How long can a watermelon last unrefrigerated?

7-10 days
Watermelon will keep for 7-10 days at room temperature. After two days at 32°F, watermelons develop an off-flavor, become pitted and lose color. Freezing causes rind to break down and produces a mealy, mushy texture. Once a melon is cut, it should be wrapped and stored between 9-36°F.

Can you eat watermelon that was left out?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends storing watermelons at a temperature of around 4ºC (40 degrees Fahrenheit) and below. If watermelon pieces sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours, be sure to discard them. To be eaten within three to five days (the sooner you eat it, the better!)

Can watermelon be left at room temp?

Whole melons like watermelons, honeydews, and cantaloupes retain their flavor best at room temperature. Storing them at normal temperatures may even help keep their nutrients intact. Plus, they take up a lot of space in the fridge. Only once they’re cut should you refrigerate them, and only for a few days at most.

Can you get salmonella from watermelon?

Melons have been linked to a Salmonella Braenderup outbreak that has affected 200 people in more than 10 countries.

What are the signs of a bad watermelon?

Mold or dark-colored spots on the outside of the watermelon could indicate that it has gone bad. The mold might be black, white, or green, and have a fuzzy appearance. Look for a healthy color outside. The watermelon should have either a consistent pine green shade or a striped appearance.

What happens if you eat left out fruit?

Most whole, fresh fruits can sit out at room temperature for a least a full day without suffering any quality loss — and many fruits will keep well for up to a week unrefrigerated. The exception is cut-up or sliced fruit, which will remain safe for only about 2 hours at room temperature.

Can you get sick from warm watermelon?

Excessive consumption of lycopene (A red carotenoid pigment present in many fruits, such as the tomato) rich watermelons can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, gas and indigestion. The simplest and most effective way to have it is to keep the watermelon at the temperature of up to 8⁰C to 10⁰C.

How long does watermelon food poisoning last?

The illness usually lasts between four and seven days, but most healthy adults are able to get through it without much treatment.

Can watermelon carry bacteria?

A salmonella outbreak linked to watermelons has affected 35 people in the UK, health experts have revealed. One is that the surface of the melons could have been contaminated with Salmonella bacteria which may have transferred on to the flesh of the melon during the cutting process.

Does cut watermelon need to be refrigerated?

You should, however, definitely refrigerate a watermelon once you slice into it. That’s because the fruit’s shelf-life shortens dramatically once you cut it. The best way to store watermelon after it’s been cut is in the fridge. If you’ve got slices or cubes, put them in a sealable container.

How long does a watermelon last?

According to the USDA a water melon properly stored at a temp between 50-60f and in high humidity(90\%) will last for three weeks, and a watermelon held at room temperature below 75\% will last for ten days. So six weeks is twice what they recommend.

Should watermelon be refrigerated before eating?

So, if you’ve already got a whole watermelon in the fridge, you should keep it there. But if you’re storing it outside the fridge, put it in the fridge about three hours before you plan to eat it in order to cool it down to just the right temperature.

What happens if you eat watermelon that has been left out?

Same holds true of cut watermelon being fermented or overripe. It’s probably very dried out and unappealing, but there may be some good stuff in the middle. Depending on where it was left out you risk of infection will vary.

How to cut watermelon properly?

Choose a firm watermelon, free of major cracks, dents or bruises. 2. The FDA says to wash all fruits and veggies before cutting, so be sure to wash and dry the outer surface of your watermelon before cutting it. 3. Wash your hands and wash all cutting surfaces, knives and other utensils.