If there’s one summer fruit we can’t get enough of, it’s the sweet and juicy watermelon. It is cooling, refreshing and can be enjoyed in a variety of delicious ways. from making salads smoothie For cocktails and even desserts, you can use a few pieces of watermelon to be as creative as you want. That’s why, we make sure to never run out watermelon and use them whenever you want. Not only this, watermelon also provides many health benefits. But if not stored properly, they can spoil very quickly and lose all nutritional value. And that’s something we definitely don’t want. After all, who wants to eat watermelon that has a mushy texture or isn’t juicy enough? To prevent this, here we have some easy tips that will help you in keeping your watermelons fresh for long.
Read also: 7 best watermelon recipes to try at home: watermelon gazpacho, ice cream and more
photo credit: iStock
Here are 5 easy steps to keep watermelon fresh for longer:
1. Store at room temperature
If you don’t plan to consume the watermelon right away, it’s best to store it at room temperature. This helps in retaining its nutritional value and hastens the ripening process, if it is not fully ripe. Also, make sure to store it in a cool and dark place and keep it away from direct sunlight.
2. Wrap it in plastic
Wondering what to do with all that leftover watermelon? Just wrap it in cling wrap and keep it in the fridge. On the other hand, if you have cut it into small pieces, put them in an air-tight container and keep them in the fridge. This prevents it from drying out and helps retain its moisture.
3. Do not peel
One more thing to be kept in mind while storing watermelon Its peel is not to be removed. Peel only the portion you plan to consume. Like plastic wrap, the peel also helps it retain its moisture and prevents it from drying out. This will also help in retaining its nutritional value and taste.
4. Do not store with apples and bananas
Do you know that watermelon should never be stored with apples and bananas? This is because both of these fruits release ethylene gas, which can hasten the ripening process of watermelon. While a ripe watermelon is something we all crave, an overripe watermelon will reduce its shelf life and affect its taste as well.
5. Freeze It
If you want your watermelon to last longer, it’s best to keep it in the freezer. For this, peel off the watermelon and cut it into medium sized cubes. Transfer them to an air-tight container or wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them in freezer. In this way, it can last for about 6 to 8 months. However, this may affect its texture.
Read also: This watermelon cocktail is perfect for relaxing during the weekend; find the recipe inside
photo credit: iStock
What is the best way to easily cut a watermelon?
We can all agree that cutting a watermelon can be a daunting task. One effective way To cut it smoothly means to cut it in half from the middle. Now take half of the watermelon and place it in such a way that its rind is facing upwards and the pulp is facing downwards. Cut this half fruit in half. Begin by carefully cutting one-quarter of the fruit into wedges of desired thickness.
How to store cut watermelon?
If you are worried about how to store the cut watermelon pieces, don’t worry, we are here to help you. To keep them from spoiling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Also, make sure not to keep it near other food items like apples and bananas.
Can watermelon be kept in the fridge?
Yes, You Can Store Watermelon fridge. However, make sure it does not come in contact with air to prevent moisture loss. Although keeping watermelon in the fridge is not harmful, studies show that it can affect the nutritional value of the fruit. Hence, try to consume watermelon as soon as possible to avail its benefits.
So now keep these tips in mind and store watermelon wisely. Let us know in the comments below how these hacks worked for you.