With the arrival of warmer weather, watermelons and melons are once again gaining prominence in supermarkets. These fruits are refreshing and rich in water, but buying them already cut can pose some risks if basic hygiene and conservation rules are not respected.
It is common to find these fruits sold in halves or quarters, ready to take away. For those who live alone or don’t want to buy a whole piece, the option seems practical and economical.
However, nutritionist-nutritionist Duna Nicolau left a warning on social media, cited by the Spanish portal, about taking care of melons, watermelons and other fruits sold already opened.
Peel stops protecting the fruit
The main concern is when the fruit is cut. While it is intact, the shell functions as a natural barrier against microorganisms.
When the pulp is exposed, this protection disappears. From then on, the risk of contamination increases, especially if the fruit is handled or preserved inappropriately.
According to the expert, bacteria such as Escherichia coli, listeria or salmonella, associated with gastrointestinal problems and infections that can be more serious in vulnerable people, could be at play.
Refrigeration is essential after cutting
Another important point is conservation. Once cut, the fruit must be kept cold.
If the cut watermelon or cantaloupe is at room temperature, especially on hot days, the risk of bacterial proliferation increases. The so-called cold chain must be respected to reduce this danger.
The nutritionist reminds that, once cut, the food must be refrigerated. Otherwise, one of the main guarantees of food safety will be lost.
Manipulation in the supermarket also counts
In addition to temperature, there is another factor to consider: the way the fruit was cut and packaged.
In the supermarket, the consumer is not always able to know whether all hygiene rules were followed during handling. Knives, surfaces, hands and packaging can influence food safety.
Therefore, the safest recommendation is to buy the whole fruit and cut it at home, where you can wash the skin, use clean utensils and store it immediately in the refrigerator.
Practical option requires more attention
Buying already cut fruit does not mean, in itself, that there will be problems. However, it requires extra attention when choosing.
The consumer must check that the fruit is properly refrigerated, well packaged and without signs of alteration, such as a strange smell, excess liquid or deteriorated appearance.
It is also important to transport the product home quickly and place it in the refrigerator as soon as possible.
Simple care reduces risks
Watermelon and cantaloupe continue to be good choices for hot days. They are light, hydrating fruits and appreciated by many families.
Still, like any fresh and perishable food, they must be treated with care. The longer the pulp is exposed outside the cold, the greater the risk.
The safest rule is simple: if you buy it whole, wash the skin before cutting; If you buy it already cut, check that it has always been refrigerated.
In the end, the choice is the consumer’s. Convenience may weigh in, but food safety should always come first.
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