Storing watermelons - this is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to extend the season of tasty and healthy berries. Using some tricks and tips, you can preserve the fruits for several months without losing their flavor characteristics.
Juicy and sweet with bright red flesh, watermelon is considered an exclusively summer treat. Not many people know that striped berries tolerate long-term storage well and, under certain conditions, can last until the New Year. Fresh watermelon will be more than just an unusual sweet treat for the winter table. The beneficial substances contained in the juicy pulp will provide good support for the body in the autumn and winter months.
How to store watermelon in a private house or apartment? Which methods are considered the best?
Choosing watermelon for long-term storage
When buying berries, you should pay attention to the variety, appearance and size of the berries.
- Variety It is recommended to choose late-ripening varieties: “Astrakhansky striped”, “Volzhsky”, “Dessertny” and others. Watermelons that ripen later than others have a thick rind that protects the pulp inside from damage. You need to buy them at the very end of the season: from mid-September to early October. If you plan to store berries from your own garden plot in storage, they must be collected several days before they are completely ripe.
- Appearance. When storing watermelons for long-term storage, only those that do not have visible damage are selected: deep scratches, cracks, unevenness. Their surface should be smooth and shiny.
- Dimensions. You should not put too large fruits in the cellar or refrigerator. The optimal weight is 4-5 kg.
If the choice was made correctly, the berries can retain their taste, aroma and beneficial properties almost throughout the winter.
Basic principles of storage
First of all, you need to pay attention to the choice of fruits for storage, because not every watermelon can stay fresh for a long time. If you have your own harvest, selecting the best specimens will not be difficult. Watermelons should be collected extremely carefully, avoiding even the slightest damage , and try not to crush them. Choose medium-sized : too small ones may turn out to be unripe, and in overripe berries the processes of rotting will begin faster.
The optimal weight of the fetus is 4-5 kg. Pay attention to the peel - it should be hard, elastic and shiny, with a clearly defined pattern, without roughness or spots.
How long do damaged watermelons last? Under any conditions, they will last no more than 10-20 days.
If you do not grow watermelons and melons, follow the above rules for choosing at the market or in the store. You should not buy crushed fruits with cracked skin. Be sure to touch the watermelon with your hands and feel each individual area, because defects are often impossible to determine by eye. Any scratches should be a reason to refuse the purchase.
Choose late-ripening varieties with a thick rind and make sure the fruit is ripe enough: when you tap the watermelon, you should hear a dull sound.
When choosing a watermelon for storage, you need to carefully examine and feel its rind. Fruits even with slight defects or bruised areas are not suitable
In the market, it is better to refuse to purchase watermelons from wholesalers who transport and sell them in very large quantities. If possible, it is better to buy the fruits directly from the melon owners.
The watermelon must be of the correct shape, otherwise there is a danger of buying a berry with hidden defects. Before storing, consider the following recommendations :
- Wear gloves when carrying fruits;
- do not place watermelons on hard surfaces, both during transportation and storage;
- You shouldn’t put berries in a pile; it’s best to transport and store them at a distance from each other;
- During storage, periodically inspect watermelons and remove spoiled specimens to avoid the spread of rot to the entire batch.
Ripe, freshly picked fruits of regular shape are best suited for storage.
To preserve watermelons for a long time, it is important to ensure the correct temperature and humidity. At what temperature can fruits be stored? Optimal indicators are from +1 ℃ to +4 ℃ . At higher temperatures, the fruits will soon begin to rot and the pulp will quickly turn sour. The humidity in the storage area should not be too low or too high. Dry air will cause the fruits to lose their elasticity and wither. The best humidity indicator for saving watermelons is 75-85% .
Ensure constant air circulation in the place where you plan to store the melon crop.
To extend shelf life, inspect and turn the fruits several times a month. This way you can also control the condition of the berries yourself.
Shelf life of watermelon
The main factors influencing the safety of the fruit are the ambient temperature and the integrity of the peel. Eating berries, especially cut ones, after the expiration date may have undesirable health consequences.
The optimal temperature in storage for melons should be between +2 and +5 degrees. In this regard, the best place to store watermelon is a cellar or refrigerator.
How long can watermelon be stored in the refrigerator?
