If your watermelon has these warning signs, it’s best to toss it

Most people expect to see a vibrant, bright pink or deep red color when they cut into a watermelon. While some varieties vary in shade, you should be very careful if you see “dark spots”, “brown patches”, or “faded or pale color”. These discolorations usually mean that the fruit is aging or that bacteria have started to colonize the flesh.

4. Visible Mold Growth

This sign is the most obvious, but it is also the most dangerous. If you spot “white fuzz” or “green or black spots” on either the pink flesh or the green outer rind, you must discard the entire fruit immediately. Do not try to cut around the mold. Mold has long, microscopic roots that can spread deep into the soft, watery flesh of the watermelon even if you cannot see them.

5. A Fizzy or Bubbling Taste