Asal Tutorial : How to Tell if a Watermelon Is Bad

Sunday, October 1, 2017

Method 1

Identifying Signs of Spoilage

1

Check for mold on the outside.
Mold or dark-colored spots on the outside of the watermelon could indicate that it has gone bad. The mold might be black, white, or green, and have a fuzzy appearance.
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2

Look for a healthy color outside.
The watermelon should have either a consistent pine green shade or a striped appearance. Striped watermelons have alternating lime-green and darker pine-colored stripes.
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3
Look for a deep pink or red inside.
These colors indicate the watermelon is healthy. If your watermelon is a different color (black, for instance), do not eat it.
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- Different varieties of watermelon have different internal appearances. Desert King, Tendergold, Yellow Baby, and Yellow Doll watermelons have yellow or orange flesh.^[4]
4

Beware of gritty and dry watermelon flesh.
When watermelon is no longer good, the crisp flesh will start to shrivel. The flesh might even be pulling away from the seeds.
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In other cases, the watermelon might become slimy and mushy.
5

Smell the watermelon before cutting into it.
A healthy, edible watermelon should smell sweet and fresh. If it smells tangy or sour, it’s gone bad and should be thrown it away.
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Method 2

Measuring the Freshness Using Dates

1

Use the expiration date.
If you’re eating pre-cut watermelon you bought from the market, the container should include an eat-by, best-by, or other expiration date. This date lets you know how long you have until the watermelon goes bad.
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2

Eat cut watermelon within five days.
Properly stored, sliced watermelon will stay good three to five days. Make eating it a priority to prevent it from going bad.
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3

Eat unrefrigerated, uncut watermelon within 10 days.
After about a week, uncut, unrefrigerated watermelon will start to turn. Eat uncut, unrefrigerated watermelon as soon as possible.
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4

Don’t eat refrigerated, uncut watermelon after 2-3 weeks.
After about two weeks, refrigerated, uncut watermelon will start to turn. To prevent your uncut, refrigerated watermelon from going bad, eat it within two weeks of purchase.
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Method 3

Extending the Shelf Life of Watermelon

1

Refrigerate your whole or sliced watermelon.
Watermelons are typically refrigerated at a temperature of 13 degrees Celsius (55 F). Storing your fruit at 21 Celsius (70 F) will increase its lycopene and beta-carotene content (both of which are important antioxidants).
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2
Store cut watermelon in an airtight container.
A resealable bag or container is the best place for watermelon. This will preserve its flavor and freshness.
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- In a pinch, wrap your watermelon tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.^[13]
3

Use caution when freezing watermelon.
Some people advise against freezing watermelon altogether, since thawing or cutting open a frozen watermelon piece could cause the juice to drip out.
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If you decide to live on the wild side and want to freeze your watermelon, place it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. The watermelon will stay good for 10-12 months.
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