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DAVID S. ASKS: We recently hosted a large family picnic and we bought a little too much watermelon. Now I’ve got watermelon in my fridge, which isn’t a bad thing, but I’m wondering… how long will it last?
To answer your question, if the watermelon has already been cut, it should be okay in the fridge for 3 or 4 days. While it’s in there, keep it in a container (if it’s cubed) or place plastic wrap over the exposed edge. If the watermelon is whole, you’ve got a bit more time to figure out what you’ll make with your leftovers – anywhere from 7 to 10 days.
Here’s the kicker: Researchers have found that whole watermelons stored outside the fridge in a cool, dark place (around 55 or 60 degrees) last much longer than watermelons stored in the fridge (around 41 degrees). So, if you’ve already got a whole watermelon in the fridge, you should keep it there. But if you’re storing it outside the fridge, put it in the fridge about three hours before you plan to eat it in order to cool it down to just the right temperature.
As for your leftovers, two of my favorite things to do with excess watermelon are cutting into chunks for use with other fruits in yogurt smoothies or pureeing the watermelon and freezing it in an ice cube tray to make watermelon ice cubes for drinks!
Enjoy!
Chef Harry
View Comments (46)
What will happen if i leave my watermelon out of the fridge for over 5 months. Because i have one in my cupboard thats been their for a little over 5 months. Could it possibly turn into alcohol?
Hey did You ever find out??? We've Had one for over 7 months! ?
Hi there! Which will make longer lasting – watermelon stored inside refrigerator (uncut) or not stored inside refrigerator (uncut). Thank you :).
Not stored in refrigerator uncut, but it must be a dry place away from direct sunlight, not necessarily 100 percent dark.
“Here’s the kicker: Researchers have found that whole watermelons stored outside the fridge in a cool, dark place (around 55 or 60 degrees) last much longer than watermelons stored in the fridge (around 41 degrees). So, if you’ve already got a whole watermelon in the fridge, you should keep it there. But if you’re storing it outside the fridge, put it in the fridge about three hours before you plan to eat it in order to cool it down to just the right temperature.”
Does cut up watermelon need to stay cold?
Cindy, you should refrigerate cut up watermelon. This will keep the freshness and crispness of the fruit for as long as possible.
I am single and usually buy a small wedge of watermelon at the grocery store. It’s shrink wrapped and cold. How long will it be safe to eat?
Karen, your shrink-wrapped watermelon wedges should stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Be sure to keep the shrink wrap kept tightly around the fruit to keep the freshness in! Happy eating!
I bought a watermelon about 3 weeks ago. It hasn’t been refrigerated, but stored in our dining room which is usually dark. Do I dare cut into it now to eat or is it bad already?
Hi Margaret! According to nationalwatermelonassociation.com, the ideal storage temperature for watermelon is 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s been hot where you live, you may want to proceed with caution. However, if the watermelon has stayed in a dark, cool room, it may be fine to eat.
I cut up a watermelon last night and stored it in the fridge. This morning I took out one of the containers put it in my insulated lunch bag and proceeded to forget it in the living room. Will it be fine after work or toss it out? I will have been out for about 10 hours in a sealed container.