When ripe, watermelons can be transported and stored for some time at normal temperatures. However, once the protective shell has been opened, the possible storage time is reduced.

Recognizing ripe melons and storing them correctly

In Germany, watermelons usually come from the following countries during the main season:

  • Spain
  • Hungary
  • Turkey
  • Israel

Due to the weight of watermelons and their relative shelf life, the fruit is usually harvested when ripe and then shipped to us overland. However, this period of time reduces the remaining time that a watermelon can then be kept in your home. You can tell that a watermelon is fully ripe by a yellow colored contact area and a dull sound when you tap it. From this point on, you should not store the fruit for longer than one to two weeks at room temperature.

Store watermelons in the fridge

You can also place whole watermelons with the skin intact in a cool basement for short-term storage. However, not only do they last much longer in the refrigerator, but their valuable nutrients and taste nuances are also better preserved at cooler storage temperatures. You should definitely put watermelons that have already been cut into the fridge. This is all the more true for halved fruit that has already been stored at room temperature in the shop for a while. Before storing in the refrigerator, put some cling film over the open interface to help the watermelon absorb less foreign odors from the refrigerator. Depending on how ripe the melon is, it can be stored in the refrigerator for between one and three weeks.

Long-term preservation of watermelons

If you harvest large quantities of watermelons from your own garden or if you have the remains of a watermelon when eating it fresh, you can also pickle the pulp. To do this, the watermelon is cut into small cubes and the seeds are carefully removed. After being boiled in a salty broth with spices, the watermelon can then be marinated in a mixture of vinegar and lime juice to be eaten later as a savory vegetable side dish.

tips and tricks

When slicing up a watermelon, make sure you have a clean surface and a hygienically cleaned knife if you want to keep the rest longer. Accidentally applied germs can otherwise also multiply in the refrigerator and lead to faster spoilage of the melon.

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:

  • as a free PDF file to print out yourself

Category:

Vegetable garden