10. Whole melons
If you want to keep your melon as fresh as possible, then you should never refrigerate it when it’s whole and uncut. This rule might seem strange, as melons are mostly made of water, so it seems as if your fridge might be a natural environment for them.
However research has shown that if you keep melons in the fridge whole, it causes a drastic loss of antioxidants. The good news is, by keeping whole melons at room temperature instead, the reverse is true – as according to scientists, melons can maintain or even increase their natural levels of lycopene and beta carotene!
Only sliced melons are suitable to be kept in the fridge – but make sure you don’t remove the seeds, as this helps to extend the fruit’s shelf life. If you’re going to be chilling sliced melon, it’s recommended that you cover your melon pieces and seal them in an airtight container before storing, so the moisture can’t degrade the fruit. Make sure you place a paper towel into the container first before putting the melon inside, to absorb excess moisture and keep everything as fresh as possible.
Do you want to keep melon pieces for a longer period of time? If so, freeze them on a baking tray, then transfer them into a plastic bag and put them back in the freezer, as this will keep them fresh for up to six months!
