Melon, also known as muskmelon or cantaloupe is a sweet, delicious fruit that’s great for your diet. But what you may not know is that, like most fruits and vegetables, melon has a shelf life. Understanding this information could help you plan your next meal…or save money on your grocery bill.
If you’ve ever wondered what the shelf life of a melon is, then you’re not alone. It’s a question I get asked all the time, so I thought I’d write an article about it.
Shelf Life of Whole Melon vs Cut Melon
Have you ever wondered how long a whole melon lasts, as compared to when it’s cut up?
Here’s the scoop:
Fresh melon (whole)
- Room temperature: 1 to 2 days
- Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
What is the shelf life of the whole melon?
The precise answer to this question depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. A whole melon will last for 1 to 2 days at room temperature, 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, and 10 to 12 months in the freezer (at best quality).
What is the shelf life of melon at room temperature?
Melon usually keeps for about 1-2 days at room temperature.
To extend the shelf life of melon, store it in the refrigerator in a plastic bag.
How long does melon keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in good condition, the melon will generally keep for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze melon?
Yes. Cut the melon in half and remove the seeds and skin. Slice or cut the melon into cubes. Store melon slices or cubes in the freezer in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
How long can melon keep in the freezer?
Stored in good conditions, the melon retains optimum quality for about 10 to 12 months in the freezer but remains suitable for consumption beyond this period.
How do you know if the melon is expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the melon. If the melon develops an abnormal odor, flavor, or appearance, it should be discarded. If mold appears, throw it away.
Fresh melon (cut)
- Refrigerator: 3 to 5 days
- Freezer: 10 to 12 months (best quality)
What is the shelf life of cut melon?
This also depends to a large extent on the storage conditions. When you cut up a melon, the shelf life shortens considerably.
You must therefore keep it in the refrigerator where it will last for 3 to 5 days and about a year in the freezer. Do not leave cut melon at room temperature because this accelerates its deterioration.
To maximize the shelf life of cut melon, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
How long will a cut melon keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in good condition, a cut melon can be kept for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze cut melons?
Yes. Remove the seeds and skin, then freeze it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
How long will a cut melon keep in the freezer?
Stored in good conditions, a cut melon retains optimal quality for about 10 to 12 months in the freezer but remains suitable for consumption beyond this period.
How do you know if a cut melon has expired?
The best way is to smell and examine the cut melon. Discard the melon if it smells or looks abnormal, or if mold appears.
How to Store Melon to Make It Last Longer
When you get a fresh melon, it’s best to store it in the fridge. This will help it last a few days longer.
If you want to freeze the melon, cut it into pieces first and then put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for 10 to 12 months in the freezer, but it’ll be the best quality if you eat it within 6 to 8 months.
You can also freeze a melon whole.
How to tell if melon/ cantaloupe has gone bad
Now that you know how long melon lasts, you need to know how to tell if it has gone bad.
The best way to tell is by smell. If it smells unpleasant, then it’s likely past its prime. Appearance can be a giveaway too. If the skin is wrinkled or the fruit is discolored, then it’s time to toss it.
Soft spots and bruises on the rind. This is a sign that your melon has gone bad. The entire melon gets soft, and liquid seeps out through the rind. You’ll probably notice an unpleasant odor as well.
The texture is another way to tell. A ripe melon should be fresh and firm, while an overripe melon will start to feel a bit mushy. If in doubt, cut into it and have a taste. If it doesn’t taste right, then it’s time to chuck it.
If mold appears on or around any part of your melon, toss it out or cut off pieces immediately!
Recipes to use up old melon
Now that you know the shelf life of melons, let’s talk about what to do with the leftovers.
One great idea is to cut the melon up and freeze it. Just put it in a Ziploc bag and it will last for months.
Another option is to make smoothies. You can either blend the melon with other fruits or use it as the base for a green smoothie.
And finally, you could use the melon in a salad. It would be a great addition to a fruit salad or you could use it as the main ingredient in a watermelon salad.
Tips for Picking the Freshest Melon at the Store
When you’re picking out a melon at the grocery store, here are a few tips to help you choose the freshest one:
- The rind should be clean and free of blemishes.
- The stem should be green and intact.
- The fruit should be heavy for its size.
- The blossom end (the end opposite the stem) should be slightly soft.
If the melon passes these tests, it’s likely to be ripe and delicious. Enjoy!
Conclusion
The best quality is obtained by cutting the fruit into small pieces before freezing. This way, the water content remains low and the flavor is preserved.
Melons are very perishable fruits that should be stored in the refrigerator or frozen. They can be eaten raw but they lose their freshness quickly when left out of the fridge
