As someone who loves watermelon (A LOT!), I’ve often wondered whether it’s safe to eat overripe watermelon. After all, we’ve all had that one watermelon that’s been sitting in the fridge for too long and has started to look a little sad. But is it still safe to eat?
According to my research, you can eat overripe watermelon, but there are definitely some things to keep in mind. Overripe watermelon may not have the same texture as fresh watermelon, and it may be dry and overly sweet. Additionally, overripe watermelon can spoil quickly, so it’s important to check it for signs of spoilage before consuming it. But, you’ll be happy to know, overall, overripe watermelon is safe to eat as long as it hasn’t spoiled.
What is Overripe Watermelon?
When a watermelon is overripe, it means it has been left to ripen for too long, and its internal structure has started to break down. The fruit becomes soft, mushy, and may develop a fermented or alcoholic smell. The texture of an overripe watermelon is not great, and it may be dry and (depending on your pallet), unpleasantly sweet.
What does an overripe watermelon look like?
An overripe watermelon will have a dull, lusterless skin, and the stripes on the rind will be less distinct. The fruit may also have soft spots or bruises on its surface. When you tap the watermelon, it will produce a dull, thudding sound instead of a firm, resonant one.
How ripe is too ripe watermelon?
It is essential to pick a watermelon at the right ripeness to enjoy its juicy, sweet flesh fully. A ripe watermelon should have a uniformly dark green rind with distinct stripes. The fruit should feel heavy for its size, and the underside where it sat on the ground should be creamy yellow. If the fruit is too ripe, it will have a ‘mealy’, or powdery texture, and the taste will be bland or unpleasant.
Is a ripe watermelon dark or light?
A ripe watermelon should have a dark green rind with distinct stripes. The stripes should be a lighter shade of green than the rest of the rind, and they should be uniform in width. The underside of the fruit should be creamy yellow, indicating that it has been allowed to ripen fully on the vine.
Is Overripe Watermelon Safe to Eat?
As noted above, I have found that overripe watermelon is generally safe to eat, but there are some things to keep in mind.
Firstly, it’s important to note that overripe watermelon may not taste as good as a ripe one. The texture changes from crisp and juicy to dry and mealy, which can be off-putting. However, it is unlikely to cause any harm if consumed.
Can bad watermelon cause food poisoning?
While it is possible for bad watermelon to cause food poisoning, it is rare. Signs of a bad watermelon include a sour or fermented smell, a mushy texture, or a change in colour. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to avoid eating the watermelon.
Can overripe watermelon give you diarrhoea?
Overripe watermelon is unlikely to cause diarrhoea, but it can lead to an upset stomach or indigestion. This is because the sugars in the watermelon have started to break down, which can cause fermentation and gas in the digestive system.
Is fermented watermelon safe to eat?
While fermented watermelon has been used for centuries to prepare food for long periods without worry of spoilage, it is important to note that consuming large amounts of fermented watermelon can lead to alcohol poisoning. Therefore, it is best to consume fermented watermelon in moderation.
In conclusion, overripe watermelon is generally safe to eat, but it may not taste as good as a ripe one. It is important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming any watermelon. If you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to avoid eating the watermelon to prevent any potential harm.
Signs of Overripe Watermelon
As someone who loves watermelon, it’s always disappointing to cut into one and find that it has gone bad. But what does an overripe watermelon look like?
Here are some signs of overripe watermelon to look out for to determine if your watermelon has gone bad:
Appearance
- Mould: If you see any mould on your watermelon, it’s time to throw it away. Mould can be dangerous to consume, and it’s a clear sign that your watermelon has gone bad.
- Soft Spots: If you see any soft spots on your watermelon, it’s a sign that it’s starting to go bad. These spots will be darker than the rest of the watermelon and may be slightly sunken in.
- Discolouration: If your watermelon has any brown or yellow spots, it’s a sign that it’s starting to go bad. The flesh of the watermelon should be a bright red or pink colour.
Texture
- Mealy Texture: If your watermelon has a mealy texture, it’s a sign that it’s overripe and starting to go bad. This texture is caused by the breakdown of the flesh of the watermelon.
- Slimy Texture: If your watermelon has a slimy texture, it’s a sign that it’s gone bad. The sliminess is caused by bacteria that has started to grow on the watermelon.
Smell
- Off Smell: If your watermelon has an off smell, it’s a sign that it’s starting to go bad. The smell may be slightly sour or musty.
