How Long Does Cut Watermelon Last Before It Goes Bad?

Nothing beats the taste of a refreshing piece of watermelon on a hot day, so having some cut up and ready in the refrigerator is crucial as the days warm up. That said, cutting an entire watermelon yields a good amount of fruit that needs to be consumed, which may have you wondering: How long does cut watermelon last?

Once you cut a watermelon, it can be stored safely in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about five days, says Alabama-based dietitian Chelsea Edwards . “The exposure to oxygen causes fruits to break down once cut,” explains Edwards.

How Long Does Cut Watermelon Last?

Temperature dictates how long cut watermelon lasts, so it’s important to store it in the refrigerator. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends thoroughly washing all fruit like watermelon with cold running water before cutting it up. Cut, peeled, or cooked fruit and vegetables should be refrigerated in covered containers or frozen in plastic freezer containers within two hours, according to the FDA.

How To Tell If A Watermelon Is Ripe

To make your watermelon last as long as possible, hold off on cutting the melon until it is ripe and you are ready to eat it. A whole watermelon can last seven to 10 days at room temperature on your counter (but make sure not to place it in direct sunlight). Here's how to know your watermelon is ready for slicing:

• Check the bottom:It’s important to only cut watermelon once they are ripe to enjoy the best flavor. When picking a watermelon, Edwards says to look for one with a white spot on the bottom, because that indicates it sat long enough in the field to get ripe.

• Examine the rind:The rind of the watermelon is another indicator of how ripe a watermelon is. “The rind of a ripe watermelon should be firm and not mushy or soft and it should not give when you press on it,” she says. “The rind of an overripe watermelon is softer to the touch than a watermelon that is not overripe.”

• Listen to it:Edwards explains that tapping on the watermelon is another easy indicator. “The ‘thump’ of an overripe watermelon will sound different than a quality watermelon,” she says. “Overripe watermelons typically make more of a ‘thud’ noise.”

How To Tell If Watermelon Is Bad

The first indicator that watermelon has gone bad is a mushy appearance or texture.

“Cut watermelon that is going bad is likely to have an off smell or slimy texture and may taste sour or give off a fizzy sensation,” Edwards says.

Any watermelon that has visible mold should be thrown away.

Read the original article on Southern Living