Did you know watermelons last longer at room temperature than they do in the refrigerator? It is true and it is wiser wise to store them in a closet than in the refrigerator. Imagine that? And just to prove this little known fact there was a scientific research project done on this. The report and study shows that the nutritional value of a watermelon is better after being stored at room temp rather than in the refrigerator. The USDA United States Department of Agriculture showed better antioxidant and nutritional value. Watermelons have all sorts of great stiff in them such as beta carotene and lycopene. At 70-75 degrees the levels of good stuff was 140% better than at 41-55 degrees. How long will an uncut watermelon last? Well two to three weeks, but if you store them in the fridge the decay and loss or nutrients can start in about a week. Some cultures eat more watermelon than others and scientists have found that their occurrence of cancer is much less. Many people swear by watermelons and it turns out they are right, watermelons are very good for the human body and human health. The Center for Disease and Control has only great things to say about watermelons; http://www.cdc.gov/NCCDPHP/dnpa/5ADay/month/pdfs/Watermelon.pdf Of course once you cut into the watermelon then it must be stored in the refrigerator and it is best if you eat them within a couple of days. Next time, you go to the grocery store put a watermelon on the list and then store it in the pantry until you cut it open. Consider all this in 2006. |
