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. Important 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 the apartment has a small storage room or niche under the windowsill, berry you can put it 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:

1. 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.
2. Watermelon jam 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 completely wash it. dry and only after that 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.

Conclusion

Late-ripening varieties of watermelon can be stored for several months under certain conditions. It is important to initially select a fruit that is free of signs of underripeness or overripeness.During storage, it is recommended to regularly check the freshness of the berries, paying attention to the condition of the peel.