A watermelon that is white on the inside is usually just unripe, meaning it has been picked too early. However, watermelons may also be white due to unsuitable growing conditions, so be aware of this if you are going to grow your own plants. White watermelons are generally safe to eat, but may not taste very good.
Is it OK to eat white watermelon?
It’s true. The rind—that white part of the fruit between the pink flesh and tough green skin—is not only edible, but it’s a potent source of nutrients that happen to be totally different than those in watermelon flesh. So, it’s almost like two fruits in one! Why so great?
Why does my watermelon look white inside?
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 is the white in a watermelon?
According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, the thin, white flecks found in watermelon are actually empty seed coats that indicate a seed didn’t fully mature. These white seeds are tender and almost translucent and can always be found in both seeded and seedless varieties.
How can you tell when 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.
How can you tell if cut watermelon is bad?
If the flesh of your watermelon is slimy, off-colored, foul-smelling, or growing something fuzzy, this means it has gone bad and should be thrown away (after being wrapped in layers of plastic bags to avoid stinking up the whole kitchen). These traits also apply to pre-cut and pre-packaged watermelon.
Can you eat a watermelon with white heart?
Whiteheart is a hard white streak of flesh through the heart of the watermelon. If this streak exceeds 0.25 in. (6 mm) in diameter it is classified as damage in the United States Standards for Grades; if it exceeds 0.5 in. (13 mm) it is classified as serious damage.
Is it OK to eat overripe watermelon?
Is Overripe Watermelon Safe to Eat? When a watermelon gets too ripe for its own good, the juicy crisp texture of the flesh can turn gritty and dry. If you cut it open, you might see the flesh actually pulling away from the seeds. If your watermelon is mealy, it’s still safe to eat.
What do you do with a white watermelon?
White Wonder watermelons can be cubed and tossed into green salads, mixed into fruit bowls, blended into smoothies, or pressed into juice for cocktails and sparkling beverages. The watermelon’s subtly sweet flavoring allows the variety to be used in most recipes calling for watermelon.
How can you tell if a watermelon is good inside?
Look for an orange creamy field spot. The darker yellow field spot usually means it was on the vine longer and is full of flavor. If the field spot is white that’s a sign that the melon is not quite ripe.
Can bad watermelon give you diarrhea?
This digestive problem can have several causes. The Illinois Department of Public Health warns about the dangers of pre-cut melons. These fruits might be contaminated with Salmonella, a bacterium that causes stomach pain, fever and severe diarrhea.
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.
Can watermelon give you salmonella?
A Salmonella outbreak in Norway with almost 20 people sick has been linked to watermelon. Folkehelseinstituttet (FHI) reported that of 13 ill people interviewed so far, all of them ate watermelon in the days before becoming sick.
Why is my watermelon pink and white?
What is this? A watermelon that is white inside is generally not ripe. Watermelons get their red coloration from a phytonutrient known as lycopene. This is responsible for the hue of many fruits, including tomatoes and grapefruits, and before it has formed, the flesh will be white.
Should you refrigerate watermelon?
Keep whole melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew on the counter for best flavor. USDA research found that storage at room temp may even help keep the antioxidants better intact. Once cut, store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Is it safe to eat hollow heart watermelon?
Since watermelon hollow heart isn’t a disease, but rather a failure in the seed production process of your watermelons, the fruits are perfectly safe to eat. The lack of a center may make them hard to market though, and obviously, if you save seeds, this can be a real problem.
How long is watermelon good in fridge?
Whole watermelons keep for approximately a week at room temperature and two weeks in the refrigerator. In the fridge, cut watermelon will last between 3 and 5 days. Make sure it’s tightly wrapped, so it doesn’t dry out. Freeze watermelon only if you can utilize it frozen, such as infusing water or making a smoothie.
What does under ripe watermelon look like?
Ground Spots and Sugar Spots
If you can’t find the ground spot, it’s likely that the melon was harvested too soon and didn’t have a chance to fully ripen. Or, if there is a ground spot but it’s more white than yellow, that is also an indication that it may have been picked from the vine too early.
Is it safe to eat a foaming watermelon?
If “foaming” is observed in a watermelon, it is possible that the watermelon is already starting to rot. For the sake of prudence, the CFS advises the public not to eat a watermelon which is “foaming” and shows dubious quality (e.g. off odour).
What color is the inside of a watermelon?
The inside, if you’re looking at a cut watermelon section, should be bright pink or red with a thick, pale rind. An over-ripe melon will have paler pink flesh, more a shell pink than hot pink.
Can you cut mold off watermelon?
Molds have a harder time growing roots in dense foods, so if you cut off at least 1 inch around the spot of mold, you should be fine to eat your firm fruits and vegetables. Just make sure to keep the knife out of the mold to avoid cross-contaminating your produce.