How To Ripen A Store Bought Watermelon

You can ripen a store bought watermelon at home by using a few simple tricks that encourage the natural ripening process.
 
Even though watermelons don’t ripen much more after being picked, there are still ways to make a store bought watermelon sweeter and juicier.
 
If you’ve ever brought home a watermelon that tasted bland or looked a little pale inside, you’re not alone.
 
The good news is that you can improve the flavor and texture of a store bought watermelon with a few easy steps.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to ripen a store bought watermelon, why it works, and what to avoid.
 
Let’s get started.
 

Why You Can Ripen a Store Bought Watermelon

You can ripen a store bought watermelon to some degree because ripening is a natural process driven by ethylene gas and internal chemical changes.
 
Here’s why it works:
 

1. Watermelons Are Climacteric Fruits

Watermelons are considered climacteric fruits, which means they continue to ripen after being harvested.
 
This is why a store bought watermelon can still change in sweetness and texture after you bring it home.
 
It won’t ripen as dramatically as a banana or avocado, but it does continue to mature.
 

2. Ethylene Gas Plays a Role

Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that triggers ripening in many fruits.
 
A store bought watermelon releases ethylene gas on its own, and you can amplify that effect by placing it near other ethylene-producing fruits.
 
This is one of the easiest ways to ripen a store bought watermelon faster.
 

3. Sugar Content Can Still Develop

Even after picking, a watermelon’s starches can convert into sugars to a limited extent.
 
This means the melon can become slightly sweeter over time if stored properly.
 
So while you can’t turn a bad watermelon into a perfect one, you can definitely improve a store bought watermelon that’s underripe.
 

How to Ripen a Store Bought Watermelon

To ripen a store bought watermelon, you need to create the right conditions that mimic its natural ripening environment.
 
Here are the best methods:
 

1. Keep It at Room Temperature

The first step to ripen a store bought watermelon is to leave it out at room temperature.
 
Cold temperatures slow down ripening, so storing it in the fridge right away will halt the process.
 
Place your watermelon on the counter or in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
 
Give it a few days and check for changes in color and firmness.
 

2. Place It Near Other Ripening Fruits

To speed up how to ripen a store bought watermelon, put it next to bananas, apples, or avocados.
 
These fruits release high amounts of ethylene gas, which helps trigger ripening in your watermelon.
 
You can even place them together in a paper bag to trap the gas and concentrate the effect.
 
Just check daily so the watermelon doesn’t overripen or start to rot.
 

3. Turn It Occasionally

Rotate your store bought watermelon every day or so to ensure even ripening.
 
This prevents one side from staying too firm while the other softens too much.
 
It also helps you monitor the melon’s progress as you try to ripen a store bought watermelon.
 

4. Use a Paper Bag

A brown paper bag is a simple tool to ripen a store bought watermelon.
 
Place the watermelon inside with a ripe banana or apple, then fold the top loosely.
 
The bag traps ethylene gas while allowing some airflow, which speeds up the process.
 
Check the watermelon every 12 to 24 hours to avoid overripening.
 

5. Give It Time

Patience is key when you want to ripen a store bought watermelon.
 
Depending on how underripe it is, it may take two to five days to see noticeable changes.
 
Don’t rush the process by using heat or direct sunlight, as that can damage the fruit.
 

Signs Your Store Bought Watermelon Is Ripening

As you try to ripen a store bought watermelon, watch for these signs that it’s working.
 

1. The Skin Turns Darker

A ripening watermelon’s rind will deepen in color and lose some of its shiny, green appearance.
 

2. The Bottom Spot Turns Creamy Yellow

The field spot, the area where the watermelon rested on the ground, should shift from white to a warm, creamy yellow.
 

3. It Feels Heavier

A ripe watermelon feels heavy for its size because it’s full of water and sugars.
 

4. The Sound Changes

Tap the watermelon. A ripe one produces a deep, hollow thud rather than a sharp, empty sound.
 

5. The Aroma Sweetens

Smell the blossom end. A ripening store bought watermelon will start to smell sweet and floral.
 

Mistakes to Avoid When You Ripen a Store Bought Watermelon

Avoid these common mistakes if you want to ripen a store bought watermelon successfully.
 

1. Don’t Refrigerate Too Soon

Cold stops the ripening process, so only chill your watermelon after it’s ripe.
 

2. Don’t Leave It in Direct Sun

Sunlight can overheat the fruit and cause it to spoil instead of ripen.
 

3. Don’t Pile Other Fruits Too Close

Too many ethylene-producing fruits can cause your watermelon to rot quickly.
 

4. Don’t Expect a Miracle

You can improve a store bought watermelon, but you can’t make a completely green melon perfectly ripe.
 

5. Don’t Ignore Spoilage Signs

If you notice soft spots, mold, or a fermented smell, toss it out immediately.
 

So, Can You Ripen a Store Bought Watermelon?

You can ripen a store bought watermelon to a certain extent by keeping it at room temperature, exposing it to ethylene gas, and giving it time.
 
While it won’t become dramatically sweeter like a peach or banana, a store bought watermelon can still improve in flavor and texture.
 
Use the tips above to get the most out of your melon and enjoy a tastier slice every time.
 
Now you know exactly how to ripen a store bought watermelon at home.