On social media, many viewers were stunned after a viral video showing an expert warning to throw away your watermelon if you notice one thing on it.
Watermelon is a popular and refreshing summer fruit.
However, experts are warning that if your watermelon displays a particular characteristic, you should throw it away immediately.
Foaming watermelon could be a sign of rot
On social media, a user, who goes by @idksterling, Sterling Fournier, shared a viral video on Tiktok, revealing a critical warning about watermelons that foam when cut open.
According to Fournier, this foaming is a clear indication that the fruit is rotting. “Eating these watermelons is generally not a good idea,” Fournier explained.
The foam is caused by bacterial activity, which can lead to food poisoning.
Why do waterrmelons foam?
In the footage, Fournier explained that the foam forms when watermelons are left in the heat for too long.
As the watermelon ferments, gas and pressure build up inside the fruit, causing foam to seep from the puncture point.
This process, he states, is a result of fermentation, which is unsafe for consumption.
Social media reaction
In the comment selection, many social media users have shared their experiences with foaming watermelons.
One TikTok user commented that they got food poisoning from eating a bad watermelon their mom had cut.
While, others admitted they had unknowingly eaten the foaming fruit without realizing the risks involved.
One person said: it looks like the ancient watermelon art.
A second wrote: I’m so glad I don’t eat watermelon
While a third commented: Carbonated watermelon
Another added: I’m still going to eat it with my chicken
Additionally, experts from Food & Wine confirm Fournier’s advice. “The fermentation process produces gas, which builds internal pressure in the watermelon,” they explained. “If left unchecked, the watermelon could explode. Cutting into a watermelon that’s begun to ferment can also be unsafe.”
If your watermelon is foaming when you cut it, it’s best to discard it.
While this may be a rare occurrence, the risks involved in eating a fermented watermelon far outweigh the benefits.
Always ensure your fruit is fresh, especially during the hot summer months, to avoid foodborne illness.