Watermelons are the ultimate healthy snack for those hot summer days. But if you’ve decided to grow your own, you’ve probably run into a classic gardener’s dilemma: suddenly, every single melon is ripe at the exact same time! While you can store them for a little while, you definitely don’t want to let them sit for too long.
Storing Whole Melons
If you want your watermelons to last as long as possible, keep them whole. When left intact, they’ll stay fresh for about a week if you keep them in a cool spot, like a basement. Just be careful not to let them get *too* cold. Watermelons are heat-lovers—that’s why growing watermelons in a greenhouse usually yields a much bigger harvest than planting them outdoors. If the storage temperature drops too low, the flavor of that sweet red flesh really starts to suffer.
Pro tip: Don’t just plop your melon down on a hard floor. It’s better to cushion it. I like to use crumpled-up newspaper or even a few empty egg cartons lined up side-by-side to give it a soft place to rest.
Keeping Cut Melons Fresh
Once you’ve sliced into a melon, it has to go into the fridge. As soon as the rind is broken, the fruit starts to break down, which can lead to fermentation or even mold. This is also why you should keep a close eye on your garden as your watermelons are ripening—if a fruit gets damaged while still on the vine, it can actually start fermenting from the inside out.
For cut pieces, place them on a plate covered with plastic wrap or pop them into an airtight container. Keep the green rind attached! It acts as a natural protective barrier and prevents the flesh from getting mushy or spoiling faster.
Store your melon in the crisper drawer. It’s cool there, but not quite as chilly as the rest of the fridge. Before you dig in, take the pieces out, remove the wrap or lid, and let them sit at room temperature for a bit. This helps bring back that amazing, full aroma that gets muted when the fruit is cold.
Preserving Your Harvest
Since fresh watermelon only stays good for a few days, you might want to look into ways to preserve your harvest for the long haul. One easy method is freezing your watermelon. Just slice the fruit into chunks, remove the seeds, and freeze them in small portions—perfect for smoothies!
Because watermelons are mostly water, you can also juice them and boil the juice down. You can even turn it into a unique jam or jelly. This way, you can enjoy the taste of summer for months (or even years) to come!