Other Tips
- The 2 Finger Rule: When picking out a watermelon, use the 2 finger rule. This means that the watermelon should be firm and not too soft. If you press your fingers into the watermelon, you should feel a slight resistance. If the watermelon feels too soft, it’s a sign that it’s overripe and may be starting to go bad.
- Store Properly: To keep your watermelon fresh for as long as possible, store it in a cool, dry place. Once you’ve cut into the watermelon, store it in the fridge to slow down the process of it going bad.
By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can ensure that you’re only consuming fresh, delicious watermelon.
What to Do with Overripe Watermelon
When you end up with an overripe watermelon, it might seem like a waste of money and food, and many people ask themselves ‘can you eat overripe watermelon?’. Fortunately, as long as it’s not gone off, there are several ways you can still enjoy and make use of it.
Here are some tips on what to do with overripe watermelon:
Cut off the Rotten Part
If your watermelon has started to rot, you can cut off the affected part and salvage the rest of the fruit. Make sure to cut at least an inch around the bad spot to ensure that all the spoiled flesh is removed. You can then cut the remaining good parts into cubes or slices and use them in different recipes.
Make a Watermelon Granita
A watermelon granita is a refreshing and easy-to-make dessert that you can prepare with your overripe watermelon. Simply puree the seeded watermelon pulp, add sugar syrup and fresh lemon juice, and freeze. Once frozen, scrape the mixture with a fork to create a slushy texture. You can also add some mint leaves for an extra burst of flavour.
Use in Smoothies or Agua Fresca
Overripe watermelon can be a great addition to smoothies or agua fresca. Simply blend the watermelon with other fruits, such as berries or mangoes, and add some ice or water to thin it out. You can also add some honey or lime juice to enhance the taste.
Turn it into a Salad
Watermelon salad is a delicious and healthy way to use up your overripe watermelon. Cut the watermelon into cubes and mix it with some feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. You can also add some cucumber or arugula for a more complex flavour.
Use in Salsa or Chutney
Overripe watermelon can be a great base for a fruity salsa or chutney. Cut the watermelon into small pieces and mix it with some chopped onions, jalapenos, and cilantro. You can also add some lime juice or vinegar for a tangy taste. This salsa or chutney can be served with tortilla chips, grilled meat, or fish.
Dehydrate the Watermelon
You can even try dehydrating it, or pickling it to make it last even longer!
When to Throw Out Watermelon
As a rule of thumb, I always check the condition of my watermelon before I consume it. If it looks or smells off, I throw it out. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.
But how do you know when it’s time to toss your watermelon? Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Mould: If you see any mould on the watermelon, it’s time to say goodbye. Mould can grow both on the surface and inside the fruit, so be sure to check the flesh as well.
- Fizziness: If your watermelon has a fizzy or fermented smell, it’s gone bad. This can happen when the fruit starts to break down and ferment.
- Soft spots: If there are any soft spots on the watermelon, it’s a sign that it’s starting to spoil. These spots can also indicate that the fruit has been dropped or damaged.
- Discolouration: If the watermelon has any brown or discoloured spots, it’s time to throw it out. This can be a sign of rot or decay.
So, how long does it take for a watermelon to go bad? Generally, an uncut watermelon can last for up to two weeks at room temperature or up to three weeks in the fridge. However, once you cut into the watermelon, it will start to spoil within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that a watermelon is overripe?
An overripe watermelon will have a dull appearance and the skin may be soft and easily dented. The flesh may also be mushy and have a grainy texture.
How can you tell if a watermelon has gone bad?
A watermelon that has gone bad may have a foul odor and the skin may appear discolored or moldy. The flesh may also be slimy or discolored.
What does a bad watermelon taste like?
A bad watermelon may have a bitter or sour taste and the texture may be mushy or grainy.
Can an overripe watermelon make you sick?
While overripe watermelon may not be as enjoyable to eat, it is generally safe to consume. However, individuals with weakened immune systems or health conditions should avoid consuming overripe fruits.
What are some ways to use overripe watermelon?
Overripe watermelon can be used to make smoothies, sorbets, or even pickled watermelon rind. It can also be added to salads or used as a base for a refreshing summer drink.
When should you avoid eating watermelon?
Individuals should avoid consuming watermelon that has gone bad or has been contaminated. Additionally, those with allergies to watermelon or certain medications should avoid consuming the fruit.