Storing Watermelon

How do you store watermelon? My refrigerator is small and I don't have room to store a whole watermelon. Sometimes I cut it in half and scoop out the middle with an ice cream scooper and put it in a ziploc bag but that is very time consuming? Do you have any great ideas?

Onesummer

Answers:

Storing Watermelon

Whenever I lack refrigeration space and need to store watermelon, I cut of the rind off the entire watermelon and cube the flesh. Place it in single serve containers. This works great to add fruit to your lunch or just a quick, handy snack. (06/02/2006)

By Cheryl from Missouri

Storing Watermelon

If you have a freezer. Watermelon can be frozen. I have an ancient cookbook that recommends cubing, or scooping it and covering the cubes with a simple syrup or sugar water. To use-- let it defrost to the point where there are just a few ice crystals left (i.e. very slightly icy). I don't like a lot of sugar and have experimented with covering it with ginger-ale, diet gingerale, diet lemon-lime or diet grapefruit soda. All four work very well. I find that freezing in several shallow containers makes it easier to break or cut a single serving sized chunk off for defrosting. I sometimes break the slabs that are in the containers up into serving size chunks and replace them in the freezer in plastic bags. (06/03/2006)

By Jeanne

Storing Watermelon

I always put mine on top of an air conditioner vent in a room that is less frequently used or a room that has more than one vent! Stays nice and cool and ready to cut! (06/03/2006)

By ncroncrew

Storing Watermelon

I cut mine up into large pieces (no rind) and put in a large plastic bowl with a lid. Drain the juice of every 2 days or so. I have kept it fresh for up to 3 weeks that way. Draining the juice is the secret to it. (06/06/2006)

By reddlb

Storing Watermelon

It seems everybody has the same idea (me too) -- to cut it up and put it into a plastic container but the best thing about this is: the kids can grab a bowl full anytime they want a snack and there no mess left for Mom to clean up! (06/22/2006)

By Bettyboop5382

Storing Watermelon

Something that I read recently on watermelons or any other melons, as a matter of fact is that we need to wash the outsides of our melons just as we would any other produce. As any bacteria on the outside of the rind can go to the inside of the fruit with the knife we're using to cut it open with. Of all the years I've ever eaten watermelon or cantaloupe, etc., I've never washed the outside before eating it, I guess I've really been lucky as I've never gotten sick from eating it.

Also, in another article I read on melons, in general, it said not to keep melons or other fruits bagged up or packaged for over a week, in the fridge due to bacterial growth. I didn't know this, either. But then again, in whose house does fresh fruit ever last that long anyway??? At least not here. Yes, draining the juice off of a dish of cut up watermelon is the best way to keep it for a longer period of time, otherwise it tends to get slimy and have a soured taste. (06/29/2006)

By badwater

Storing Watermelon

When I've wanted to freeze watermelon, I've done so by putting down a layer of waxed paper on a plate or cookie sheet, then placing pieces of cut watermelon on it, making sure that the pieces aren't touching. Place it in the freezer. When the melon is frozen solid, then I place them in a gallon sized ziploc bag. By them being like this, they're not all stuck together when I want to take them out of the freezer.

This same process can be done with any pieces of fruit, whether it be berries, banana chunks or whatever. This makes it easy for making smoothies or other desserts, or for just a cool snack. Banana chunks are really nice like this, they taste like ice cream! Enjoy! (06/29/2006)

By badwater