Watermelons are sweet and juicy berries that are traditionally sold during the summer season. Many of us have a question about how long a watermelon can be stored so that it retains all its taste and does not turn out to be sour and weak. We will tell you exactly how to preserve watermelon longer and how long it can be stored in this article.
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Useful properties of watermelon
Watermelon consists of 90% water and has a pleasant calorie content - 38 kcal/100g. Its pulp contains negligible protein and virtually no fat.
Watermelon pulp contains fiber, pectins, hemicellulose, vitamin B1, B2, C, PP, folic acid, provitamin A, carotene, manganese, nickel, iron, magnesium and potassium, 5-11% easily digestible sugars, as well as a little ascorbic acid acids, carotene, quite a bit of thiamine, riboflavin and nicotinic acid.
Watermelon pulp is rich in organic acids, which are good for stimulating digestive and metabolic processes.
Watermelon seeds, in addition to concentrated pulp components, also contain carotenoids, tocopherols, B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, folic acid), a wide range of macro- and microelements, incl. zinc and selenium, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The oil contained in the seeds is rich in vitamin D.
Thanks to its juicy pulp, watermelon has a diuretic property; it is recommended to eat it for edema caused by diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidney disease, incl. presence of stones.
Nutritionists believe that you can consume 2-2.5 kg of watermelon per day. For example, in case of nephrolithiasis (urate and calcium oxalate stones in the kidneys and bladder), these salts precipitate during the acidic reaction of urine, while watermelon contributes to their transition to a more soluble state, and its diuretic effect accelerates the removal of salts from the body. In this case, nutritionists advise eating watermelon evenly, in portions, even at night. There is no better food for patients with sclerosis, gout, hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes than watermelon.
Watermelon fiber has a general strengthening effect, stimulates intestinal motility, and helps eliminate excess cholesterol from the body.
Temperature
At what temperature can watermelons be stored? When storing watermelons, strict temperature conditions must be observed. The optimal temperature is from +1°C to +3°C.
The temperature should not be allowed to fall below zero or rise above the specified values, as in this case the berries will spoil.
Relative humidity should be no more than 80-85%.
Sometimes they try to freeze watermelon pulp, which, of course, will not preserve its original taste, but will at least allow it to be used for making cocktails or juices.
When using shock freezing, the taste is preserved better, so this method is also used.
Dangerous properties of watermelon
Without a doubt, ripe and sweet watermelon will be useful to almost everyone, but in large quantities it is contraindicated for those who have diabetes, those who are at any stage of kidney stone disease, as well as for severe pathologies of the pancreas or prostate gland. You should not eat watermelon with pickles, because... Due to salt, fluid is retained in the body, and this in turn leads to swelling.
Like all melons, watermelon tends to accumulate various nitrates, such as phosphorus, potassium and others, which are used in the form of fertilizers. Before purchasing, try to make sure that they were not used during cultivation. Nitrate watermelons can cause severe poisoning; they pose a particular danger to children. If you cannot check the purity of the product you are purchasing, then remember that all the benefits of watermelon are concentrated closer to the middle, and harmful substances are concentrated near the peel.
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Choosing watermelon for long-term storage
When buying berries, you should pay attention to the variety, appearance and size of the berries.
Variety You can store watermelons of the following varieties at home in winter: “Popovka”; "Astrakhan striped"; "Volzhsky"; "Dessert"; "Astrakhan Marble"; "Bykovsky"; "Melitopol"; "Icarus"; "Kholodov's Gift" Watermelons that ripen later than others have a thick rind that protects the pulp inside from damage. You need to buy them at the very end of the season: from mid-September to early October. If you plan to store berries from your own garden plot in storage, they must be collected several days before they are completely ripe.
How to understand that it has deteriorated inside?
During storage, some specimens inevitably deteriorate, since, despite all the tricks, much depends on the fruit itself: the variety, growing conditions and preliminary transportation.
To understand that a watermelon has gone bad, you don’t have to taste it. Damage is indicated by dents, cracks, spots of rot and any other damage to the peel.
If in any place it becomes soft, or an uncharacteristic odor , then such a specimen is rejected and thrown away.
How long can watermelon be stored in the refrigerator?
But at home you can store watermelon according to all the rules. As you might have guessed, the best place for storage is the refrigerator, where the fruit can remain in its original form for a long time.
This is a convenient way to preserve the fruit for a long time. The watermelon must be wrapped in newspaper and placed on the lowest shelf. In this case, the shelf life of the watermelon will be 2-3 months.
If you cut the watermelon and put it in the refrigerator, the shelf life will be a maximum of 2 days. This is because bacteria multiply quickly in a very sweet environment. Therefore, the started watermelon must be eaten as early as possible so that it does not spoil.
