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Changes in color can also signal spoilage. Healthy watermelon flesh should be bright red or deep pink. Brown, gray, or unusually dark patches, along with a slimy surface, are strong indicators that the fruit has gone bad.
A wrinkled or shriveled rind may simply mean the watermelon has lost moisture, but if this is combined with softness, leaking juice, or an off smell, it should be discarded.
To keep watermelon fresh for as long as possible, wash the outside before cutting, refrigerate cut pieces promptly in an airtight container, and consume them within a few days. Proper storage helps reduce the risk of bacterial growth and preserves the fruit’s flavor and texture.
When in doubt, it’s always safer to throw a questionable watermelon away. Fresh fruit should look vibrant, smell pleasant, and feel firm. If any of these qualities are missing, it’s better not to take the risk.
