What Is ‘Rubbery’ Watermelon And How Do You Avoid Buying One? 3 Expert Shopping Tips
Selecting the right watermelon at the store does wonders for steering clear of any rubbery varieties
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok recently, you may have seen videos about “rubbery” watermelon popping up. This trend of diving into what causes fresh watermelons to develop a springy, bendable texture has sparked skepticism on whether or not they’re safe to eat. Well, we did some digging and found an expert answer on why a watermelon’s flesh would be rubbery. We’ve also included an easy guide for how to shop for fresh watermelon so you can buy the ripest melons all summer long!
Why would a watermelon be rubbery?
When sliced and served, perfectly ripe watermelon boasts a sweet flavor along with a juicy yet firm texture. However, a video by TikToker @kiva_boddy in May showing slices of watermelon that were difficult to break apart sparked conversation as to why this happens.
@kiva_boddy It looks so good but tastes so bad 😭 Have you had a bendable, rubbery watermelon? #rubberwatermelon #watermelon #badwatermelon
While many theories have circulated online, Rachel Syngo, chief marketing officer of the National Watermelon Promotion Board, offers a simple explanation. “All watermelons will begin to have a rubber-like texture eventually as a part of the breakdown process,” she tells Mashed.com. “This is a naturally occurring phase in all watermelons before they begin to get a grainy texture and truly begin to decompose.” Since this occurrence seems to be a sign of early spoilage, it’s worth knowing the ins and outs of shopping for watermelon to pick the freshest one.
How to shop for fresh watermelon
Selecting a watermelon at its peak is easier than you think! The National Watermelon Promotion Board shares three things to look for in order to enjoy the most flavorful watermelon.
1. Smooth appearance
Make sure there are no bruises, cuts or dents on the fruit that could affect its storage life.
2. Weighted feel
About 92 percent of watermelon is made up of water, so the fruit should feel heavy.
3. Ground spot
A yellow spot (also called the “ground spot”) on the watermelon’s underside will indicate where the fruit sat and ripened in the sun.
2 delicious recipes that use fresh watermelon
You can enjoy that ripe and firm (not rubbery) watermelon on its own, or use it to make these two recipes from our test kitchen. (Check out our other story addressing if you can eat watermelon rind.)
Grilled Watermelon
Ingredients:
- 12 (½-inch thick) wedges watermelon (about 4-inch long, 3-inch wide)
- 4 lemon slices
- 2 Tbs. raw honey
- 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
- Pinch ground cayenne
- Mint sprigs (optional)
Directions:
- Active: 15 mins
- Total time: 15 mins + grill prep time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prepare grill for medium indirect-heat cooking.
- Lightly coat watermelon and lemon slices with cooking spray. Place fruit on grill grates. Grill, flipping once, until grill-marked, about 4 min. per side. Transfer to platter; let cool.
- Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine honey, lemon juice, cayenne and ⅛ tsp. salt. Drizzle over watermelon. If desired, garnish with mint.
Watermelon Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 tomatoes
- ½ of 1 seedless cucumber
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- 1 Tbs. red wine vinegar
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 6 cups (1-inch) pieces seedless watermelon
- ⅓ cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup crumbled feta, 2 oz.
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves
Directions:
- Active: 20 mins
- Total time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Halve tomatoes; cut into ¾-inch wedges. Slice cucumber into half moons. In bowl, whisk oil, vinegar and salt. Add watermelon, onion, tomatoes and cucumber. Toss until combined. Transfer to serving bowl. Top with feta and basil.
- Easy variation: Make it Melon-Prosciutto Salad. Omit tomatoes, cucumber and onion. Sub in cantaloupe for watermelon and mozzarella balls for feta. Top with pro-ciutto and basil. Add dressing.
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