If there is no cellar, and there is enough free space in the refrigerator, you can store the watermelon on a shelf or in the freezer. Many people are interested in how many days or months the berry can retain its taste and beneficial properties.
Shelf life of a whole watermelon in the refrigerator
If you purchase a late-ripening variety, you can store watermelon for 10-15 weeks. If the berry is an early-ripening variety and has a thin peel, it should not be kept in the refrigerator for longer than 1.5-2 months. Before placing a whole fruit on a shelf, it is necessary to carefully inspect it for possible defects that appeared during harvesting or transportation. It is not recommended to store watermelons with cracks, dents or other damage for long-term storage.
Shelf life of cut watermelon in the refrigerator
When buying a large berry, the problem of storing uneaten slices often arises. It is best to do this in the refrigerator. The maximum period during which the pulp will be usable does not exceed 2 days. To prevent it from becoming slippery and unpleasant, it does not need to be covered with film. It is better to place the remaining piece cut side down on a plate and put a bag on top. You should store sliced watermelon like this: place it in a deep bowl and also cover it, avoiding the film touching the pulp.
Shelf life of frozen watermelon in the freezer
Recently, freezing fresh vegetables and fruits for the winter has become increasingly popular. Many lovers of striped berries have a question: can watermelon be stored in the freezer?
Watermelon pulp does not tolerate low temperatures well, and after thawing it loses its natural structure. Slices of frozen fruit can only be used for preparing drinks such as cocktails, jelly, and juices. You should store watermelon in the freezer for no longer than 10-12 months.
How long can watermelon be stored at room temperature?
Storing watermelons at room temperature makes it possible to preserve almost all the beneficial substances. It is scientifically proven that in pulp that has not been subjected to prolonged cooling, the amount of beta-carotene and lycopene is almost 20% greater. So, how long can you store watermelon outdoors?
Shelf life of a whole watermelon at room temperature
The shelf life of whole fruits largely depends on their variety and ripeness. The berries that are thick-skinned and slightly unripe at the time of picking last the longest. If you create all the necessary conditions, then even at room temperature they will quietly lie for 4-5 weeks. The timing also depends on the initial condition of the melons.
Shelf life of cut watermelon at room temperature
If after lunch or dinner there is an uneaten piece of cut fruit, you should not leave it on the table, especially if the room is warm enough. The shelf life of open watermelon pulp at room temperature is only a few hours.
How long can you store watermelon in the cellar?
Before storing watermelon in the cellar, you need to make sure that the temperature and humidity percentage in it correspond to the recommended ones. If these parameters are stable throughout the entire period, the berries can be kept for as long as on the refrigerator shelf: right up to the New Year and even longer. With significant deviations in temperature and humidity, the time will be much shorter, and the taste characteristics will noticeably deteriorate.
How to save a whole watermelon until the New Year
Not every housewife knows how to preserve watermelons until the New Year at home. The New Year's table, however, can be diversified with summer gifts. To ensure that the fruit remains intact until winter, a cellar is used. There are various effective ways to preserve watermelon for the winter. How to store watermelons in the cellar?
Moss
How long does fruit last in moss pieces? This technology was used by our ancestors. The moss serves as a bedding and prevents the fruits from rotting. Before use, forest moss is thoroughly dried in the sun. Place it in an even layer on the bottom of the boxes. Then they put melons there. The product is also wrapped with moss on the sides. The harvest should be stored in a cool cellar. This way you can save the watermelon until the New Year.
Hanging
A mesh is used for hanging. The product is placed in it and a kind of “hammock” is hung on a hook. In this way, you can store the harvest not only in the cellar, but also in the garage or on the balcony until the most severe frosts.
Ash
It serves as a kind of protection for the peel from the penetration of external agents. Before storage, the crop is inspected, unsuitable specimens with dents and cracks are removed. Next, the ash is poured evenly into the box and the fruit is buried in it. Choose wood ash. The specimens placed on top are covered with an even additional layer.
Straw
The method is suitable for storage on a rack or in a box. Straw allows you to preserve watermelon until February. It is laid on a dry surface. The fruits should not touch each other. Each berry is well wrapped in straw bedding. It is necessary to periodically inspect the crop and remove damaged specimens.
Is watermelon appropriate on the New Year's table?
