Why You Should Always Wash Watermelon Before Slicing—Even If You Don’t Eat the Rind Before you slice, serve, and savor, this hefty fruit needs to be cleaned. In This Article View All In This Article The Role of the Rind How to Wash a Watermelon Properly Washing Watermelon If You Eat the Rind Beyond the Flesh: Don't Waste a Slice Close Credit: Getty / Yau Ming Low Watermelon is summer's sweetest savor. It's juicy, cooling, and versatile in countless dishes, from sweet slices to savory salads and even spirited cocktails. But did you know you need to wash a watermelon before slicing and serving? It's an essential step to keep your summer gatherings safe and delicious. We spoke to a food scientist who explained why this step is vital and how to do it properly. Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., food scientist and founder of Mendocino Food Consulting How to Choose a Ripe Cantaloupe, Watermelon, or Honeydew The Role of the Rind The hearty rind of a watermelon plays an important role, protecting the juicy pink interior flesh from pests, contaminants, and microorganisms. These impurities may be from the soil where it grew, the crate it was shipped in, the sticky shopping cart, or even the dusty trunk of your car on the way home. Even though most people don't consume the rind regularly, it is essential to always wash watermelon before cutting. That very shield protecting your juicy gem can quickly become a source of contaminants. Bacteria, dirt, and debris from the surface can transfer onto your knife blade and hitch a ride through the melon once you start cutting—contaminating every bite. Always inspect your watermelon for visible cracks or damage to its rind before purchasing; these chinks in the armor allow contaminants to enter, spoil your fruit faster, and increase the risk of foodborne illness. How to Wash a Watermelon Properly Due to its large size and heft, washing watermelon can feel intimidating, especially compared to smaller fruits like strawberries or peaches. Here's how to do it right: Place the watermelon in a clean sink.Rinse under cool running water, rotating it to ensure all surfaces are washed thoroughly.Use a clean produce brush to gently scrub away any stubborn dirt spots. Skip soap, commercial produce washes, or bleach. The FDA does not recommend using them and they can leave residues. Don't Miss Do You Need a Produce Wash for Fruit? The Answer Might Surprise You How to Wash Every Type of Vegetable, According to Food Safety Experts Washing Watermelon If You Eat the Rind According to food scientist Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D, a thorough wash with water is sufficient for most watermelon uses, given that most people don't eat the rind. However, if you plan to eat the rind, you may want to consider a more targeted approach to remove any pesticides and inhibit bacterial growth. Mix 3 parts cold water to 1 part white vinegar in a clean spray bottle.Spray watermelon generously with solution on all surfaces and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any vinegar residue. Dry completely before attempting to cut because the watermelon will be slippery when wet. Beyond the Flesh: Don't Waste a Slice After washing your watermelon to perfection, your options for enjoyment are endless. Beyond cutting the fruit into summertime slices of bliss, your juicy options know no bounds. With a squeaky-clean rind, consider pickling, candying, or even stir-frying it, making sure nothing goes to waste and every bite is a celebration of sunny summertime. Explore more: Food & Cooking Cooking How-Tos & Techniques Food Storage