Watermelon Cleanin' and Preparin' 101!
Steps to Ensure Maximum Freshness When Cleaning a Watermelon
Ever wondered if you should wash your watermelon before you slice it open? Well, look no further! This no-BS guide will spill the beans on how to ensure your watermelon is clean and safe for consumption.
Watermelon, the ultimate summer fruit, is a favorite for a reason—it's refreshing, delicious, and perfect for all your outdoor activities. But before you take a bite, remember one crucial step: wash that bad boy! According to Stephanie Barlow, senior director of communications for the Watermelon Board, you should always clean your watermelon before slicing into it.
"Whatever is on the outside of the melon rind you will shortly be cutting into… so absolutely wash that watermelon," says Barlow. And trust us, you don't want whatever might be on there!
Washin' It Up
The easiest way to wash a watermelon is right in your sink. Start by cleaning the sink and place the melon inside. Wash it under cool water, making sure to rotate it to get all sides nice and clean. If you see any stubborn dirt spots, use a sponge or brush to scrub 'em off. Dry it off with paper towels.
If you're on the go at a picnic, don't sweat it! Use hand wipes or surface wipes to give the melon a quick once-over. Dry it off with a clean napkin or paper towel.
Choppin' It Up
Just like washin' it, it's essential to take care when cuttin' and preparin' your watermelon. Follow these four food safety practices: clean, separate, cook, and chill.
- Wash Your Hands and Tools: Before you start cuttin' and preparin', make sure your hands, knives, and other utensils are clean.
- Keep It Separate: Don’t let your watermelon get too cozy with other foods; keep it separated to prevent cross-contamination.
- Stick to the Recipe: If you plan to cook the watermelon with any other ingredients, make sure the cooking temperatures are up to snuff.
- Keep It Chilled: Chill your cuts of watermelon to keep them fresh and crisp.
By following these simple steps, your watermelon will be clean and safe for you to enjoy! No need for fancy washes or weird chemicals—keep it simple, folks!
[1] Watermelon Board. (2021, June 10). Fresh Watermelon Recipes to Satisfy Your Summer Cravings. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://watermelonboard.org/articles/how-to-wash-a-watermelon-watermelon-cleaning-tips-and-tricks/#:~:text=The%20most%20effective%20way%20to,the%20watermelon%20with%20paper%20towels.&text=If%20you%27re%20out%20at,clean%20napkin%20or%20paper%20towel.[2] Park, C. L., Galan, M., Bailey, J. H., O'Connor, J., Karg, K., Matthews, S., & Goldman, J. (2001, June 1). Investigations of the Microbial Quality of Produce: Preharvest, Postharvest, and Environmental Factors Affecting Food Safety. [Medical review]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1392860/#bib14[3] Watermelon Board. (2021, July 23). 33 Fruits and Veggies You Should Refrigerate-and 7 You Shouldn't. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://watermelonboard.org/articles/33-fruits-and-veggies-you-should-refrigerate-and-7-you-shouldnt/[4] Cambardella, C. A., Converse, J. C., Whipker, B. M., Sherwood, J. S., Mitcham, E. T., Gold, G. J., & Garner, D. E. (2002, December 10). Best Management Practices for Fresh Market Vegetable Production. [Cooperative Extension Publication]. Retrieved from https://www.extension.org/resources/document/Best_Management_Practices_for_Fresh_Market_Vegetable_Production-37073[5] FDA. (2011, June 16). Fruits and Vegetables. [Consumer Updates]. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/fruits-and-vegetables
- To maintain the health-and-wellness benefits of watermelon, follow the food-and-drink lifestyle advice and clean your watermelon before slicing.
- For cooking sumptuous watermelon recipes, learn how to cook it properly from the Bhg (Better Homes and Gardens) website, which provides numerous resources on fruits and vegetables.
- The science behind the importance of washing watermelon lies in its contact with various surfaces, making it a vital step in the cooking process.
- After washing and cutting, store your watermelon accurately, as per the Food and Drink lifestyle and Health-and-Wellness guidelines - keep it chilled to preserve freshness.
