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Fruits & Vegetables
7 Warning Signs Your Watermelon Has Gone Bad
1. A Sour or Unpleasant Smell
When a watermelon is fresh, it should have a very light, sweet, and clean scent. If you lean in and notice “a sour smell” or “a fermented or “off” odor”, this is a major red flag. This happens when the sugars inside the fruit begin to break down and rot. If it doesn’t smell like fresh fruit, it is a clear sign that the watermelon is no longer good to eat.
2. Slimy or Sticky Texture
Texture is one of the best ways to tell if fruit is still fresh. The flesh of a healthy watermelon should feel firm, crisp, and full of moisture. If you touch the fruit and find that it feels “slimy”, “mushy”, or “sticky”, it has definitely started to decay. Safe-to-eat fruit should never feel slippery or gooey to the touch.