How long can you store whole and cut watermelon in the refrigerator?

The juicy pulp of aromatic sweet watermelon is pleasantly refreshing in the heat and quenches thirst. Watermelon is a source of iron, potassium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C and fiber. Its use allows you to improve your body health and lose excess weight. You want to enjoy delicious watermelon not only during the season. In this article we will talk about how to choose and how to properly store a watermelon, how long you can store a watermelon in the refrigerator, and also answer other important questions.

With the right approach, you can store watermelon in the refrigerator for a long time.

Shelf life and storage rules for uncut product

Technical conditions for food watermelons are specified in GOST 7177-2015.

The main conditions for long-term preservation of watermelons are temperature conditions, integrity of the peel and packaging.

The optimal temperature is +2-5 degrees with a humidity of 70-85%. Therefore, the ideal place is the refrigerator.

Unfortunately, many watermelons will not fit there, so the fruits can be stored in the cellar.

A garage or balcony is also suitable if the temperature there remains above zero .

If planted correctly, it is possible to preserve the fruits at home at room temperature.

It is important that this is a dark place (pantry, mezzanine, place under the bed).

In the refrigerator or cellar the fruits will last for 3-4 months , in an apartment - about 2 months.

How to store cut watermelon

It's no secret that peeled fruits and vegetables have a very short shelf life. How long can you store a cut watermelon without it going sour?

Cut watermelon has a short shelf life: at room temperature - no more than 1 hour, in the refrigerator - no more than 3 days

If the watermelon is not completely eaten, it must be placed in the refrigerator and stored for no more than 2-3 days, since bacteria appear and multiply on the pulp very quickly, which can lead to poisoning. Do not leave cut watermelon at room temperature for more than 1 hour.

To determine the presence of nitrates in a watermelon, simply place a piece of pulp in water. If the water becomes slightly cloudy, the watermelon is of high quality; if it takes on a pinkish tint, it means the fruit was grown using chemicals.

To store in the refrigerator, the cut watermelon along with a plate or bowl is wrapped in cling film. It is undesirable for the pulp to come into contact with the film, so the fruit should be cut side down. Watermelon pieces are also placed in containers with a lid (pots, bowls or plastic containers) and put in the refrigerator.

To extend the shelf life of cut watermelon, you can freeze it. The pieces are frozen fresh or sprinkled with sugar, fructose, and poured with syrup or juice to taste. The shelf life of frozen watermelon is 8-12 months. Defrost the watermelon in the refrigerator and use the thawed product within 2-3 days.

When frozen, watermelons retain all their beneficial and nutritional properties.

To freeze, the fruits are thoroughly washed, peeled and pitted, and cut into pieces. It is important to handle watermelon with clean hands to avoid bacteria. The pieces are placed at some distance from each other on a tray lined with parchment and frozen for several hours. Then they put it into bags, wrap it and put it in the freezer for storage. To taste, before or after the initial freezing, you can sprinkle the pieces with sugar in the proportion: 200 g of sugar per 1 kg of watermelon.

Frozen watermelon changes the consistency of its pulp, so it is better to use this product for making desserts, drinks and cocktails.

If desired, you can pour sugar syrup over the watermelon pieces. The sweetness of the syrup depends on taste preferences; the following proportions are most often used: 3/4 cup of sugar per 1 liter of water. The pieces are placed in a container with a lid and completely filled with cooled syrup. Instead of syrup, you can use pineapple or orange juice. It is important to fill the container no more than 85% to leave room for the frozen liquid to expand.

We are used to eating only the pulp of watermelon, but in the East they stew, fry and pickle watermelon rinds. The seeds are dried, fried and eaten as a light snack.

For long-term storage, watermelons can be salted, fermented and pickled. They are stored under the same conditions as other preserved foods.

By following our recommendations, you can preserve the freshness and juiciness of watermelons not only until the New Year holidays, but also until spring. Share your experiences, stories and storage recipes in the comments.

