Content
- Keep a ripe watermelon properly
- Recognize ripe melons and store them properly
- Keep watermelons in the fridge
- Conserve watermelons in the long term
- Tips & Tricks
Keep a ripe watermelon properly
Watermelons can be transported and stored quite well for a while at normal temperature in their mature state. But once the protective shell has been opened, the possible time for storage is reduced.
Previous article When is a watermelon ripe for harvest?Recognize ripe melons and store them properly
In this country, watermelons usually come from the following countries in the trade during the main season:
Due to the weight of watermelons and their relative durability, the fruits are usually harvested ripe and then transported to us by land. However, this time span reduces the remaining time that a watermelon can keep at home. The full ripeness of a watermelon can be seen on a yellow colored pad and on a dull sound when knocking on it. From this point on you should not store the fruits at room temperature for longer than one to two weeks.
Keep watermelons in the fridge
Whole watermelons with an undamaged shell can also be placed in a cool cellar for short-term storage. However, not only does the refrigerator last much longer, it also retains its valuable nutrients and flavors at cooler storage temperatures. Be sure to put in the fridge already cut watermelons. This is all the more true for halved fruits that have been stored in the store for a while at room temperature. Before storing in the fridge, put some plastic wrap over the open interface so that the watermelon takes less foreign odors out of the fridge. Depending on the maturity of the melon, it can be stored in the refrigerator for between one and three weeks.
Conserve watermelons in the long term
If you harvest larger quantities of watermelons from your own garden or if you have the remainder of a watermelon left over for fresh consumption, you can also use the pulp. For this, the watermelon is cut into small cubes and the seeds are carefully removed. After boiling in a salty broth with spices, the watermelon can then be put in a mixture of vinegar and lime juice to be later consumed like a spicy vegetable garnish.
Tips & Tricks
When splitting a watermelon, make sure you have a clean surface and a hygienically cleaned knife if you want to keep the rest for a longer time. Inadvertently applied germs can otherwise multiply in the refrigerator and lead to faster spoilage of the melon.