If Your Watermelon Starts to Look Like This, Get Rid of It Immediately
Watermelons are a refreshing and hydrating treat, especially during the hot summer months. However, like any fresh produce, they can spoil if not stored or handled properly. Knowing the signs of a bad watermelon can help you avoid foodborne illnesses and ensure you’re only consuming safe, delicious fruit. Here’s what to look for—and what to do if your watermelon starts showing these warning signs.
1. Visible Mold or Fuzzy Spots
What It Looks Like:
White, green, or black fuzzy patches on the rind or exposed flesh.
Why It’s Dangerous:
Mold is a clear sign that harmful bacteria or fungi have taken hold. These microorganisms can produce toxins that spread throughout the fruit—even in areas that appear unaffected.
What to Do:
Discard the entire watermelon immediately. Do not attempt to cut off the moldy part, as spores may have already penetrated deeper into the fruit.
2. Soft or Squishy Spots
What It Looks Like:
Areas of the rind or flesh that feel overly soft, mushy, or sunken.
Why It’s Dangerous:
Soft spots often indicate rot or bacterial growth, which compromises the safety and flavor of the watermelon.
What to Do:
If the soft spots are minor and only on the exterior, you might be able to salvage the interior by cutting away the affected areas. However, if the flesh inside is also soft or discolored, throw it out.
3. Unpleasant or Sour Smell
What It Smells Like:
A sour, fermented, or off-putting odor when you cut into the watermelon.
Why It’s Dangerous:
A foul smell indicates fermentation or spoilage caused by bacteria breaking down the sugars in the fruit.
What to Do:
If the watermelon smells bad, don’t taste it—discard it immediately. Spoiled fruit can cause food poisoning.
4. Discolored or Slimy Flesh
CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE 🥰💕
