How To Store Watermelon [Whole And Cut]

Watermelons are a dessert staple, especially during the summer months. They hydrate us, refresh our bodies, and make for a sweet treat. But what can you do if you have the problem of excess watermelon? How can you store them effectively without losing their flavor? We have researched answers for you!

Whole watermelons can be stored at room temperature, ideally in a dark space. They can also be refrigerated, and both will make the watermelon last for a week or two. Cut watermelon needs to be wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container, both placed in a fridge and consumed within 3-5 days.

If you want to store your watermelon, you probably intend to be creative with them. There are other ways you can enjoy them besides eating them as they are, and the methods are mostly quick and easy. If you are interested to learn more about how you can store and eat watermelons, keep reading below!

How to Store Cut Watermelons

Large Watermelon Pieces

Large pieces of watermelon can be wrapped with plastic and stored in the fridge. The plastic prevents other odors and flavors from penetrating it, ultimately preserving its sweetness. It also retains the juiciness of watermelon, so you won't have to worry about it drying out.

Small Watermelon Pieces

Smaller pieces of watermelons can be kept in an airtight container. But since they don't have a rind to hold them anymore, the watermelon can melt away its juices along with the sweet flavor.

If you have more watermelon than you can consume, it is best to freeze them so you can prevent even more flavor from seeping away.

How to Preserve Watermelon in the Freezer

Freezing your fruits, especially watermelon, is the quickest way to preserve them. You can use the flash-freezing method to make it easier for you to pick out a number of watermelon cubes that you want to eat.

Here is how you can effectively preserve the watermelon in the freezer.

1. Chop the watermelon into cubes or scoop them into balls.
2. Get rid of the seeds.
3. Get a baking sheet and spread out the watermelon pieces on it. Make sure they have adequate space between one another.
4. Pop them in the freezer for a few hours or until they are hard enough. This is called "flash freezing."
5. After they have been frozen, carefully transfer them to a freezer bag or a Ziplock.
6. Return the bags to the freezer. The watermelon will remain fresh once you take it out.

By flash-freezing, you won't have a hard time chiseling the cut pieces apart. Use this method if you intend to finish your watermelons a few pieces at a time.

Can You Preserve Watermelon Rinds?

You can reap all the benefits of watermelon--even their rind. Watermelon rinds can improve our health, and it would be a waste to throw them out carelessly.

Fortunately, you can preserve watermelon rinds and make delicious dishes out of them. Once you've finished or scraped off the watermelon flesh, it's time to prepare the rinds.

1. Place the rinds on their sides and carefully peel off the green skin.
2. After discarding the skin, chop the white rind into small pieces.
3. Place the chopped rinds into an airtight container and place them in the fridge.

Note that watermelon rinds are best consumed after a day of peeling them. You can whip up a salad or jam with them, or simply eat it as a snack by itself.

How Long Does Watermelon Last?

Whole watermelons can last for 7-10 days at room temperature. Make sure it is away from direct sunlight to avoid hastening the oxidation process that can make it go bad. When placed in the fridge, they can last for up to 3 weeks.

Chopped watermelons should be consumed within a day if it is placed at room temperature. You can prolong their shelf life by placing them in the fridge, which should make them last for up to 5 days.

Frozen watermelon lasts longest even when chopped. It can retain its freshness for 8-12 months as long as it is stored in the fridge consistently and placed in a sealed container.

Easy Watermelon Recipes

Watermelons are refreshing all by themselves, but you can make them more appetizing by incorporating them into these easy and tasty recipes. These don't take too much time and effort and will make for a healthy midday (or midnight) snack.

Watermelon Lollipops

Make eating watermelons more convenient with these watermelon lollipops. Here's how you can make them.

• Remove the seeds from your watermelon.
• Scoop out the watermelon flesh and put it into a bowl.
• Use a juicer or blender to puree the watermelon flesh.
• Take out your lollipop molds and pour the puree into them.
• Place a stick in the middle of each mold and freeze. Wait for 3 hours or let it freeze overnight.

If you want to add a mock rind under the lollipop, you can try peeling a kiwi.

• Puree the green kiwi flesh.
• Take out the frozen watermelon lollipops and lather the kiwi puree over the top of each lollipop.
• Freeze them again until you want to eat.

Watermelon Smoothie

Watermelon smoothies are a summer favorite, but you can enjoy them all year round too. You can add your favorite fruits and ingredients into the mix to make the healthy treat more appetizing.

When making a watermelon smoothie, you need to remember that the fruit is 92% water, so you can't just throw them into the blender with ice--you'll end up with a juice mix instead of a rich, creamy smoothie.

You need to freeze the watermelon cubes first before you combine them with other ingredients and mix them in the blender. That way, it will have the ideal consistency.

1. Throw in your frozen watermelon, mixed berries, vanilla yogurt, and milk (almond, soy, or whole) into the blender.
2. Blend until you achieve your preferred consistency.
3. Pour into a glass and garnish with a wedge of watermelon.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Watermelon Sherbet

Nothing says refreshing quite like a homemade watermelon sherbet. This recipe may seem intimidating, but it is easy enough and it should only take you 4 hours including waiting time.

1. Remove the seeds from your watermelon and dice them.
2. Combine the watermelon with sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the coat is even and cover with plastic wrap. Pop it into the fridge and wait 30 minutes.
3. Take out the mixture and blend until smooth. Pour into the bowl.
4. In a saucepan, pour cold water and fill it with gelatin mixture.
5. Cook on low heat for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
6. Get the watermelon mix and combine it with the gelatin mix.
7. Pour heavy cream over them; beat with an electric mixer at medium speed. It should have a fluffy consistency.
8. Pour the entire mixture into an ice cream mold and freeze until it has a soft-serve consistency.
9. Serve and enjoy!

How to Tell a Watermelon is Ripe

There's no one way to tell whether a watermelon is fully ripe. However, a watermelon that has a hollow thump when you knock on it is one of the most telltale signs that the watermelon is at its peak quality. Watermelons that don't have that deep tump are most likely unripe.

Final Thoughts

Watermelons are often underrated; having a reputation for tasting like water. However, ripe watermelon should have that sweet and juicy taste when you bite the ripe flesh, making a hot day feel more refreshing.

Try out our watermelon recipes today for a tasty treat! And if you're looking for more great food storage tips, check out our related posts:

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