Watermelon is undoubtedly one of our favorite fruits, especially when the temperature rises. It’s fresh, delicious, and packed with water, vitamins, natural sugars, and energy. Composed mainly of water, watermelon is also beneficial for health due to its diuretic effect.

On hot days, when temperatures exceed 30°C, enjoying a piece of watermelon can provide a refreshing sensation and help cool you down.

This fruit is highly recommended for its numerous health benefits. It’s easy to find, budget-friendly, and one of its best features is that it stays fresh for several days.

However, not everything about watermelon is perfect—there are some potential risks that can pose health problems.

While it’s hard to believe, watermelon can sometimes cause serious health issues. It’s important to understand the characteristics of this fruit so you can spot any potential issues and avoid problems.

For instance, sometimes when you cut open a watermelon, you may notice large cracks inside. While many people ignore this and continue eating it, this could be harmful to your health.

You should avoid consuming watermelon with internal cracks, as this could indicate the presence of a harmful chemical called forchlorfenuron, a growth accelerator used in some watermelons. This substance is sprayed on the fruit to speed up its growth.

The major concern with forchlorfenuron is that when it enters the body, it can cause cancer and neurological issues, which are difficult to treat.

How to Keep Watermelon Fresh

If you don’t plan on eating a watermelon right away, there are several ways to keep it fresh for longer. First, choosing a good watermelon is key. Look for one with a firm rind, a yellow ground spot, a heavy weight, a hollow sound when tapped, and two finger-width stripes on the surface.

Once you’ve chosen your watermelon, it’s best to keep it whole until you’re ready to eat it. Chilling your watermelon helps slow the ripening process. While it’s perfectly fine to store it on the counter away from direct sunlight, putting it in the fridge will help keep it fresh for an extended period.

Once the watermelon is cut, it loses freshness quickly. To keep cut watermelon as fresh as possible, refrigerate it immediately. Wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before storing it in the fridge. Just like with a whole watermelon, keeping it cool will help preserve its freshness.