Wax or paraffin
Pieces of paraffin or wax are melted, and then the peel is covered with an even layer. A special shell is created that prevents the fetus from being exposed to negative environmental influences. As a result, the berries last not only until the New Year holidays, but even until the very February frosts. Contact of the peel with air is eliminated, excess moisture is eliminated, which makes it possible to preserve the ripe harvest for a long time. The shelf life of summer watermelon depends on the variety and thickness of the rind.
Water
For the process, take cool water. Pour it into a suitable container. The crop is immersed deep. Water creates the necessary protective ball and prevents external agents from penetrating the fruit. The fluid is changed three times a month. Water must not be allowed to freeze. From time to time you should check the condition of stored berries. They can be stored in water until the New Year. For storage in water, choose a thick-skinned specimen.
Sand
Is it possible to preserve a watermelon in sand? Select a solid container, pour dry sand into it and bury the striped fruit in it. There should be no flaws or defects on its smooth surface. Carrots are preserved using the same principle. But not everyone knows that it is possible to store watermelons in this way at home. The fruits remain fresh for a long time and cannot freeze in the sand during frosts.
Sand creates the necessary protection and layer, allows air flow to pass through, and preserves the taste of the product.
Clay
To preserve in clay, choose watermelon of the Chill variety. It is suitable for storage. The clay is diluted with water to the consistency of thick sour cream. They take a dense specimen with a thick peel and coat the fruit with clay mass. They do not leave clean spots on the surface of the berries. In this way, a protective layer is created, as when treating the fruit with wax. Ancient people used available clay to preserve vegetables and melons.
How long can you store a cut watermelon?
Unlike whole berries, which will last for weeks or even months, cut fruits are suitable for consumption within a very short period of time: they can be stored from several hours to 1.5-2 days.
Watermelon peel reliably protects the pulp inside from the penetration of bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms. In the absence of such protection, sweet pulp becomes an ideal environment for the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microflora. A cut watermelon left in the open air becomes not so much tasteless as it becomes dangerous, as it can cause food poisoning.
How long can watermelon be stored?
The main factors that directly affect the safety of watermelon are the temperature inside the storage and the integrity of the rind.
Whole
Uncut fruit is capable of not spoiling for a long period. It can remain fresh for up to three months if certain conditions are met.
Did you know? In 1981, a Japanese farmer from Zantsuji managed to develop a square-shaped watermelon. The purpose of the invention was more compact storage of crops.
Cut
Many people are interested in the question of how quickly a cut watermelon will spoil and whether there are ways to preserve it. In contrast to untouched fruit, cut fruit must be used for food as soon as possible. After opening, the fruit can be kept for up to two days. The skin of a watermelon reliably protects the pulp from various bacteria and microbes.
Without such a fence, the subcutaneous part of the fetus turns into an ideal environment for the life of pathogenic microorganisms. And an opened product lying in the open air not only loses its taste, but also poses a health threat, since it can provoke intoxication of the body. However, there are reliable methods for preserving sweet berries in a cut state, which will be discussed later in the article.
Methods for storing a whole watermelon
There are many different proven methods to keep watermelon pulp juicy and sweet for a long time.
- Laying on moss.
Before sending the berries to the cellar, they are placed in boxes, the bottom of which is covered with a thick layer of moss. It is better to collect it on a sunny day, when the top part of the plants is completely dry. The free space between the walls of the box and the sides of the watermelon is also filled with moss. This will make it possible to store the watermelon for a longer time.
- Storing watermelons in a container with ashes.
Dry ash is poured into any wooden container (boxes, barrels, etc.) in a layer of 5-7 cm. Next, the fruits are placed, which must be covered with ash to the very top. The container must be closed as tightly as possible to prevent moisture penetration.
- Coating with clay or wax.
The clay is mixed with a small amount of water until a homogeneous mass is obtained with the consistency of thick sour cream. The wax is heated in a water bath until liquid. Next, the brush is well dipped in the prepared clay solution or wax and applied to the peel. After the composition dries, the berries are placed in a cool room.
- Hanging.
For such storage, you will need nets and pieces of canvas or burlap. The berries are wrapped in fabric and lowered into nets, which are hung from hooks built into the ceiling of the cellar or basement.
- Storing watermelons at home.
