According to Watermelon.org, internally cracked watermelons are safe to eat and may even taste sweeter than a regular watermelon since the melon’s sugars consolidate along the surface of the cracked flesh. This may come as exciting news for those who love watermelon for its sweet, juicy flavor.
Why is there a crack inside my watermelon?
In reality, what’s happened to this watermelon is a natural condition called “hollow heart.” That’s right. This piece of fruit literally looked exactly like that when it was cut open. “Hollow heart” develops when there is poor pollination during the growth process that creates cracks inside of the watermelon.
When should you not eat a watermelon?
If the flesh of your watermelon is slimy, off-colored, foul-smelling, or growing something fuzzy, this means it has gone bad and should be thrown away (after being wrapped in layers of plastic bags to avoid stinking up the whole kitchen). These traits also apply to pre-cut and pre-packaged watermelon.
Why did my watermelon split when cut?
Maintaining a consistent watering schedule is extremely important, especially in the last two weeks of growth, as too much water or erratic application at this stage can cause the melons to split. That’s why a sudden downpour close to harvest could lead to a garden of split melons.
Is it safe to eat watermelon with rind necrosis?
Strictly cosmetic Rind necrosis doesn’t affect fruit quality. “It’s strictly a cosmetic problem,” Egel says. Necrotic spots visible inside the rind of cut fruit don’t affect taste, Brix or shelf life, Paret says.
What should the inside of a watermelon look like?
The inside, if you’re looking at a cut watermelon section, should be bright pink or red with a thick, pale rind. An over-ripe melon will have paler pink flesh, more a shell pink than hot pink. The rind may be greener, and the outside will be more splotchy or discolored.
Can you get sick from old watermelon?
Consuming spoiled watermelon can quickly lead to food poisoning. The first signs that something is wrong will appear within a few hours and include: Fatigue and headache. Nausea and vomiting.
Why we should not eat watermelon at night?
Watermelon has 92% water content. While it does solve your hydration blues in peak summers, having it at night can potentially make you take more trips to the bathroom, disturb your sleep. In some cases, watermelon, if not eaten in control can lead to the problem of water retention, causing swelling and overhydration.
Can rotten watermelon make you sick?
Sometimes spoiled watermelon looks and smells fine. This is often the case with cut melon that’s been sitting in a container in your fridge for a week or so. Though the sealed container has prevented the fruit from getting slimy or growing mold, the melon can still be bad, and could potentially make you sick.
How can you tell if a watermelon is overripe?
Consumers who still want to thump the watermelon should listen closely when their finger flicks the fruit. “An unripe watermelon will ‘ping’ when thumped. An overripe watermelon will ‘thud.
What happens when a watermelon goes bad?
When watermelon is no longer good, the crisp flesh will start to shrivel. The flesh might even be pulling away from the seeds. In other cases, the watermelon might become slimy and mushy. Smell the watermelon before cutting into it.
What is watermelon rind necrosis?
Watermelon rind necrosis is characterized by the presence of a corky, red to brown layer of dead tissue that occurs on the inside of the rind of affected fruit but that does not extend into the fruit flesh. Early stages of rind necrosis can be noticed as small discolored water soaked areas in the rind.
What causes watermelon rind necrosis?
Experts believe that watermelon rind necrosis symptoms are caused by bacteria. They think that the bacteria is naturally present in the watermelon. For reasons they do not understand, the bacteria causes symptom development. Plant pathologists have identified different bacteria from necrotic areas in the rind.
What does Brown spots on watermelon mean?
These web like brown spots on the watermelon means that bees touched the pollinating part of the flower many times. The more pollination the sweeter the fruit. 2. Look for the field spot: The yellow spot, known as the field spot, is the place where the watermelon rested on the ground.
What should not be eaten with watermelon?
Avoid mixing your watermelons, muskmelons, cantaloupe and honeydews with other fruits. Try not to mix acidic fruits, such as grapefruits and strawberries, or sub-acidic foods such as apples, pomegranates and peaches, with sweet fruits, such as bananas and raisins for a better digestion.
Can you get salmonella from watermelon?
Outbreak of Salmonella Infections Linked to Pre-Cut Melons. This outbreak appears to be over. CDC recommends that consumers, restaurants, and retailers choose and handle fruit safely to help prevent foodborne illness. Wash hands and food preparation surfaces before and after handling fruit.
How long should I wait to drink water after eating watermelon?
People with stomach problems or sensitive stomachs should definitely avoid having water for at least 40-45 minutes after consuming watermelon. To be on the safer side, have water at least 20-30 minutes after having watermelon.
Does watermelon reduce belly fat?
Watermelon, for instance, is an ideal food to melt belly fat, according to the American Dietetic Association. A study conducted at the University of Kentucky found that drinking two glasses of watermelon juice every day for eight weeks helped people lose weight — especially belly fat — and didn’t reduce muscle mass.
What happens if I eat watermelon everyday?
STOMACH TROUBLES. Watermelon is rich in lycopene, but if you’re eating a lot of it every day, you could potentially become a victim of nausea, diarrhoea, indigestion and bloating, according to the American Cancer Society.
Can watermelon go bad in the fridge?
A whole watermelon keeps for about a week at room temperature and up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Cut watermelon lasts between 3 and 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container, so it doesn’t dry out. Like other fruits, watermelon doesn’t last that long.
What does an under ripe watermelon look like?
Watermelons have an underside, or belly—which is in contact with the ground throughout its growth—called a “field spot.” This spot on a ripe watermelon will be yellowish (sometimes referred to as “buttery”) and not white, which indicates an unripe melon.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.