ALEX OF ANNAPOLIS, MD ASKS: My friends and I were wondering what would happen if you microwaved a whole watermelon. Any ideas?
Interesting question, Alex. I’m assuming you’re microwaving a watermelon purely for scientific research, because I can’t really think of any other reason to microwave a whole watermelon. Whatever your reasons are, I’m going to say DO NOT PUT A WATERMELON IN THE MICROWAVE. It’s not a good idea and it’s a waste of a perfectly good watermelon.
That said, let’s start with some basics about how microwaves work. The process of heating food in a microwave is actually caused by a reaction between the water molecules in the food item and the microwaves passing through it. The microwaves cause the water molecules to spin and give off heat energy. During this spinning process, the water molecules are rubbing against other water molecules, creating a chain reaction and causing things to heat up very quickly.
So you can imagine what might happen to something like a watermelon, which is 92 percent water by weight, and whose watery interior is effectively sealed off by a thick rind. You’re probably imagining lots of pressure building up inside as the watermelon heats up and something disastrous happening when the watermelon reaches its breaking point, right?
I scoured the Internet for answers and found a video that shows what happens when you microwave a sliced watermelon (nothing exciting), but no videos or testimonies of whole watermelon nuking. Similar videos showed the results of microwaving watermelon-like foods such as tomatoes (nothing), bananas (burned and charred but no explosion) and eggs (boom!).
You’re going to be disappointed with my final answer, Alex, but the truth is, I’m not really sure what would happen if you put a whole watermelon in a microwave. I thought about testing it for myself, but good sense and my love of watermelon prevented me from taking such drastic action.
My advice again is this: DO NOT PUT A WATERMELON IN THE MICROWAVE. If you have a watermelon and you really want to do something crazy with it, I’d suggest using it to make some sweet and sour watermelon chicken.
Bon Appétit,
The Watermelon Guy
View Comments (5)
Good Advice “Watermelon Guy”. Depending on the size of the watermelon, I don’t think it would fit in most microwave’s maybe it would in Alex’s. In my opinion, there would probably be an explosion of watermelon and microwave.
Good point, Ellen. And good theory about possible damage to the microwave. All in all, this looks like something that is better off remaining a mystery.
I think that is a awesome question!!!
I think you should try it!I would LOVE to know what happens. If you do decide to put a whole watermelon in a microwave make sure take a video and put it on youtube :0)
Maybe try a mini melon that way it will fit in the microwave. I would also buy a used microwave from a thrif store or something that way, if it does explode, you are not our a good microwave.
Totally Try It!
As tempting as it seems, Summer, I should take this opportunity to once again reiterate my advice AGAINST trying this. It’s a waste of perfectly good watermelon! :)
Ok! So I told my husband about this and evidently WE will be making the video of what happens when you put a watermelon in a microwave. NOW we,just need to get a old microwave. Don’t worry!! I will let you know what happens :0)!