Why does watermelon get mealy

The red flesh color is better than and the flesh is firm and crisp. Crunchy Red has been noted to have high sugars, good seedlessness and uniform fruit size. If it smells foul or even has a vinegar - like smell, it's gone bad. The flesh of watermelons turning yellow is a natural mutation. In fact, the originator of our commercial variety, which comes from Africa, is a yellow - to white-fleshed fruit. The fruit has a sweeter, honey-like flavor as compared to red-fleshed melons, but many of the same nutritional benefits.

The simple answer is yes, watermelon can be frozen , but it will be mushy when it's thawed. Enjoy whole chunks of watermelon while it's fresh because it will not taste the same after freezing. However, you don't need to throw out your leftover watermelon. Watermelon also makes a delicious sorbet or granita. A whole watermelon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or at room temperature for a week or two. Cut watermelon should be wrapped in plastic, refrigerated and used within three to five days.

Look at its belly: Watermelons have an underside, or belly, which is in contact with the ground throughout its growth, called a "field spot. Why is my watermelon mushy inside? Category: food and drink non alcoholic beverages. Watermelons that are too ripe have soft and mushy flesh. The most common method is to thump the watermelon lightly; a hollow sound indicates ripeness while a muffled, dull sound may indicate over-ripeness. When should you not eat watermelon? What happens if you eat bad watermelon?

How do you use old watermelon? What does overripe watermelon look like? Can watermelon make you sick? Should Watermelon be kept in the refrigerator? Why does fruit get mealy? Can watermelon give you food poisoning? How do you know if you've bought an under-ripe watermelon? How about an over-ripe watermelon? Indications such as the sound the watermelon makes when hit or the texture of its surface can help provide answers.

If you hear a dull thud when thumping a watermelon, this may indicate that it's over-ripe or mealy. The popular warm-weather fruit is a summer staple, low in calories and highly nutritious. The University of Illinois Extension points out that watermelon is not only rich in the antioxidant lycopene commonly found in tomatoes , it's also high in vitamin C and beta-carotene, which gives the watermelon its red pigment.

As its name suggests, watermelon is composed mostly of water. In fact, water makes up nearly 90 percent of a watermelon, says the University of Illinois Extension.

A long, hot summer free of weeds and cucumber beetles — common watermelon pests — will keep the fruit sweet, tasty and fully intact. Read more: Benefits of Watermelon for Men. Unlike many fruits, such as cantaloupes or plums, watermelon doesn't continue to ripen once it's been picked, explains the University of Illinois Extension. Therefore, it's important to know what to look out for when removing a watermelon from the vine.

For example, a ripe watermelon will become brown and dry at the stem, whereas it was once light green. In addition, the surface of the watermelon turns dull, and its skin becomes tougher. Unlike muskmelons, like honeydew or cantaloupe, watermelon doesn't slip from the vine or release an odor when ripening. But if you do decide to have a seed-spitting contest, see if you can beat the record set in at the Peach and Melon Festival in Texas for a seed that was spat 75 feet and two inches!

And if you want more ways to enjoy your watermelon this summer, try one of these creative recipes:. Feta-Stuffed Watermelon Blocks : The perfect summer starter, these bite-size blocks are a palate-pleasing combo of salty, creamy feta cheese and juicy, sweet melon. Watermelon Salsa : Whether you use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish or simply dive right into it with a chip, this refreshing salsa that combines watermelon with other summertime flavors like mint and cucumbers is sure to satisfy.

Shrimp and Watermelon Skillet : If you are looking for a light summer dinner, this dish is for you.