If there are no special rooms such as a cellar or basement, the darkest and coolest room is suitable for storing the whole fruit. It is necessary to ensure complete darkness and daily turning of the fruit.
Is it possible to freeze watermelons?
Yes. The shelf life of such a product is 8-12 months, and after defrosting, the pulp should be used within 2-3 days. At low temperatures, the pulp fully retains its beneficial properties, but the consistency will be changed, so it is only suitable as a component for cocktails or desserts.
The freezing method is as follows:
- The watermelon is cut and peeled and seeds removed, then placed on a tray so that the pieces do not touch each other.
- The tray is sent to the freezer and left there until a hard ice crust forms.
- After the initial freezing, the pulp is transferred to plastic containers or bags.
- The packaged watermelon is sent to the freezer for further storage until use.
An alternative way to freeze is to pour juice or sugar syrup over the pieces of pulp in a container. To do this, put the chopped watermelon in a container and fill it with liquid. The juice or syrup must be pre-chilled. Containers should be filled no more than 85% - the remaining volume is needed to expand the ice at low temperatures. The standard composition for syrup is 1 glass of sugar per 1 liter of water.
On a note! When freezing watermelon slices on a tray, you can first sprinkle the surface with sugar or fructose.
Suitable places to store watermelon
To preserve fresh fruits for as long as possible, you need to choose the right storage location. In a private house and apartment there are several of the most suitable rooms in which you can store watermelon for a long time.
Storing watermelon in the refrigerator
The safety of whole berries largely depends on temperature indicators. In this case, the temperature must be stable throughout the entire period. The most optimal place from this point of view is the refrigerator. The berries should be placed on the middle or lower shelf, previously covered with thick fabric.
Storing watermelons in the refrigerator has one drawback - the fruits take up a lot of space, which creates certain inconveniences when placing other products. If you plan to store the watermelon for 3-4 months, it is better to choose other suitable places for this.
Storing watermelon at home
The place in which the fruits will be located must satisfy two basic conditions: be cool enough (the temperature should not rise above +10 degrees) and dark.
The apartment meets these requirements with storage rooms, glazed balconies and loggias protected from direct sunlight. You can also store watermelon in the bathroom or on the mezzanine.
In a private home there are much more opportunities to find a good place in which the berries can lie in the fall and winter. Basements, attics, closets, and garages are best suited for this purpose. If you have a summer kitchen in your yard that is not used during the cold season, you can also keep berries in it for several months.
Storing watermelon in the cellar
The most suitable storage for melons and melons at home is the cellar. It maintains relatively stable temperature and humidity without sudden changes. Watermelons can be stored in various ways, but it is in the cellar that they will last the longest without loss of taste.
Other storage options
In addition to the basic ones, there are additional, sometimes unusual ways to store watermelons.
Wax wrap
For this method, paraffin or wax is melted and then applied in several layers to the fruit. The thickness of the coating is no more than 1 cm. Such fruits are kept in a cool room.
In clay
Clay has adsorption and disinfectant properties and protects watermelon from fungus and dampness. The dense crust protects the fruits from any impact.
The clay is diluted in warm water (the container should not be metal), mixed and applied to the berry in a thick layer. When the crust has completely hardened, the watermelon is put in a cool, dark place.
In sand or grain
With this method, the fruits are placed in a previously prepared wooden box, which is covered with sand. It is not worth compacting too much, so as not to block the air supply. Another option is dry grains without signs of pests.
In the straw
Clean straw is a great way to protect your watermelon. It is both folded into a box and placed on a shelf. Straw can be easily replaced with the ash of deciduous trees, dry tow or dried moss. However, rodents and insects love to be in these materials, so they carefully monitor the area.
Hanging
The fruit is wrapped in natural fabric or old newspapers and hung in a net, canvas bag or string bag. This method will provide the watermelon with air access and uniform temperature and humidity conditions. This option is suitable for large apartments and private houses.
In water
A rather unusual option, in which they use cold water, which completely covers the fruit. A good solution would be to store the watermelon in a prepared ice hole or wooden vat. The liquid is changed 2-3 times, do not allow freezing.
Conditions for long-term storage of watermelons
How to properly organize the storage of watermelons? How long they can be preserved without damage depends on preparation, proper placement of fruits and storage conditions.
