All About Watermelon
Your complete guide to watermelon - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Watermelon Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for watermelon in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
whole, at room temperature (unopened)1-2 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Soft spots, dull or faded rind, bruising, mold growth (fuzzy white or green patches), seeping liquid, sour or fermented smell.
How to Check
Visually inspect the rind for any discoloration, soft spots, or mold. Gently press on the rind – it should feel firm all over. A fresh watermelon has a very faint, pleasant smell; any strong, sour, or alcoholic odor indicates spoilage. Listen for a hollow sound when tapped, which indicates freshness; a dull thud might mean it's overripe.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight or very warm spots, which can accelerate ripening and spoilage. Do not wash until just before cutting.
whole, in refrigerator (unopened)2-3 weeks
Signs of Spoilage
Similar to room temperature storage but may take longer to appear: soft spots, mold, seeping liquid, strong off-smell, overall dullness.
How to Check
Check the rind for firmness, discoloration, or any signs of mold. The rind should be vibrant and firm to the touch. Smell the rind for any sour, fermented, or unpleasant odors. A fresh watermelon will have little to no scent from the rind.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration significantly slows down the ripening and spoilage process. Ensure your refrigerator is at a consistent, safe temperature (below 40°F/4°C). Avoid storing near ethylene-producing fruits like apples or bananas, which can hasten ripening.
cut watermelon (refrigerator)3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Slimy or mushy texture on the cut surfaces, dull or faded red color, white film or patches (not just seeds), visible mold, sour, fermented, or alcoholic smell, loss of sweetness or off-taste.
How to Check
Visually inspect the cut surfaces for sliminess, discoloration, or any fuzzy mold. The flesh should be firm and vibrant red. Touch the surface – it should not feel slimy or overly soft. Smell the watermelon; it should have a sweet, fresh aroma. Any sour, pungent, or alcoholic smell is a clear sign of spoilage. If other signs are absent, a very small taste can confirm an off-flavor, but if strong spoilage signs are present, do not taste.
Storage Tips
Store cut watermelon in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out, absorbing fridge odors, and to minimize bacterial exposure. Keep it on an upper shelf in the refrigerator, away from raw meats. Wash hands and use clean utensils when handling cut watermelon.
frozen watermelon8-12 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Severe freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), significant loss of flavor, or development of an 'off' taste after thawing. While safe indefinitely if kept at 0°F (-18°C), quality degrades over time.
How to Check
Visually inspect for excessive freezer burn, which appears as dry, leathery, discolored spots. After thawing, the texture will be significantly softer and more watery than fresh watermelon; this is normal. However, if it's extremely mushy or has an unpleasant smell/taste, its quality has degraded beyond enjoyable use.
Storage Tips
Cut watermelon into cubes or balls before freezing. For best results, spread pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (flash freezing), then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. This prevents them from sticking together. Frozen watermelon is best used in smoothies, sorbets, or as a refreshing icy treat, as its texture will be compromised for eating fresh.