Believe it or not, there’s never been a case of food-borne illness related to the watermelon itself. It’s true. In the very few instances in which people got sick after eating watermelon, it was because they either cut the watermelon with a contaminated knife or they didn’t handle the watermelon properly after cutting it.
Still, there are a few things you can do to keep your watermelon clean and safe, and a lot of this is common sense:
1. Choose a firm watermelon, free of major cracks, dents or bruises.
2. The FDA says to wash all fruits and veggies before cutting, so be sure to wash and dry the outer surface of your watermelon before cutting it.
3. Wash your hands and wash all cutting surfaces, knives and other utensils.
4. Refrigerate it after cutting it! Either by placing chunks in a bag or container or placing plastic wrap over the exposed part of the watermelon.
The bottom line is this: When in doubt, throw it out! It might be tough to bring yourself to toss out all that watermelon, but it’s probably better in the long run. Besides, wouldn’t you rather have some fresh, crisp watermelon anyhow?
FUN FACT: Studies have shown that watermelon, because of its smooth, thick skin, is one of the naturally cleanest produce items available and has the lowest numbers of detectable residues. Watermelon actually shares this squeaky clean distinction with one vegetable. Guess which one by leaving a comment.
View Comments (5)
I just found your blog and I can’t wait to try the Easy Creamy Watermelon Pie.
My kitchen is decorated in watermelon theme and I can’t wait for your next giveaway either!!
No problem, Sharlee. I’d be happy to add your festival. And like I said, if you or anyone else would like to provide photos and a rundown of the festival after it takes place, I’d be happy to post it here on What About Watermelon.
Glad you like the blog, Fran. It’s made with watermelon fanatics like you in mind!
Hi there!
I just bought this year’s first whole watermelon using your tips instead of the bongo-method. I haven’t opened it yet. I’ll come back and yell at you if it’s no good. :)
Anyway, regarding the seasons for eating watermelon… Watermelon is not available all year around here at the North Pole and when it is, it is only in the summer it is any good. Other seasons the watermelon is tasteless and I wonder if they spray painted the flesh red.
My guess for the veggie that is squeaky clean on the inside must be pumpkin. I mean, they share similarities in the rind-department. Otherwise I would say coconut. But that is not a veggie, but a nut. A coconut is squeaky clean on the inside. You can use the liquid inside a coconut as intravenous fluids. Gotta be really clean to use it inside body like that. At least according to Wikipedia. :)
Have a great watermelon-day!
Nina
Wow, the North Pole?! Yeah, I’ll bet it is hard to find watermelon during certain parts of the year up there. I never knew that coconut juice could be used as intravenous fluids. That’s kind of cool. Watermelon has its own medicinal uses too! I’ll cover some of those in a future post.
Hi, just came across this cause I had a bite of a watermelon that was on the counter for too long I guess and it looked fine on the outside, but when I tasted it it had this pretty bad taste. I spit it out and rinse my mouth but I am freaking now i might get sick! Is there something I can do so I dont get sick?? thanks