Sweet, sticky watermelon is a summer classic. I never fully appreciate watermelon season unless I’ve had its juices dripping down to my elbows while eating wedges. It’s a treat that I enjoy on its own, in salads, mixed into cocktails, and more. I’ll happily grab a watermelon every time I’m at the grocery store, all summer long.
However, I have a small household. It's just my husband and I, so a whole watermelon is way too much for us to enjoy in one sitting, unless we're having a big barbecue with lots of friends. This means we often have leftovers.
I like to cut the whole watermelon at once so it's ready to eat whenever you want. The only problem is that cut watermelon can quickly pick up lingering odors from the fridge and start to taste off.
So I reached out to Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications for the National Watermelon Promotion Board, to see if she had any tips for storing watermelon so it tastes just as delicious as when I first cut into it. As a true watermelon lover herself, she was able to give me the answer I was looking for.
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It's all about proper storage
The problem with cut watermelon is that its flesh absorbs odors. Your refrigerator is filled with smells, whether it's the garlicky aroma of leftover pizza wrapped in foil or a stinky piece of cheese. Watermelon can pick up those smells, and you're left with a fruit that tastes strangely like garlic and cheese.
Barlow recommends airtight storage To avoid this, “keep your cut watermelon in an airtight container and away from circulating air,” she advises. “Whether you store the cut cubes and slices in a Ziploc bag, in a food storage container (plastic or glass) with a tight-fitting lid, or cover them tightly with clear plastic wrap, these methods should help protect the freshness and flavor of the watermelon while it’s inside the refrigerator.” The important thing to remember is that the seal must be airtight: no air should get in or out.
While it may be tempting to toss that bowl of cubed watermelon or platter of watermelon wedges in the fridge uncovered, it's best to store it in an airtight container. Even if you plan to serve the fruit later in the day, it can quickly absorb fridge odors. Play it safe by storing it properly. You'll be rewarded with the sweet, summery flavor you know and love.
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