Purchased or collected fruits should be inspected again to ensure there are no defects. If there is high humidity in the room and there is a possibility of mold or rot developing, it is worth treating the peel with a 2% lime solution.
Before planting berries, the room must be well ventilated. It is advisable to treat the cellar with antifungal agents. Watermelon must be stored separately from other vegetables and fruits. The berries should also not touch each other. There should be enough space on the racks or shelves to periodically turn them from side to side.
Storing watermelon for a long time is possible only under certain conditions. The premises must meet the following requirements:
- be well shaded;
- have natural or forced ventilation;
- the humidity in it should not exceed 85%, the lower limit is 65%;
- The optimal temperature range is from +3 to +5 degrees.
Periodically, the fruits are inspected and turned over.
Video
We offer you to watch a video on the topic of the article:
Watermelon, which we are used to enjoying at the height of the melon season, will become a real highlight of the table in the winter season. The only problem is that preserving sunberries for such a long time is not so easy. But probably! We will now talk about how to preserve watermelon until the New Year so that it does not lose its taste and aroma.
Watermelon will be a real highlight of the table in the winter season
Of course, nowadays you won’t surprise anyone with fresh fruit on the New Year’s or Christmas table. You won’t find anything on sale: bananas and oranges, kiwis and pineapples, as well as grapes, persimmons and even fresh strawberries. But this is how a person is designed, that most of all he wants exactly what is practically inaccessible (due to a number of reasons) right now, at the moment. In the winter season, watermelon can easily be considered one of these rarities: buying is not a problem, but the price and quality, to put it mildly, are not encouraging. Naturally, a practical solution arises - try to preserve it through your own efforts.
There are many ways and tips on how to preserve watermelon until the New Year. Some of them are practical and effective, others are quite unusual. But let’s not rush, let’s talk about everything in order: about methods, conditions, requirements and secrets.
There are many ways and tips on how to preserve watermelon
Svetlana talked about one of the storage methods tested in practice in the article How to Preserve a Watermelon until Christmas. The method is very simple, but very effective. The author of the post Watermelon for the New Year also shares his personal experience.
Choosing watermelon for long-term storage
Whatever method you choose, the first thing you need to do is choose the right fruit, since how long it can be stored will depend on its quality. So, for long-term storage you need to choose:
- watermelons weighing about 4-5 kg;
- high-quality fruits, the surface of which should not have any damage: dents, scratches, sunburn, cracks, and so on;
Do watermelons ripen during storage?
Many people are interested in the question: do the berries ripen after being stored in storage? It all depends on how to store the watermelon. If the room temperature does not rise above +3-5 degrees, the pulp will remain in the same condition as when collected or purchased. If the temperature is consistently higher (+20-25 degrees), ripening of almost ripe fruits is possible. You should not use unripe fruits for storing in basements and cellars, because they will remain unripe.
How to choose watermelons for storage
If you follow a few rules, the shelf life of watermelons can be significantly extended.
- Before buying, the fruit is carefully examined. If there is damage on it: cracks, scratches, dents, it is better to refuse it.
- You need to purchase fruits of regular shape and medium size (5 - 7 kg).
- When a watermelon is removed from the melon plant, it has practically no chance to ripen. Therefore, the harvest is harvested when the fruits have reached full ripeness. Too overripe fruits are not stored for a long time (maximum 3 days, in the refrigerator).
To keep watermelons for a long time, you need to buy them when they are absolutely ripe, paying attention to the following details.
- When tapped, ripe fruit produces a dull sound. Its stalk should be dry and attached to the same dry base. In addition, the fruit must have a yellowish part, up to 10 cm in size, which was in contact with the ground when ripe.
- It is desirable that the color of the peel is clear and contrasting. Light stripes should be clearly visible against the dark background, if we are talking about “striped” varieties. Blurred, unclear outlines of the pattern indicate the content of nitrates, so it is better not to buy such a fruit.
- It has been noticed that the “feminine” watermelon is tastier than the “male” one, and besides this, it contains few seeds.
- The main difference between “female” fruits is considered to be a wider halo (a light, dry round spot on the opposite side of the tail).
