Watermelon is one of the most refreshing and popular summer fruits — sweet, juicy, and hydrating. But not all watermelons are safe to eat. Sometimes, when you cut open a watermelon, you might notice an unusual pattern in the flesh — like excessive holes, cracks, or a spongy, separated texture in the center. If you see this, it’s best to discard it immediately.
Here’s why this odd appearance is a red flag.
What’s Wrong With This Watermelon?
The condition shown in the image is known as “hollow heart” or internal splitting. In some mild cases, hollow heart can occur naturally due to rapid growth or poor pollination. However, when the holes are excessive, jagged, and surrounded by discolored or mushy flesh, it could be a sign of a potentially dangerous problem.
Possible Causes of Abnormal Watermelon Flesh
1. Growth Accelerators or Chemicals
In rare cases, some commercially grown watermelons may be exposed to certain unregulated chemicals to enhance growth. These substances may cause the fruit to grow rapidly and unevenly, leading to internal rupturing. This can result in unnatural textures and patterns inside the fruit.
2. Overripeness or Fermentation
When a watermelon becomes overripe, especially in warm or humid environments, it can begin to ferment internally. The buildup of gas can cause the fruit to crack or split inside. Fermented watermelon may taste sour, feel fizzy, or smell off — clear signs that it’s no longer safe to consume.
3. Fungal or Bacterial Contamination
Infections during the growing or storage phase can lead to internal damage. If the inside of your watermelon appears slimy, discolored, or smells bad, contamination may be the cause.
Health Risks
Eating watermelon that has signs of spoilage or internal damage may lead to:
- Stomach upset
- Foodborne illness
- Unpleasant taste or smell
It’s better to be cautious and discard any watermelon that looks strange on the inside, even if the outer rind seems fine.
How to Choose a Healthy Watermelon
To avoid this issue, here are some tips:
- Tap test: A healthy watermelon gives a deep, hollow sound.
- Uniform shape: Lumpy or irregular watermelons may have internal issues.
- Creamy yellow spot: A sign the watermelon ripened naturally in the field.
- Heavy for its size: Indicates it’s full of juice and not dried out inside.
Final Thoughts
While most watermelons are perfectly safe and delicious, it’s important to stay aware of visual warning signs. If you cut into a watermelon and see strange holes, cracks, or an unusual texture like the one shown above — it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Keeping an eye out for these signs helps protect your health and ensures every bite of fruit is as safe as it is satisfying.