What are the conditions for salting fruit at home?

Many of the fruits are used to prepare such a delicacy as salted watermelons. The marinade preserves the product for a long time - up to 6 months .

The main thing is a tightly closed container that does not let air through.

In our article you can read about the shelf life of marshmallows.

The jars should be kept in a cool place with a temperature of up to +5 degrees , where direct sunlight does not penetrate. This could be: a refrigerator, a loggia, a basement, a cellar.

How to preserve whole berries

Remember the fairy tale “The Twelve Months”? You, like the heroine of a fairy tale, have a chance to cheat time and briefly be transported to sunny August on a cold winter day by arranging a watermelon fiesta for yourself.

Shall we try together? I’ll tell you how to store watermelon correctly, and then you can share your impressions in the comments to the article.

Suitable fruits: characteristics

Correctly chosen fruits are 70% of success. It is important to be vigilant at this stage. Here are some tips to help you cope with this task.

1. Choose berries without scratches, cracks or dents. The peel should be smooth and even. “Wounded” and “crippled” specimens have no place in the squad of long-livers!
2. Don't pick fruits that are too big or small. Ideal weight is about 5 kg.
3. The berries must be ripe. Don't expect them to ripen during storage. Overripe ones are also not suitable. I hope everyone knows how to choose a ripe and tasty watermelon?
4. The thick-barked late varieties last the longest - these are: Astrakhan Striped;
5. Dessert;
6. Mariupol;
7. Peasant;
8. Chill;
9. Volzhsky.

You should make supplies for the winter at the end of the season - in late September or early October. In this case, there is a chance to preserve them until winter, or even longer.

Tip: buy several watermelons from the same batch of about the same size - a couple for eating, the rest for storage. This way you can evaluate their ripeness and taste.

Before storing, the fruits must be thoroughly and carefully washed and dried.

Optimal storage conditions

First you need to decide on a storage space. A cellar is best suited for this purpose. If you are a city dweller, do not despair. You can also find a suitable place in your home - an empty glass balcony, for example. Or place your green charges in the garage, if possible.

Regardless of the storage location, certain rules must be followed:

1. The temperature in the storage should be within 2-8 °C, optimal humidity 70-85%.
2. Isolate the room from bright light and ensure good air circulation.
3. Keep the watermelons spaced apart so they don't touch. Also, keep them away from vegetables, especially potatoes.
4. Do not place berries on a hard surface to avoid injury. Lay it with cotton cloth or straw.
5. Turn over and inspect your supplies every two days. Remove damaged and damaged ones.

Storing frozen berries?

It is also possible to freeze the product. This product is suitable for making desserts, cocktails, smoothies. The algorithm is as follows :

1. Cut the fruit into pieces of the desired size, remove the peel;
2. Place the pieces in plastic containers with a lid or thick plastic bags with a zip fastener;
3. Place the prepared product in the freezer drawer. There should be a small distance , as they will expand when frozen;
4. Make sure that the packaging does not allow moisture or odors to pass through .

If all rules are followed, the product can be stored in the freezer for up to a year.

Long-term storage methods

Let's look at seven ways to store watermelons.

In a refrigerator

The simplest and most versatile way to store watermelons is to put them in the refrigerator, after wrapping them in newspaper and laying them on a natural fabric bedding. Its significant drawback is the lack of free space. Well, there is a risk of damaging the berries during hungry raids on the “temple of food abundance.”

On the grid

If space allows, I advise you to use this method first - you will save energy and avoid getting your hands dirty. Watermelons need to be wrapped in cotton cloth, placed in a net and hung on a hook so that they do not touch the walls, floor, cabinets and other objects. Looks very original!

In sand

Pour a small layer of sand into a wooden box or barrel, place the watermelon with the stem down and completely cover it with sand on top. Make sure that the sand is dry and uniform, without sharp fragments of stones or glass. Alternatively, you can use ashes or dry grain. Finally, close the container tightly with a lid to prevent moisture from entering.

