Watermelon is the perfect summer snack, especially when it’s sweet and juicy. The vibrant pink fruit is delicious just on its own, but it also makes an excellent addition to light meals such as salads too.
It’s often cheaper to buy a whole watermelon, rather than a box of cut-up chunks from the supermarket. Not only does this save you money, but it’s less plastic waste too. And if you want to make sure your melon tastes as good as possible, there’s only one place in the kitchen you should store it – and it’s not in the fridge.
When you’re looking to buy a watermelon from the supermarket, there are a few things you should look out for if you want the freshest, juiciest taste, according to the experts at Southern Living.
Look out for the field spot first – the section where the watermelon rested on the ground – which should be a creamy yellow colour. The rest of the melon should hgave a deep, consistent green colour, and should be dull-looking, not shiny.
It should also be heavy to pick up, and if you give it a quick tap with your knuckles, you’ll want to hear a hollow sound. Once your ripe melon is home from the shops, don’t put it in the fridge just yet, although it may be tempting.
Where to store watermelon
If you are eager to slice up your ripe watermelon and eat it right away, it should be stored on the countertop instead of in the fridge.
The experts noted that chilled watermelon can ‘lose some of its sweetness and crisp texture over time’, so storing it out of the fridge for a short amount of time is best. Just make sure to keep it out of any direct sunlight.
However, if you want to keep your whole watermelon for longer, then the fridge is a better option.
How to store cut watermelon
Once you’ve prepared your watermelon into slices or chunks, the storage advice is slightly different.
The experts said: “To keep the melon as fresh as possible, transfer large or small pieces to an airtight container or zip-top bag, squeezing out excess air.
“Store in the refrigerator for up to five days, but try to enjoy as soon as possible for the freshest flavor and texture.”