If You Open a Watermelon and See This, Throw It Out!
Watermelon is one of summer’s greatest pleasures—juicy, sweet, and incredibly refreshing. But every so often, you slice into what should be a perfect melon and instead find something strange, off-putting, or just plain wrong. While most imperfect watermelons are harmless, certain signs mean you shouldn’t take a chance.
Food safety experts agree: if your watermelon shows any of the warnings below, it’s best to throw it out immediately.
**1. Large Hollow Cavities Inside
A small gap near the center can happen naturally, but large, odd-shaped hollow spaces can signal internal breakdown or overripeness.
If the cavity is accompanied by a sour smell or slimy texture, it’s definitely unsafe.
**2. Sour, Fermented, or Alcohol-like Smell
A fresh watermelon should smell clean and mildly sweet.
If you open it and get a yeasty, fermented, or sour aroma, the fruit has begun to spoil.
Fermentation can occur from bacteria entering tiny cracks in the rind, and consuming it may cause stomach upset.
**3. Slimy or Water-Soaked Flesh
Sliminess is a major warning sign. Healthy watermelon flesh is crisp, juicy, and firm.
If it looks mushy, wet like it's melting, or has a slippery texture, bacteria have taken hold—and it’s no longer safe to eat.
**4. Yellow, White, or Black Mold Spots
Any mold on the flesh means it’s time to toss it.
Because watermelon has a high water content, mold can spread deeper than what’s visible.
Even if the moldy area seems small, don’t cut around it—discard the entire melon.
**5. Unnatural Grainy, Crumbly, or “Exploding” Flesh
A watermelon that looks grainy, separated, or cracked apart inside may be overripe, turned, or stored improperly.
In some regions, this appearance may be linked to growth disorders like "hollow heart" or cell breakdown—but if the texture seems unusual and the smell or color is off, avoid eating it.
**6. Odd Colors: Orange, Yellow Streaks, or Dull Brown Tint
Bright red or deep pink is ideal.
If the flesh has orangey tones, brown patches, odd yellow streaking, or appears dull and discolored, the melon may be spoiled or past peak freshness.
Why You Shouldn’t Risk It
Spoiled watermelon can harbor harmful bacteria that may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. While most cases are mild, it’s never worth gambling with food safety—especially when the warning signs are so clear.
How to Avoid Buying a Bad Watermelon
Use these quick tips when selecting one in the store:
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Check the field spot: Look for a creamy yellow patch where it sat on the ground—white or greenish spots often indicate underripeness.
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Tap test: A ripe watermelon has a deep, hollow sound.
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Uniform shape: Irregular bumps may indicate uneven growth.
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Heaviness: A good melon should feel heavy for its size—meaning it’s full of juice.
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