In clay

The beneficial qualities of clay have been widely known since ancient times - in addition to strength and plasticity, it has good bactericidal properties. Mix clay with water to a paste-like consistency and coat the fruits with it. You can use a brush, or you can do it with your hands. Let the clay dry, then repeat the procedure. You should end up with clay armor approximately 1.5 cm thick. After such a “mud wrap”, your berries will remain youthful and fresh for a long time.

In paraffin

This method is a fire and injury hazard, so be careful! Melt paraffin or wax in a water bath to a liquid consistency and carefully cover the watermelons with it using a brush. The protective layer will protect them from contact with air, moisture and harmful microbes. After drying, carefully place the berries in the place prepared for storage.

In water

No, this is not a joke - watermelons can really be stored in such an unusual way. To do this, you need to place them entirely in a vat or bath with cold water. The water should be changed several times a month and should not be allowed to freeze.

In the moss

Collect moss from the forest and dry it thoroughly in the sun. Place a layer of moss in the prepared container and place the watermelon in it. Also fill the free space on the sides and top with moss and cover with a lid.

Now you know everything about long-term storage of watermelons. Don’t forget to use this knowledge during the coming summer season, but in the meantime I’ll share with you the secrets of how to extend the life of already cut fruits.

Where to store watermelon juice?

For cocktails, you can make watermelon juice and freeze it.

Fresh juice is poured into a suitable container that closes tightly and does not allow moisture and odors to pass through. Then place the juice in the freezer ; it is better to allocate a separate drawer for this.

You can enjoy fresh watermelon juice until the next harvest.

You can learn about the terms and rules for storing honey here.

Why I refused to buy large watermelons

I deliberately refused to buy large watermelons (I consider fruits weighing more than 5 kg). The reason is not only that we do not have time to eat such a berry on time.

Have you noticed that giant berries tend to be crumbly inside? Having grown to large sizes in the melon field, they simply become overripe and lose their beneficial properties. In addition, they are completely unsuitable for storage, either whole or cut.

I strongly advise everyone who buys a watermelon at the market to soberly assess their own strengths. If you have time to eat the berry in a short time, then take it; if not, it is better to give preference to medium-sized fruits.

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Does watermelon spoil in the refrigerator?

Even if all the conditions for selecting and storing watermelon are met, it can spoil in the refrigerator. This occurs due to the fact that bacteria in the air use the fruit pulp for active reproduction. The result is the processes of souring and rotting .

If there is the slightest change in the color, smell, or appearance of the watermelon, it should be thrown away , otherwise there is a risk of severe food poisoning.

You cannot simply cut off the damaged part, because the microbes have already spread throughout the pulp.

To prevent the watermelon from spoiling quickly, you should follow the storage rules : clean dishes, packaging in film or container, correct temperature conditions.

Long term selection criteria

The key to preserving a watermelon for as long as possible is its original condition. Regardless of how long it will be consumed, you need to evaluate it according to two criteria:

1. Inspect the peel for external defects. These include cracks, dark spots, deep scratches, and dents.
2. Assess the safety of melons. Shiny skin with bright colors and well-defined stripes (in the corresponding varieties) indicates that they were fed with safe organic fertilizers. A matte peel and a blurred pattern on the surface are signs of a large amount of nitrates in the pulp.

If you plan to eat watermelon in the near future, it is cost-effective to choose large, early and mid-season varieties.

For long-term storage, it is better to choose berries collected in late September - early October. They are small in size, weighing on average 6 kg and have a thick skin.

In any case, the culture must be well matured. The following signs indicate sufficient ripeness:

• “Ringing” when you hit the skin and a crackling sound when squeezing.
• A dried dark ponytail and the same base.
• Large yellow spot on the side.
• The mesh is gray at the end opposite the stalk.

