Myth: Watermelon continues to ripen once it has been picked.

Answer: BUSTED!

Watermelons do not continue to ripen once they have been picked. Therefore, do not buy a watermelon that you know is not yet ripe thinking it will be ripe by the time you eat it.

A ripe watermelon will keep for up to two weeks if uncut and stored in an area where the temperature is between 45 and 50 degrees. A cut watermelon can be stored by covering the melon with cellophane or plastic to prevent drying out, and keeping it in the refrigerator for no more than three days.

Melons are a great value during the summer – low in cost, high in nutritional benefits and quantity. Additional nutrition information about melons can be found at: http://missourifamilies.org/features/nutritionarticles/nut290.htm

Contributor: Maude Harris, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, harrismau@missouri.edu, 573.545.3516