelon keeps for about a week at room temperature and up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Cut watermelon lasts between 3 and 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container, so it doesn’t dry out. Like other fruits, watermelon doesn’t last that long.
What does expired watermelon taste like?
It’s easy to tell when you’ve bitten into a watermelon that has ceased to be Watermelon if it’s sour and funky-tasting instead of sweet. But save yourself the experience of tasting rotten watermelon and smell it first. You should be able to tell by the sour or slightly fermented odor emanating from the flesh.
Can you eat unripe watermelon?
Underripe watermelons are safe to eat, but they aren’t particularly enjoyable. Unripe melon tastes diluted and watery, instead of sweet.
When should you open a watermelon?
How to Tell When Watermelon is Ripe
- A ripe watermelon should make a hollow sound when you tap or knock on its rind.
- The rind should not scratch easily or give way under light pressure.
- The bottom of the watermelon has what is called a “field spot.” When a watermelon is ripe, this spot should be yellow.
Is watermelon healthy to eat?
Packed with nutrients and beneficial plant compounds
Watermelon contains a variety of nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It’s also relatively low in calories, containing just 46 per cup (152 grams) ( 5 ).
What does webbing on watermelon mean?
PA Department of Agriculture on Twitter: “The webbing on a watermelon, the more a bee pollinated the flower. The more pollination, the sweeter the fruit!
Which watermelon is sweeter round or oblong?
Which watermelon is sweeter round or oval? The round-shaped watermelon is sweeter than the oval-shaped one. This is because the concentration of sugar is higher in the red pulp of round watermelons.