Round watermelons are considered “female”, elongated ones are considered “male”. Round fruits are sweeter and contain fewer seeds.

Watermelon season

The watermelon season in Russia begins in mid-August and lasts until the end of September. At this time, sweet berries ripened in the melon fields of the Astrakhan and Krasnodar regions arrive on store shelves and market stalls.

You can enjoy watermelon earlier. In southern countries, the berries ripen faster. In Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, the crop is harvested up to four times a year from April to November. When choosing a fruit before the start of the season, you should pay attention to the country of origin, since when buying a berry at the beginning of summer, there is a high risk of acquiring a nitrate fruit. A surrogate can only be determined using special equipment. This berry is characterized by bright red flesh, but without the usual sweet taste, and is dangerous because it can cause poisoning.

Optimal conditions for long-term storage

Before storing the harvest, it must be inspected again for cracks and scratches. Choose a well-dark room with natural or forced ventilation. Do not allow air humidity to rise above 85% - the minimum acceptable limit is 65%. As for what temperature a watermelon should be kept at, the optimal range is +3...+5°C.

Important! Keep watermelon separate from other vegetables and fruits - they create pathogenic flora. In addition, the fruits should not touch each other.

If the permissible air humidity in the pantry is high and there is a possibility of mold or rot developing, pre-treat the fruit peel with a two percent lime solution. In any case, ventilate the room itself thoroughly. If a cellar is chosen as a storage area, it will not hurt to treat it with anti-fungal agents. Finally, provide enough space on the racks or shelves so that the fruit can be easily inspected and rotated.

Expert advice

Expert opinion

Kuznetsov Sergey Ivanovich

Expert on melons and melons

1. The most suitable time to buy watermelon for long-term storage is the end of September.
2. You should not buy berries that are sold on the side of the roads. Harmful substances from exhaust gases enter the microcracks of the watermelon, causing not only rapid rotting of the product, but also negative health consequences.
3. When purchasing, be sure to ask the seller for a certificate and a health book.
4. For long-term storage, it is better to choose fruits weighing 4-5 kg.
5. The surface of the fruit should be glossy, with clear stripes. There should be no defects on the peel.
6. A spot forms where the fruit comes into contact with the ground. It should be yellow. The presence of a white spot on a watermelon indicates the presence of nitrates.
7. It is better to choose ripe fruits. You can check this by lightly pressing the tip of your nail on the peel: if you cannot pierce the surface, then the watermelon is ripe.
8. If watermelons are grown on your own plot, then harvesting should be done as carefully as possible: falls on hard surfaces and other mechanical damage should not be allowed.

Is it possible to save a watermelon until the New Year?

Fresh watermelon on the New Year's table is a rare phenomenon, but possible. In order for the berries to be preserved until the winter holidays, preliminary preparation is necessary. To do this, watermelons are placed in dry straw and aged for two days. This method helps remove moisture from the peel, which will help avoid rotting of the pulp.

Another negative factor is the contact of watermelon skin with air.

To prevent the harmful effects of air on the fruit, the peel is covered with a layer of clay, paraffin, wax or alabaster.

Any hard surfaces on which the watermelon is stored are covered with soft cloth or natural filler (straw, moss, sawdust).

Deviation of indicators such as humidity, temperature and ventilation from the norm is unacceptable.

How long does sliced ​​watermelon last?

It’s worth noting right away that chopped skibki are not stored for a long time. Their shelf life is no more than a day, so you shouldn’t cut all the berries at once. Divide the fruit into sweet slices as you eat.

But if it does happen that the cut pieces remain, peel them off, place them in a vacuum container, and only then put them in the refrigerator.

This is the only way the slices will retain maximum beneficial properties and taste benefits.

