How long can cut melon last in the refrigerator and how to keep it fresh longer
Melon is a tasty, aromatic and healthy delicacy. But its shelf life is short. Often a large fruit is cut, but not completely eaten. The remaining portion is placed in the refrigerator. A natural question arises: how long can melons be kept in a cool place without losing their taste? In addition, many housewives want to serve slices of fragrant melon to the table during the winter holidays. To do this, it is frozen in a special way.
You will find a detailed answer to the question of how long cut melon can be stored in the refrigerator in the article.
Can melon be stored in the refrigerator?
Melon has a short shelf life and spoils quickly. The whole fruit without visible damage on the surface is stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It is placed on the bottom shelf intended for vegetables, where the temperature ranges from +3 to +5 °C.
The fetus definitely needs access to oxygenso that the premature process of rotting and mold does not begin. In addition, over time, the melon becomes soft and loses its taste and aroma.
Before choosing a fruit for storage, you need to evaluate:
- density of the pulp - the softer it is, the shorter the vegetable will be stored;
- mesh on the surface of the fruit - it should have a moderate average color and occupy half the entire area of the melon;
- aroma - if it is pronounced, it means that the fruit has reached a stage of maturity suitable for storage;
- the nose of the fruit - elastic indicates that the fruit is not overripe;
- integrity of the peel - without damage or dark spots.
It is advisable that the fruit be picked a week before full maturity.
How long can cut melon last in the refrigerator?
When to store cut melon slices in the refrigerator, they are placed on a plate and covered with a loose cotton napkin or food paper. Open slices weather, dry out and quickly lose their aroma and taste. Also, do not place parts of the fetus in a sealed container that prevents the access of oxygen.
Terms and conditions of storage
Cut melon can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two days.. Place on the top shelf closer to the freezer and to the back wall, where the temperature is lower.
Attention! When storing delicacies in the refrigerator for more than 2-3 days, ethylene is formed, which is harmful to the body, as it causes digestive upset.
Differences in shelf life
The length of time a whole melon can be stored in the refrigerator depends on its variety.:
- early varieties - no more than 1 month without loss of taste and aroma, as well as presentation;
- mid-ripening - about 3-4 months; when consumed, it is necessary to monitor changes in the appearance of the pulp of the cut slices;
- late ripening - from 4 to 6 months, but it is not recommended to allow the fruit to lie in the refrigerator for six months.
Winter melon varieties are best stored. The fruits are chosen slightly unripe.
Common varieties: Gulyabi, Orange, Zimovka, Torpedo And Slavia.
How to properly store melon in the refrigerator
To keep the fruit longer, you need to prepare it properly. and comply with storage conditions.
How to prepare
Wash the melon thoroughly with a brush and water with laundry soap diluted in it., wipe dry with a towel and wrap in parchment paper or cotton cloth.
Do not scrape off dirt with a knife or other sharp object.. This can damage the peel and cause spoilage of the product.
How to store: temperature, humidity and container
To ensure that the pulp lasts for a long time and without losing the taste and aroma of melon, you must adhere to certain conditions.
Fruit storage conditions:
- temperature below +5 °C;
- humidity 65-75%;
- cover the fruit slices with a cloth made of natural material;
- provide access to oxygen using non-hermetic packaging;
- proximity to other vegetables is undesirable, since the fruit absorbs foreign odors.
Attention! If the fruit being prepared for storage does not have a stalk, then the recess in its place must be sealed with molten wax. Reception will prevent spoilage of the product, which will begin from this place.
How to increase shelf life
To keep the fruit longer, you need to remove all the seeds from the cut slices.. Cover only with natural cloth or parchment. The fruit itself should not be overripe. This can be determined by the soft peel, which is strongly dented when pressed.
It is better to choose slightly unripe melons, which were 7-10 days short of full ripeness.
Good to know:
Other storage options
Melon can also be preserved using other ways. The cut fruit is placed in the freezer or dried. The whole one is stored at room temperature.
In the freezer
This is the most effective way to preserve cut fruit: all the beneficial properties, taste and light aroma of melon remain in the slices.
Frozen treat can be stored for up to six months.
Method of preparation and freezing:
- rinse the fruit thoroughly, remove all dirt and pieces of earth adhering to the peel;
- dry with a kitchen towel;
- cut into oblong slices;
- remove the peel along with 0.5 cm of pulp near it;
- cut the remaining pulp into cubes;
- place on a tray and place in the freezer for 12 hours;
- Place the frozen pieces in special bags designed for storage in the freezer.
Information. If the pulp is cut in various ways: in the form of balls (this is done with a special spoon with a round end), stars or other shapes cut out using iron baking molds, they will decorate a variety of desserts.
At room temperature
In the apartment, at normal temperatures, melon can be stored for no more than a week. The place should be dark, without access to sunlight, so as not to provoke rapid deterioration of the fruit.
Suitable places: under the bed, closet or pantry. It is recommended to wrap the melon in cotton cloth or paper.
Dried
To preserve taste and aroma longer delicacies, melon is dried in the oven.
Procedure:
cut the pulp into 2 cm slices;- place on a tray so that the pieces do not touch each other;
- place in an oven preheated to 200-210 °C and leave for 15 minutes;
- then reduce the temperature to 80-85 °C and open the oven lid;
- turn the slices every 30-40 minutes;
- after 6 hours, turn off the oven, remove the tray with melon pieces;
- place for several days in a well-ventilated area for further drying.
Place the resulting dried slices in hermetically sealed glass jars. or plastic containers.Store in a dark and cool place for about six months.
Results
It is possible to have melon on the table all year round if you know how to properly preserve it. Freezing or drying will allow you to enjoy delicious pieces even after several months. The prepared product is stored for about six months. Such a dessert would be very useful for the winter holidays.
The whole fruit is stored at room temperature for about a week, but without access to sunlight. The cut melon is placed in the refrigerator, covered with cotton cloth or paper and stored for no more than 1-2 days.