Summer doesn’t quite feel like summer until we’ve savored a bite from a sweet, juicy wedge of watermelon. As much as we consider this one of our favorite seasonal fruits—and even though we adore and frequently make these sweet and savory watermelon recipes—we find it daunting to make our way through the entire melon before it is past its prime.

The average large watermelon clocks in at about 20 pounds. Whether it is seeded or seedless; red or yellow, 70% of the average watermelon is flesh, and the other 30% is rind. (All of this is edible—yes, including the rind!) Each pound of watermelon is the equivalent of about 1 ½ cups of cubes. So your 20-pound watermelon with 14 pounds of flesh will leave you with 21 cups of fresh fruit to use. 

Once a watermelon is harvested, it doesn’t ripen any further and it has a 3 to 4 week shelf life, according to the National Watermelon Promotion Board. But that’s when it is whole, so how long does a cut watermelon last? Our Test Kitchen has answers so you know how quickly you need to hustle through that haul.

How to Select and Store Watermelon

If you’re searching for the best watermelon, look for fruit that:

• Has a natural sheen
• Is vibrant in color
• Features a creamy yellow spot on one side (a sign that it has rested on the ground until it ripened)
• Emits a hollow, drum-like sound when you knock on the exterior
• Feels relatively heavy for its size
• Is not cracked

The ideal temperature for storing whole watermelons is around 55° F,  the National Watermelon Promotion Board confirms. This is warmer than the refrigerator or a root cellar, Brekke adds, making it a unique food storage challenge.

“Most people don’t have an area of the home that is that temperature, so we’d suggest finding a cool, dry area such as a basement or cool garage depending on the time of year to store the melon if it won’t be consumed right away,” Brekke advises.

A whole watermelon can be stored at or around room temperature for 7 to 10 days, but for the freshest and sweetest flavor, the sooner you can savor the watermelon the better.

“Because we can’t be sure of how long purchased cut watermelon has been on the shelf, it’s better to err on the side of caution and consume within a few days of purchase, if possible,” Brekke says.

When you’re ready to enjoy your first few bites, wash the rind under cool water, then cut the watermelon into wedges, sticks, cubes, balls, or “fries." Transfer the fruit to an airtight food storage container. Store cut watermelon in the low-humidity crisper drawer in the refrigerator (or on a shelf, if your appliance doesn’t have drawers—or have space inside them). 

How Long Does Cut Watermelon Last?

Exposure to oxygen leads to the more rapid breakdown of the fruit, so the clock really starts ticking once you’ve sliced it. Pieces of watermelon will last in the refrigerator for at least 3 days to 5 days or so, Brekke and the National Watermelon Promotion Board agree.

What’s up with that time range for how long cut watermelon lasts? The lifespan of cut watermelon varies based on a couple factors:

• How the watermelon was stored before purchasing and cutting
• How large the watermelon pieces are

Larger pieces of watermelon, such as quarters or wedges, tend to last slightly longer than bite-sized pieces since smaller portions have more surface area that’s not only subject to more oxygen, but is also more likely to allow the hydrating juices to seep out.

Once you've cut the fruit, put it to delicious use in creations like Grilled Chicken with Watermelon Glaze, Spicy Watermelon Salad, Homemade Gyros with Watermelon-Feta Salsa, Watermelon Soup with Fresh Mint, or Watermelon Margaritas.

If you don’t think you can make it through all 21 cups of the fresh fruit within 5 days, consider making a batch of watermelon juice or freezing the watermelon.