Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that people love during the hot summer months. It's not only tasty but also great for cooling down. However, many farmers are looking for ways to extend the shelf life of their watermelons. Experts suggest that proper harvesting techniques, careful handling, and controlled storage conditions can significantly improve preservation.
When it comes to harvesting, timing is key. Late-maturing varieties usually take about 40 days from flowering to maturity. At this point, the tendrils near the fruit begin to wither, the fuzz on the rind starts to fall off, and the skin becomes smooth and shiny. If you press the fruit, it should feel slightly soft, indicating it's ready to eat immediately. But if you're planning to store the watermelon, it's better to harvest it a little earlier—when it's still firm and not fully mature.
Avoiding any physical damage is crucial for long-term storage. Watermelons should be handled gently to prevent bruising, cracking, or other injuries. They should also be stored in a way that prevents them from being squeezed, dropped, or exposed to strong vibrations. Ideally, they should be stored close to where they were harvested, minimizing unnecessary movement and long-distance transport.
Before storage, it’s a good idea to treat the watermelons to prevent spoilage. One common method is fumigation with clotrinone or similar agents. To do this, prepare a solution containing 0.1 to 0.2 ml of the chemical per kilogram of water. Soak cotton balls or absorbent paper in the solution, place them around the watermelons, then cover everything with plastic film and let it sit for 24 hours. This helps protect against fungal diseases during storage.
Temperature control is another important factor. The ideal storage temperature is as low as possible without causing cold damage. Cooler temperatures help maintain the quality and flavor of the fruit. However, if the temperature is too low, it can cause the watermelon to become soft, discolored, or even develop internal rot. For short-term storage (less than 20 days), keep it cool, but for longer periods, slightly increasing the temperature can help avoid damage.
Storage methods also matter. You can either stack the watermelons in small piles or place them on shelves. Choose a cool, dry area such as a storage room or a shaded yard. Lay down a layer of straw (about 5–10 cm thick) on the floor, and arrange the watermelons in 2–3 layers. Alternatively, use a wooden rack to keep them off the ground. Make sure the space is well-ventilated and dry. Regularly check the watermelons for signs of decay, and remove any that show symptoms of disease to prevent the spread.
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