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Where to store watermelon juice?
For cocktails, you can make watermelon juice and freeze it.
Fresh juice is poured into a suitable container that closes tightly and does not allow moisture and odors to pass through. Then place the juice in the freezer ; it is better to allocate a separate drawer for this.
You can enjoy fresh watermelon juice until the next harvest.
You can learn about the terms and rules for storing honey here.
How to store a whole watermelon
You can store watermelons at home for quite a long time; it is important to choose the right fruits and observe certain conditions. Let's take a closer look at how to make the right choice:
- Only thick-skinned watermelons of late varieties are suitable for long-term storage. Fruits of seedless varieties will last the longest;
- Inspect watermelons carefully before purchasing. The fruits must have a whole peel, without dents, scratches, cracks or other defects;
- give preference to strong, round-shaped and medium-sized watermelons (5-7 kg);
- the presence of nitrates is indicated by the matte surface of the fruit and blurry, indistinct stripes (in striped varieties);
- Make sure that the watermelons do not come into contact with each other during storage;
- Watermelons can only be stored on a soft surface. Use straw, sawdust or natural soft cloth; to store watermelons for a long time, you need to provide optimal conditions - no light, good ventilation, temperature from +2 to +8 ℃ and relative humidity 75-85%;
- When storing, regularly inspect and turn watermelons on the other side. It is best to carry out this procedure every 2 days. This way you will notice spoiled fruits in time and save the rest of the harvest;
- Watermelons absorb odors well. If possible, store them separately from other vegetables and fruits, especially potatoes.
At what temperature and how long can watermelon be stored?
You can enjoy sweet and juicy watermelon not only in summer, but also in autumn and winter. To do this, you need to select in advance a suitable fruit that can withstand long-term storage at home. With proper storage of certain varieties of this berry, you can easily keep a watermelon for several months. At the same time, it will not deteriorate and will not lose its juiciness and sweetness.
Choosing watermelon for long-term storage
The shelf life of watermelon depends not only on the creation of optimal conditions, but also on the choice of a variety that can be kept at home for a long time. It is important to choose a ripe berry without external damage.
Suitable varieties
Only late-ripening varieties are suitable for long-term storage; early ripening ones are intended for consumption in the next day or two. Late-ripening varieties include those that ripen in September. Such berries are considered the sweetest and devoid of various nitrates.
Late ripening varieties:
- Astrakhan striped;
- Astrakhan marble;
- Chill;
- Peasant;
- Excellent black;
- Snowball.
Criterias of choice
When choosing a berry in order to preserve its freshness for the next few months, it is recommended to pay attention to its appearance. The watermelon must be fully ripe.
Features of choice:
- the peel should be smooth, without scuffs, cracks or bruises;
- optimal weight is 4-5 kg, heavier berries are not stored for a long time;
- the tail of the watermelon should be dry, with a characteristic halo around it;
- the mark from contact with the soil should be yellow, but not white;
- the crust of a ripe berry is usually strong and hard;
- ripe fruit makes a dull sound when tapped.
The peel of late-ripening varieties is particularly durable and is practically not subject to mechanical damage.
How long can watermelon be stored?
The question of how long watermelon can be stored arises when the entire volume of purchased berries cannot be consumed immediately. Early ripening fruit will last in the refrigerator for no more than a week, while late ripening fruits remain fresh for much longer.
Whole
A whole watermelon can be kept at home for up to 3-5 months. However, to do this, it should be immediately placed in the refrigerator or cellar.
Cut
The cut fruit is stored for a very short time, usually no more than 1-2 days in the refrigerator. That is why it is advisable to cut the watermelon immediately before eating.
Attention ! How to preserve a cut watermelon at least for a while? In this form, it is recommended to store it with the cut side down. This way it will preserve its taste.
Methods for storing watermelons at home
There are many options for storing this melon crop: watermelons are stored in the room, in the refrigerator, on the balcony and in the cellar. Depending on the duration of storage, you can choose the most convenient method.
At room temperature
Keeping watermelon at room temperature for a long time is undesirable, since such conditions are not intended for long-term storage of products. Berries can be kept indoors for about a week.
Reference. If your apartment has a small storage room or a niche under the windowsill, you can put the berries there. However, in this case, the shelf life is limited to 1-2 weeks.
In the cellar
One of the most convenient options for storing this product is the cellar, especially in the winter season. This method provides up to 5 months of storage.
It is important that watermelons are kept separate from all other vegetables and fruits. It is advisable to cover the floor with straw.
In a refrigerator
If there is no cellar, the fruit can be stored in a regular household refrigerator in the compartment for vegetables and fruits. The berry must fit entirely in the box, so preference is given to small fruits.
