Many melons are non-climacteric fruits, which is why they only ripen to a very limited extent. If the melon is harvested after it is ready to be picked, the storage temperature and the integrity of the skin determine how long a melon can be stored.
Identify a ripe melon
In order to be able to enjoy the maximum aroma of a melon, you should choose fruits that are as fully ripe as possible when buying them or when harvesting them from the garden. Since melons are botanically a vegetable, the right time to harvest can also be recognized by the dying of the plant parts. Hitting a watermelon will make it sound deep and dull when ripe. In addition, all ripe melons are heavier than unripe, smaller-sized specimens. In the case of watermelons of large varieties such as the Crimson Sweet, there is a yellow spot on the skin where the fruit is placed, which shows you that the fruit is fully ripe. With sugar melons, on the other hand, you have to rely more on your sense of smell, as they give off a pleasantly sweet scent when ripe.
The storage of uncut melons
In principle, a ripe melon can be kept the longest if it has not yet been cut and the skin is intact. For reasons of space, the fruit is usually stored uncooled, but cool and dry cellar rooms are preferable to rooms with higher temperatures. Depending on the length of time that has elapsed since the harvest, the different types of melons can be stored for between one and three weeks before there is a loss of quality in terms of taste and texture. Storage in the refrigerator extends the possible storage period, since ripening processes are slowed down at low temperatures.
Store and freeze cut melons?
A melon that has already been cut should be used up within a few days, even if it is stored in the refrigerator. Smaller varieties, such as the delicious Charentais melon, are also easier for individuals to consume fresh. Because melons become relatively mushy when thawed after freezing, freezing only gives satisfactory results for smoothie-grade melons.
tips and tricks
Melons can be stored for several months if you pickle them in vinegar as a savory vegetable side dish. Pickled watermelons are a popular side dish in many Eastern European countries.
WK
The garden journal freshness ABC
How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?
The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:
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