ShelfLife
How long does watermelon last?
The USDA gives a whole watermelon 1 to 2 days at room temperature, or until ripe, and 3 to 4 days in the fridge from purchase. Cut watermelon must be refrigerated, covered. In pieces, it keeps up to 12 months in the freezer.
| Food | Fridge | Freezer | Pantry |
|---|---|---|---|
| WatermelonCounter: 1 to 2 days from purchase, or until ripe. | 3–4 daysfrom purchase | 12 months | 1–2 daysfrom purchase |
Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to tell if watermelon has gone bad
- A sour, fermented or vinegary smell, or a fizzy taste.
- Slimy, mushy or very dark, translucent flesh, or flesh pulling away from the seeds.
- Mold on the rind or on cut flesh, or dark, soft spots on the rind.
How to store watermelon
- Watermelon doesn't ripen after picking: keep it whole at room temperature only until you have room in the fridge.
- Wash the rind before cutting, so the knife doesn't carry dirt into the flesh.
- Refrigerate cut watermelon within 2 hours, covered with wrap or in a sealed container.
- Store pieces in a container rather than a whole half left uncovered: they keep moister.
Can you freeze watermelon?
Yes, cut into cubes or balls, for up to 12 months. Freeze them in a single layer, then bag them. Thawed watermelon is mushy, so use it frozen in smoothies, slushies or as ice cubes in drinks.
Questions
Should a whole watermelon go in the fridge?
It keeps longer there: the USDA gives 1 to 2 days on the counter and 3 to 4 days in the fridge from purchase.
How long does cut watermelon last?
A few days in the fridge in a sealed container. Throw it out if it turns slimy or smells sour.
How do you pick a ripe watermelon?
Look for a creamy yellow patch where it sat on the ground, a heavy weight for its size and a hollow sound when tapped.
Add watermelon to ShelfLife when you cut it, and get a reminder before it's past its best.
Related foods
Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.