- If some of the pulp is placed in water and the water becomes slightly cloudy, this is an indicator of the quality of the fruit. The presence of nitrates will immediately become apparent if the water turns pink.
Where to store a whole watermelon for the winter
To preserve whole berries until the winter months, you need to choose a place that will maintain the conditions most suitable for them. Deviation from the recommended indicators will not allow you to save berries for the winter.
So, when the temperature rises, the pulp will begin to deteriorate faster, and when it drops below 0 degrees, it will turn into ice. Too low humidity can cause melons to dry out, and the presence of excess moisture will cause premature rotting.
Before choosing a room where the berries will be stored, it is necessary to assess the possibility of meeting all requirements.
How to store the cut half of a watermelon
The remaining part of the “sunny berry” cannot be stored just how. It’s important not just to put it in the refrigerator, it’s important to do it right. In order for the watermelon to retain all its juiciness, aroma and freshness, it is necessary to prepare it for storage.
- Be sure to place the berries cut side down. This will help maintain the richness of taste and prevent the “leakage” of watermelon juice, which in turn will prevent the sweet pulp from drying out and becoming lethargic.
- After placing a plate with cut watermelon in the refrigerator, make sure that there are no strong-smelling foods near it. The berry easily and quickly absorbs all odors, which will undoubtedly affect its taste.
- For greater safety, you can wrap the sweetness in cling film. However, try to ensure that the film does not touch the watermelon pulp, otherwise the latter will lose its shape, turning into a flaccid and tasteless mass.
It is better to wrap the watermelon in film along with the plate on which it lies, this will help preserve the taste of the ripe fruit in the next few days.
Shelf life of watermelon in the refrigerator
Storage in the refrigerator depends on the variety.
Thus, late-ripening species last up to 3-3.5 months at a temperature of +2-5 degrees, early-ripening species – up to two months.
At the same time, all the taste and beneficial qualities of the berry are preserved.
How long to store in the refrigerator? A lot depends on whether the watermelon is whole or sliced.
Whole watermelon
The fruits of melons weigh up to 12 kg. Extending the shelf life of an entire product is difficult due to its volume. It’s good if the refrigerator is spacious, then you can keep it for a long time. Otherwise, we recommend choosing berries weighing up to 4 kg.
Watermelon, cut in half or pieces
The entire product is not always eaten at one time. Then the slices will be stored in the refrigerator.
The sweet pulp of the uncut product is protected by the skin. In cut berries, under the influence of air and bacteria, fermentation and rotting will begin.
It is permissible to store an open watermelon for no more than 2 days.
An expired product can become food poisoning for humans due to the rapid proliferation of harmful microorganisms.
It is not advisable to cover the pulp with film. You need to place the piece on a plate, crust side up, and cover the top with film. You can put the uneaten piece in a deep bowl, cover it with a lid and put it in a cool place.
Carving
The green skin and red flesh attract carving lovers for creativity. The craftsman turns the round head into a masterpiece by cutting it in a special way.
The shelf life of such beauty is very short - up to 9 hours.
You can extend it in the refrigerator: sprinkle with water, then wrap in film, place in a deep container, and close with a lid.
The prepared product can be completely wrapped in a moistened towel and refrigerated until guests arrive.
Salted watermelon
6-9 months.
If it is not possible to increase the fresh shelf life, you can try enjoying the salty dessert. This is an interesting dish with an unusual taste. There are recipes for canning in glass jars at home. The barrel pickling will last in the cellar until spring.
Pickled watermelon
Pickling differs little from pickling. Spices are added: garlic, ginger, herbs. Stored until spring in a cool place.
Watermelon juice
Pieces of this delicacy melt in your mouth, consisting of more than 90 percent liquid. You can also prepare watermelon juice, observing the conditions for its maintenance:
- freshly squeezed juice cannot be stored, even in the refrigerator;
- The prepared juice in sterilized jars should be placed in a cool place for the winter.
2-6 hours.
There are recipes for watermelon tincture, when the berry is filled without cutting with a syringe with alcohol and hung in a dark place. After a few days it is ready to eat.
Watermelon with damaged rind
Maximum week.
It is impossible to preserve a treat with a damaged rind. When purchasing, carefully examine the appearance. If the crust is damaged, the contents are hazardous to health, since bacteria have already begun the decomposition process.
