Do I Really Need To Wash My Watermelon Before Cutting It? A Farmer Weighs In

My favorite time of the year is finally here: watermelon season! I love slicing and serving wedges after dinner, storing a Tupperware full of ice-cold cubes in my fridge, or juicing some for cocktails. Plus, now that I know just about everything when it comes to properly picking one, nothing can stop me from whipping up watermelon delights all summer long. 

Because I’ve developed a deep love for this juicy fruit, I’ve been chatting with farmers on all things watermelon. Recently, after bringing home a surprisingly dirty melon, I found yet another reason to consult a watermelon farmer. Should I wash the watermelon before cutting into it? I'm not eating the outside anyway. Here's what I found out.

The Right Way To Wash a Watermelon, According to a Watermelon Farmer

Wondering if, when, and how one should wash the outside of a watermelon, I reached out to Rebekah Alstede Modery, the Assistant Production Manager and co-owner of Alstede Farms. Located in fertile New Jersey, Alstede Farms grows various produce like strawberries, eggplants, and watermelon. Plus, it has a pick-your-own program, hard cider garden, and multiple mazes to get lost in if you happen to be in the area. 

When it comes to washing watermelons, I was curious about when or if I need to wash them. Obviously, if a melon is covered in dirt, I’ll clean it off, but what about if there’s no visible signs of soil or other debris?

Modery says that you should wash your watermelons. “I recommend always washing all fruits and veggies.”  And when it comes to watermelon specifically, “washing ensures there is no remaining dirt or bacteria on the skin that could be transferred into the watermelon during cutting. In most cases, what you’d be washing off is just dirt left over from the field.”

How should you wash watermelon? “Simply use water and a scrub brush or rough side of a sponge to clean the watermelon off before cutting,” says Modery. There’s no need for soap, vinegar, or any special cleaning solution; just water and a good scrub will do. 

Modery also says that washing is good practice no matter where you purchase your watermelon. “We always suggest washing your products, regardless of where they come from. However, while the level of potential dirt on the outside is probably about equal, buying a watermelon directly from a local farm will usually result in a sweeter watermelon that was harvested at its peak ripeness.”