Why You Should Always Wash Your Watermelon Before Eating It

It’s easy to assume that watermelons are the low-maintenance friend of the fruit bowl. They look tough, seem self-contained, and aren’t typically eaten with the skin on—so why would they need a scrub-down? But here’s the sticky scoop: watermelons grow on the ground, exposed to everything from soil bacteria and fertilizer runoff to the occasional bird dropping. Just because the rind isn’t part of your final bite doesn’t mean what’s on the outside stays there.

How Contamination Happens

Here’s the kicker. When you slice into an unwashed watermelon, your knife becomes a tiny commuter rail—transporting bacteria from the surface directly into the flesh. That’s right: with one press of the blade, all those invisible hitchhikers on the rind can find their way into the juicy red center. It’s cross-contamination in the most literal sense, and yes, it’s a real risk. Some of the nastiest culprits? Salmonella, listeria, and E. coli—none of which pair well with a summer picnic.

Not Just a “Farm Thing”

Even if you snagged your watermelon from a squeaky-clean grocery shelf or a trendy organic co-op, it doesn’t mean it’s spotless. On the contrary, produce travels. From farm to packing facility, to trucks, to warehouses, and finally to your local store—there are plenty of hands and surfaces (sanitary or not) in the mix. By the time that melon hits your countertop, it’s collected a whole micro-history of grime.

How to Properly Wash Your Watermelon

Washing a watermelon isn’t rocket science, but it’s not just a rinse-and-run either. Run it under cool water while scrubbing the surface gently with a produce brush—yes, even if you plan on slicing it immediately. Soap isn’t necessary (and never recommended), but friction is your friend. Think of it as brushing your fruit’s teeth: the goal is to dislodge any gunk hiding in plain sight.

But I’m Only Eating Pre-Cut!

Ah, the convenience trap. Pre-cut watermelon in containers seems like the sanitized, time-saving solution. But studies have shown that pre-sliced fruit actually carries a higher risk of contamination. Why? It’s all about exposure. The more a fruit is handled, sliced, and stored, the more opportunities there are for bacteria to settle in. So yes—even those pre-cut chunks benefit from a quick rinse if you’re not sure how they were handled before landing in your fridge.

Food Safety Isn’t Just for Foodies

Washing your watermelon might seem like overkill in a world of overly processed everything, but it’s a simple act that sidesteps preventable illness. According to the CDC, produce-related outbreaks are more common than most of us realize. And let’s face it: nobody wants to get food poisoning from a fruit best known for summer fun and backyard nostalgia.