Uncut fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months. There should not be any fresh vegetables or odorous products in its vicinity.
In the freezer
An unusual storage method is in the freezer. This method is a preparation for the winter that does not require additional preparation.
The watermelon is cut into small cubes, lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar, placed in plastic containers for freezing and placed in the freezer.
The shelf life of this watermelon is up to six months.
In the form of blanks
If you have time for additional preparations, you can make a preparation for storage in the freezer:
- The berries are crushed by hand until a semi-thick liquid is obtained, the resulting mass is placed in molds for freezing or ice cream, a fresh mint leaf is added, each piece is placed on a wooden stick and sent to freeze.
- Watermelon jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 year. The berries are boiled with sugar and citric acid until a thick mass is obtained, placed in a jar, screw on the lid, cool and put in the refrigerator.
On the balcony
This product can be kept on the balcony for no more than 1 week. The balcony should face the shady side.
It is recommended to use a balcony as a storage place for watermelon only in late autumn, since in summer and winter the fruit will suffer from too high or low temperatures.
Other watermelon storage options
Not everyone knows how to preserve the freshness and juiciness of watermelon for a long time. We'll talk about methods using wax, clay, sand, straw and hanging berries.
Wax wrap
The melon crop is coated with wax (molten paraffin) on all sides. The thickness of the applied wax should be at least 1 cm.
In clay
The clay is diluted in water until a paste-like mass is obtained. The resulting composition is applied to the peel of the fruit in several layers, each time waiting for the previous layer to dry. When the clay has completely hardened, the product is placed in a cool, dark place.
In sand or grain
Ordinary river sand or dry grain preserves the fruit until the New Year holidays. To do this, pour a small amount of sand or grain into a cardboard box, place the watermelon there with the stem down and cover with the remaining sand or grain.
In the straw
This method is suitable for storage in a basement or cellar. You need to lay a small layer of straw on the floor, place the berries on it and sprinkle straw on top.
Hanging
The product is wrapped in several layers of cotton cloth and hung from the ceiling in the corner of the room. It is important that this place is not exposed to sunlight and the room does not get too hot in the summer.
In water
A container capable of holding a watermelon is filled with water and the melon crop is immersed in it. This method is ideal for a cellar or basement, as the container of water should be in a cool, dark place.
Attention! The water should be changed once a week, while simultaneously checking the berries for freshness and integrity of the peel.
Optimal conditions for long-term storage in an apartment
At what temperature, humidity and level of room illumination can watermelon be stored in an apartment? Under normal conditions, watermelon will not last long in a residential area. However, if no one lives in the apartment, you can create optimal conditions there:
- the temperature should vary from +1 to +4°C and definitely not exceed +10°C;
- optimal humidity - about 80%;
- the room should be protected from sunlight, which negatively affects the storage of berries.
Despite the fact that the peel of a late-ripening fruit is very thick, it is recommended to place it on a small layer of paper or cotton fabric.
Common mistakes and useful tips
To prevent the melon crop from spoiling after 1-2 weeks, it is important to avoid mistakes during storage:
- do not store on an uninsulated balcony;
- Do not store together with fresh vegetables, fruits and other products;
- Store the watermelon completely wrapped in cloth, paper or a towel.
With any storage method, it is necessary to regularly inspect the fruit for spoilage, drying or rotting.
Reference . If you decide to wash the watermelon first, you need to dry it completely and only then send it for long-term storage.
Do watermelons ripen during storage?
Watermelons are one of those berries that are not able to ripen during storage. For this reason, it is recommended to purchase only ripe fruits that are fully ripe before harvesting.
Country conditions for storing watermelon
It is much easier for owners of country houses and houses to choose their own storage option, since the range of possibilities has been significantly expanded.
- Earth storage
Experienced melon growers believe that it is possible to safely store them right on the plot for the whole winter, placing the fruits in a deep hole covered with a ten-centimeter layer of straw or shavings. The peel is covered with a lime solution (25%), sandwiched with shavings and covered with a thirty-centimeter layer of earth. The only drawback is that you won’t be able to monitor how such storage proceeds.
- Water accommodation
Another interesting option that allows you to stock up on striped berries for the winter is to store them in water. To do this, fill barrels, tubs, tanks or other containers with cool water and lay out the watermelons so that they are completely covered with liquid. The water must not be allowed to freeze, and it must be changed approximately 2-3 times a month. In this way, the fruits are stored well for about three months.
Other ways to store watermelon
In addition to all of the above methods, there are two more - pickling and pickling watermelons. These methods will preserve the fruit well, but the taste of the pulp will change. Pickled and pickled watermelons can be stored for a whole year or longer, provided that the recipe and culinary processes are followed correctly.