Botanical description of watermelons

Watermelon is a herbaceous annual plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. The creeping or climbing stems grow over four meters in length. There are bush varieties with short shoots. Watermelon leaves are dissected or whole, gray-green in color, on long petioles. Tenacious tendrils grow from the leaf axils. The plant is distinguished by a powerful root system, with a taproot penetrating deeply into the soil. The bulk of small suction roots are located at a depth of about half a meter.

Blooms with yellow flowers. Flowers are divided into male, female and hermaphroditic. After pollination by insects, the fruit is set - a multi-seeded berry that is round, elongated or pear-shaped. The bark of a mature watermelon is smooth, in rare cases slightly bumpy. Color – light or dark green.

Red and pink watermelons are usually found on sale. But there are hybrid varieties with yellow, carmine, and raspberry pulp.

Do watermelons ripen during storage?

Many people are interested in the question: do the berries ripen after being stored in storage? It all depends on how to store the watermelon. If the room temperature does not rise above +3-5 degrees, the pulp will remain in the same condition as when collected or purchased. If the temperature is consistently higher (+20-25 degrees), ripening of almost ripe fruits is possible. You should not use unripe fruits for storing in basements and cellars, because they will remain unripe.

How to cut and how much you can eat per day

The traditional cutting of this product is wedges or slices. However, as practice shows, eating watermelon fruit in slices is not always convenient (especially for children). It is best to cut the watermelon berry into squares - this shape is more convenient and allows less contamination of the face with juice. Eating watermelon with a spoon is also becoming popular - the berry is cut into 2 or 4 parts, and the pulp is eaten with a spoon (this is the most acceptable method for children).

The rate of consumption per day depends on the individual characteristics of each person’s body - if you do not have problems with the digestion and excretory system, you can eat at least the entire product. The daily norm for an average person with a normal metabolism should be 800-1000 grams of pulp (this is one small watermelon). Children over three years old are recommended to give no more than 3 slices per day.

Moisturizing and toning mask

Creating a moisturizing face mask from a watermelon fruit is very simple - you just need to cut the berry and apply the crumb to clean facial skin. After 15 minutes of keeping this mask on your face, you will see that the pores have narrowed, the oily sheen has disappeared, and the skin itself has gained elasticity. After using the mask, it is recommended to apply a light moisturizer to your face to consolidate the effect. You can also make an excellent tonic from the watermelon fruit - to do this, squeeze the watermelon juice into ice molds and make watermelon ice. If you hit your face with such an ice cube every morning, it will help relieve fatigue and excessive swelling of the face, and also reduce dark spots and bags under the eyes.

Cleansing mask

To prepare an effective cleansing face mask, you need:

• dry the watermelon seeds and grind them finely,
• dilute the resulting watermelon powder with warm water (you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil),
• Apply the resulting product onto pre-steamed skin using massaging movements, leave for 15 minutes,
• after 15-20 minutes, wash off the mask with cold water.

For hair care

Organic acids and vitamins contained in watermelon successfully restore and treat damaged hair structure, improve hair growth and eliminate dandruff, and also reduce the likelihood of excessive hair loss. The most effective hair products are:

1. Onion juice mask. Mix watermelon and onion juice in proportions 2:1, add egg yolk and a teaspoon of honey. Apply this product before washing your hair for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
2. Refreshing shampoo. Add 10 drops of menthol essential oil to 100 grams of watermelon juice, distribute over the entire length of the hair and rub into the roots. This product perfectly cleanses hair of impurities, so there is no need to use regular shampoo.
3. Anti-dandruff mask. Mix half a glass of watermelon juice with 2 teaspoons of alcohol or alcohol cologne. Rub into the roots and, wrapping your head in a warm towel, keep for up to 30 minutes. Wash off with warm water and regular shampoo.

