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**If Your Watermelon Starts to Look Like This, Get Rid of It Immediately**
Watermelons are the ultimate refreshing summer fruit, perfect for hot days, picnics, and barbecues. Their juicy, sweet flesh makes them a favorite among both kids and adults alike. But like all perishable foods, watermelon can spoil if not handled or stored properly. While it’s easy to notice when a watermelon is ripe and ready to eat, it’s not always as obvious when the fruit has gone bad. Sometimes, the signs are subtle, but in other cases, a watermelon may exhibit clear warning signs that it’s no longer safe to eat.
If your watermelon starts to look like this—don’t hesitate to dispose of it immediately. In this article, we’ll explain the common signs that your watermelon has gone bad and why it’s crucial to take these warnings seriously.
### 1. **Soft, Mushy Spots**
One of the most common indicators that a watermelon has gone bad is the appearance of soft or mushy spots on the rind or flesh. Watermelons contain a high amount of water, and as they begin to spoil, the water content can break down the flesh, making it soft and squishy. While some small blemishes on the rind are normal and don’t always indicate spoilage, soft spots, especially ones that feel wet or slimy, are a clear sign that the fruit has started to rot.
**Why You Should Avoid Eating It:** If you notice these mushy areas, it’s an indication that bacteria or mold might have started growing inside. Eating spoiled watermelon can lead to food poisoning or stomach discomfort.
### 2. **Off or Sour Smell**
Watermelon has a naturally sweet and fresh scent when it’s ripe, but as it starts to spoil, that aroma can change dramatically. If you notice an off or sour smell coming from your watermelon, it’s time to throw it out. The fruit can begin to ferment as it deteriorates, causing it to emit a pungent odor. This is especially true if the melon has been stored for a long time at room temperature or in a warm area.
**Why You Should Avoid Eating It:** A sour smell is often associated with bacterial or fungal growth. Consuming fermented or spoiled food can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
### 3. **Discoloration of the Flesh**
Another sign that your watermelon may be past its prime is if the flesh starts to show unusual discoloration. Fresh watermelon should have a vibrant red or pink color. If you notice patches of brown, yellow, or gray in the flesh, it’s a sign of spoilage. This discoloration could be due to over-ripeness, bacterial growth, or the beginning stages of mold development.
**Why You Should Avoid Eating It:** Discoloration is often a sign that the watermelon has undergone internal changes that affect its safety and taste. It could be an indication of mold or bacterial contamination that could lead to foodborne illnesses.
### 4. **Excessive Liquid Leaking from the Watermelon**
While it’s normal for watermelons to have a lot of moisture, if you notice that the fruit is leaking excessive amounts of liquid, that could be a sign of spoilage. If the watermelon is cut and sitting out for too long, or if it has been improperly stored, the liquid inside may begin to escape, leaving the fruit looking shriveled or empty.
**Why You Should Avoid Eating It:** Leaking liquid could indicate that the watermelon’s interior is breaking down, and bacteria or yeast may be growing in the remaining flesh. This can create a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms, making it unsafe to consume.
### 5. **Fuzzy or Slimy Texture**
If you find fuzzy patches on the surface of the watermelon or notice a slimy film when you cut into it, that’s a clear sign that mold is present. Mold growth can occur on the rind or the flesh, and it may not always be visible at first glance. Sliminess is often a sign of bacterial overgrowth that has caused the flesh to break down, leading to a texture that’s unpleasant and unsafe to eat.
**Why You Should Avoid Eating It:** Mold and bacteria can release mycotoxins and other harmful compounds that are unsafe for consumption. Eating moldy food can cause allergic reactions or digestive issues.
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