Watermelon is one of the most delicious summer fruits and a very popular one. Besides eating the juicy, red flesh of the fruit raw, you can also use it to make other tasty desserts. This versatility makes it a dream fruit for gardeners to grow in their home gardens.
If you have been eyeing the watermelon for your home garden, you are on the right track as watermelon is a low-maintenance fruit, and the requirements can be easily fulfilled.
However, in some cases, even after you have fulfilled the requirements, you may notice that the inside of your fruit is pink instead of the regular red one, which can make you wonder – why is my watermelon pink inside?
If you have been facing this issue, here is a guide to know the causes behind your query – why is my watermelon pink inside? Let’s begin!
3 Causes Why Your Watermelon Pink Inside
Watermelon grows best in the summer season, wrapped in a damp, hot environment. It is fairly easy to fulfill the demands for the development of this fruit, but some instructions can be a bit confusing for beginner gardeners about growing watermelon.
You should plant the fruit anytime between late spring and early summer in optimal soil structure. It takes about three months for the watermelon to grow from a seedling to mature fruit. Some smaller varieties may even take less than that to develop completely.
In some cases, you may notice that your watermelon has turned pink from the inside rather than the traditional red. While you shouldn’t worry as there different varieties of watermelon in a range of colors, the pink color is probably because of overripening of the fruit.
It may or may not be safe to consume. Let’s find out more about the reasons for the pink flesh of your watermelon and the solution to your query – why is my watermelon pink inside?
#1 – Lack of Lycopene
Before you ask yourself the question, Why Is My Watermelon Pink Inside? It is essential to know the origin of the pink color in watermelons. Lycopene is a pigment found in many vegetables and fruits, including tomatoes. It is an antioxidant and is the reason behind the bright red color of watermelon.
The pigment is classified as a carotenoid. This signifies that it is the reason for the color of your watermelon. The higher the level of lycopene carotenoid, the more saturated your watermelon will be, with red color on the inside.
If your fruit lacks lycopene, you may find pink watermelons in your batch. There is nothing you can do about it, as it is natural.
#2 – Overripe Fruit
Another reason your watermelon is pink from the inside is that it has become overripe. You should know how to spot a watermelon ready for harvesting to prevent this issue.
An overripe watermelon is discolored from the outside with a bright green rind. It is a pale pink color from the inside. There might be dark blotches on the outside of an overripe melon.
#3 – Nitrates
If you fertilize your soil with a nitrogen-based product, there is a chance that the pink color inside is caused by an excess of nitrates in the soil. A higher concentration of nitrates used during the fertilization process can lead to food poisoning.
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for watermelon during its growth. Light pink melon along with a yellow rind is an indicator of an increased nitrates concentration. You can check whether the pink color is due to nitrates by testing.
Simply cut out a piece of its pulp and place it in clean water at room temperature. It is recommended to use see-through glassware for this test. Check up on the water a few hours later, and if it is pink colored, you should not consume the watermelon.
Can You Differentiate A Pink Watermelon?
You can easily spot an overripe watermelon as there are clear structural differences.
An overripe watermelon won’t be as strong as a ripe one. The walls would be somewhat loose, and it won’t be able to stand firm if you pinch it. This mushiness indicates that the watermelon is overripe and is probably pink from the inside.
While many people believe that a light pink watermelon has lower sugar content and can be an excellent substitute for a typical watermelon, no studies have supported this claim.
If you wish to prevent the situation of finding out watermelon with pink flesh in your garden, you need to make sure to provide the requirements that will prevent overripe watermelons. You should know when the watermelon has become ripe and when to harvest it.
Look out for watermelon exteriors that host a faded and blotchy green color. It typically indicates that the watermelon will be light pink on the inside instead of the usual red.
What Does A Natural Watermelon Look Like?
Watermelons come in various colors and are not always red on the inside. Some of the fruit varieties are orange, yellow, and even white. So, if you see a pink watermelon in your garden, the answer may be that the watermelon is of a particular variety. The pink color on the inside does not always mean that the watermelon is overripe.
What Does A Watermelon Look Like Just Before It Is Ripe?
It is vital to establish the harvesting timeline for your melon. As a gardener, you should be able to tell the signs when it is the time to cut the fruit. This will help you prevent the overripening of watermelon and aid you in getting bright red fruits for your dishes.
Simply lift the watermelon from its harvesting place and observe the dirt underneath. A golden or creamy color beneath the fruit shows that it is ripe and ready to be harvested.
If green or white, the fruit has not ripened and should be given ample time before being cut.
Conclusion
I hope this answers your query. Watermelons are delicious summer fruits, and they are very healthy for the body as well. Make sure to enjoy lots of these big, juicy fruits. You can make a juice, cut them into cubes, or eat them in some other fun way, but watermelons will surely brighten up your summer season.