Useful properties of watermelon

Watermelon consists of 90% water and has a pleasant calorie content - 38 kcal/100g. Its pulp contains negligible protein and virtually no fat. Watermelon pulp contains fiber, pectins, hemicellulose, vitamin B1, B2, C, PP, folic acid, provitamin A, carotene, manganese, nickel, iron, magnesium and potassium, 5-11% easily digestible sugars, as well as a little ascorbic acid acids, carotene, quite a bit of thiamine, riboflavin and nicotinic acid. Watermelon pulp is rich in organic acids, which are good for stimulating digestive and metabolic processes. Watermelon seeds, in addition to concentrated pulp components, also contain carotenoids, tocopherols, B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, folic acid), a wide range of macro- and microelements, incl. zinc and selenium, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The oil contained in the seeds is rich in vitamin D. Due to its juicy pulp, watermelon has a diuretic property; it is recommended to eat it for edema caused by diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidney disease, incl. presence of stones.

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Nutritionists believe that you can consume 2-2.5 kg of watermelon per day. For example, in case of nephrolithiasis (urate and calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys and bladder), these salts precipitate during the acidic reaction of urine, while watermelon contributes to their transition to a more soluble state, and its diuretic effect accelerates the removal of salts from the body. In this case, nutritionists advise eating watermelon evenly, in portions, even at night. There is no better food for patients with sclerosis, gout, hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes than watermelon. Watermelon fiber has a general strengthening effect, stimulates intestinal motility, and helps eliminate excess cholesterol from the body. Watermelons perfectly quench thirst and help remove toxic substances from the body.

Effective facial skin care products are prepared based on watermelon. With regular use, its condition improves noticeably. Let's look at four recipes for homemade cosmetics based on watermelon.

Rules for choosing a ripe watermelon

Fruits and berries at roadside retail outlets absorb heavy metals and harmful substances from exhaust gases. You should pay attention to the appearance of the point - the goods should be placed on special racks, covered to prevent mechanical damage and protected from direct sunlight by a canopy.

Important! You should not buy watermelons in roadside stalls that operate without the appropriate permit, do not have proper storage conditions and are not responsible for the quality of the products.

You should refrain from tasting cut berries, because pathogenic bacteria that cause food poisoning can multiply on the cut.

When a suitable place for purchase has been chosen, you need to switch to the appearance of the berry. Fetal assessment criteria:

• size;
• appearance of the peel and tail;
• color.

Lovers of sweet berries are attracted to the large specimens on the counter. However, the large size of the watermelon may indicate the use of nitrates. The pulp of such a berry will be a beautiful bright color, but watery and unsweetened. And the nitrates included in the composition can adversely affect the health of household members. Small watermelons may be unripe and tasteless. The optimal size of a high-quality fruit is from 5 to 9 kg.

Note: Watermelons are gender-divided. “Girls” are sweeter and juicier, smaller in size and slightly flattened.

The specimen you like should be inspected for cracks, dents, and signs of rotting. Through damage to the peel, harmful microorganisms enter inside, causing disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, you should not buy cut berries. A ripe fruit produces a booming sound when tapped, and a cracking sound when slightly squeezed.

The tail will help you choose a good ripe watermelon. A dry yellowish stalk indicates the ripening of the berry. You should not take a fruit without a tail, since it will be problematic to determine the degree of its ripening.

The color of a watermelon can tell a lot about its quality. The peel of a ripened watermelon should be shiny with pronounced stripes, without disturbing the pattern. It should be tight. If the peel can be pierced with a fingernail, then the berry is unripe. The barrel has a rich color - from yellow to orange. If the spot is white, then the flesh will be unripe and tasteless. Brown web-like veins on the skin may indicate the sweet taste of the berry.

Important! A large distance between the stripes means the fruit is sweet.

You can make sure that you have chosen the right watermelon at home by placing it in a bathtub of water. The ripe fruit will remain afloat. If it drowns, it means it is overripe and it is dangerous to eat it. After cutting into a thoroughly washed fruit, you should pay attention to the pulp - it should be rich pink in color without streaks, grainy, and the seeds should be black or brown.

White seeds and veins are a sign of the use of nitrates. This fruit will have a sour smell.