Do watermelons ripen more if you leave them out uncut?

[Sheree Bobbins]

I didn't think they did. Anybody know?

 

[dizluvah]

I read somewhere on the web that melons will get softer but never sweeter after being harvested - so I believe you are correct they do not ripen more but they will get mushy...

 

[kristilew]

Bottom Line/personal just did a blurb on watermelon in its June 1 issue. I learned:

"Watermelon containes more water than most fruits. The high liquid content, along with the sugars and fiber, make watermelon teh perfect snack before workouts. But it's more than a snack food.

Fact: Watermelon contains 40% more lycopene than fresh tomatoes. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that strengthens the immune systemd and may lower the risk for breast and prostate cancers.

Helpful: When you take a watermelon home, keep it on the counter even after cutting it open. Room-temperature watermelon continues to produce antioxidants for about two weeks. It will contain up to 40 % more lycopene and up to 139% more beta-carotene than cold watermelon."

Of course, everyone here like it ice-cold, but I did leave it out until I cut it...

 

[Golf4food]

You can always leave it out and then cut some slices long enough before eating that they can chill a while.

I'm pretty sure once you pick a watermellon that's it - you get what you get, not like a banana that will continue to ripen. We used to grow them when I was young.

 

[LisaR]

Bottom Line/personal just did a blurb on watermelon in its June 1 issue. I learned:

"Watermelon containes more water than most fruits. The high liquid content, along with the sugars and fiber, make watermelon teh perfect snack before workouts. But it's more than a snack food.

Fact: Watermelon contains 40% more lycopene than fresh tomatoes. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that strengthens the immune systemd and may lower the risk for breast and prostate cancers.

Helpful: When you take a watermelon home, keep it on the counter even after cutting it open. Room-temperature watermelon continues to produce antioxidants for about two weeks. It will contain up to 40 % more lycopene and up to 139% more beta-carotene than cold watermelon."

Of course, everyone here like it ice-cold, but I did leave it out until I cut it...

I was just reading something last week that said melons are one of the most contaminated fruits. Washing the outside of all melons before cutting them was advised but they said the best line of defense is to put melons in the fridge first. The cold helps kill some of the contaminates. I hate cold melon!