Be Dangerous
Fermentation itself can make the fruit unpleasant, but the bigger problem is that obvious spoilage means microorganisms have been growing inside it.
You cannot tell by appearance alone exactly which organisms are present.
That is why a watermelon that is bubbling, foaming, leaking, or smells fermented should be thrown away rather than tasted.
Don’t Rely on a Taste Test if It Looks Spoiled
If a watermelon already shows obvious spoilage, do not taste a piece just to “check.”
Food can contain harmful microorganisms without tasting dramatically different.
When in doubt, throwing away one watermelon is much safer than risking foodborne illness.
How to Choose a Better Watermelon
You cannot guarantee what the inside will look like, but a few checks may improve your chances of choosing a good one.
Look for a Creamy Yellow Field Spot
This is the area where the watermelon rested on the ground.
