The Only Way To Store Cut Watermelon, According to an Expert

Cut watermelon can quickly pick up lingering smells in the refrigerator and start tasting off.

Sweet, sticky watermelon is a summertime classic. I haven’t fully enjoyed watermelon season unless I’ve had its juices running down to my elbows while eating wedges. It’s a treat I enjoy as is, in salads, blended into cocktails, and beyond. I will gladly pick up a watermelon whenever I’m at the grocery store, all summer long.

However, I have a small household. It’s just my husband and I, so an entire watermelon is far too much for us to enjoy in one sitting unless we’re hosting a large cookout with lots of friends. That means we often have leftovers.

I like to cut the entire watermelon at once so that so it’s ready to eat when we want it. The only problem is that cut watermelon can quickly pick up lingering smells in the refrigerator and start tasting off.

So I reached out to Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications at The National Watermelon Promotion Board to see if she had any tips for storing watermelon so that it tastes as delicious as when I first cut into it. As a true watermelon lover herself, she was able to give me the answer I was looking for.

It’s All About Proper Storage

The problem with cut watermelon is the flesh absorbs odors. There are plenty of smells in your refrigerator, whether it’s the garlicky aroma of leftover pizza wrapped in aluminum foil or a wedge of stinky cheese. The watermelon can pick up these smells and you’re left with fruit that tastes off and reminiscent of that garlic and cheese.

Barlow recommends airtight storage to prevent this. “Keep your cut watermelon sealed and protected from the circulating air,” she says. “Whether storing cut cubes and slices in a Ziploc bag, a food storage container (plastic or glass) with a tight-fitting lid, or covering tightly with clear plastic wrap, these methods should help protect the watermelon’s freshness and flavor while inside the fridge.” The important takeaway is that the seal needs to be tight—no air should get in or go out.

While it may be tempting to toss that bowl of cubed watermelon or platter of sliced wedges into the refrigerator without covering, it’s best to store it in an airtight container. Even if you plan on serving the fruit later that day, it can pick up fridge smells quickly. Play it safe by storing it properly. You’ll be rewarded with the sweet, summery flavor you know and love.