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You can make a watermelon ripen faster by using a few simple tricks that mimic the natural ripening process.
If you’ve ever brought home a watermelon only to cut it open and find it a little underripe, you’re not alone.
The good news is that you can make a watermelon ripen faster with things you probably already have at home, no special equipment required.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make a watermelon ripen faster, why certain methods work, and the mistakes that slow the process down.
Let’s get into it.
Why You Can Make a Watermelon Ripen Faster
You can make a watermelon ripen faster because watermelons keep ripening after they’re picked.
Here’s what’s going on inside the fruit that makes this possible.
1. Watermelons Are Climacteric Fruit
The main reason you can make a watermelon ripen faster is that watermelons are climacteric fruit.
This means they continue to ripen after harvest rather than stopping the moment they leave the vine.
They rely on internal hormones and stored starches to keep maturing, which is why a watermelon on your counter can still get sweeter over time.
Understanding this is the first step in learning how to make a watermelon ripen faster.
2. Ethylene Gas Does the Heavy Lifting
Ethylene is the natural ripening hormone, and it’s the reason you can make a watermelon ripen faster with a little help.
Once a watermelon reaches a certain stage, it starts releasing ethylene gas on its own.
That gas signals the fruit’s cells to soften the flesh, deepen the color, and convert starches into sugar.
So when you want to make a watermelon ripen faster, your job is simply to concentrate that ethylene around the fruit.
3. Starch Turns Into Sugar Over Time
Inside a watermelon, starches stored during growth break down into simple sugars as it ripens.
This is what makes the flesh taste sweeter the longer it sits.
That conversion doesn’t need the vine anymore, which is exactly why you can make a watermelon ripen faster off the plant.
It’s a chemical change that keeps working as long as conditions are right.
4. Warmth Speeds Up the Process
Warmth encourages ripening while cold slows it down, and that’s a big part of how to make a watermelon ripen faster.
Room temperature keeps those internal reactions moving along at a steady pace.
This is also why you should never stash an underripe watermelon in the fridge if you want it to ripen.
The cold basically hits pause on the whole process.
How to Make a Watermelon Ripen Faster at Home
So how do you actually make a watermelon ripen faster once it’s sitting on your kitchen counter?
The key is to create conditions that concentrate ethylene and keep the fruit warm by:
1. Leave It at Room Temperature
Simply leaving your watermelon out at room temperature is often enough to make a watermelon ripen faster.
Place it on the counter in a single spot away from direct sunlight.
Within a few days, you’ll notice the rind losing that glossy sheen and the flesh getting sweeter.
Skip the fridge entirely until it’s fully ripe.
2. Use a Paper Bag
If you really want to make a watermelon ripen faster, place it inside a brown paper bag.
The bag traps ethylene gas while still letting a bit of air circulate, which speeds ripening up nicely.
Just fold the top loosely rather than sealing it tight.
You still want some airflow to prevent mold from forming.
3. Add a Ripe Banana or Apple
Here’s a trick that works incredibly well.
Toss a ripe banana or apple into the bag with your watermelon to make a watermelon ripen faster.
Those fruits release extra ethylene, which gives the ripening process a real boost.
Check on it daily so you can pull the watermelon out as soon as it’s ready.
4. Keep It in a Warm Spot
Warmth is your friend here.
The ideal range for how to make a watermelon ripen faster is around 70–75°F (21–24°C).
A spot near a window with indirect light or on top of the fridge works well.
Just avoid anywhere too hot, since extreme heat can ruin the texture.
5. Flip It Occasionally
Give your watermelon a gentle turn every day or so.
This helps ensure even ripening on all sides and lets you check for soft spots.
It’s a small step, but it helps when you’re trying to make a watermelon ripen faster.
Rotate it so no single side sits against the counter the whole time.
6. Check for Ripeness Before Cutting
Before you slice in, look for the signs that your efforts to make a watermelon ripen faster have paid off.
A ripe watermelon has a dull, matte rind instead of a shiny one.
The underside should have a creamy yellow field spot rather than white or green.
And when you thump it, you want a deep, hollow sound.
Common Mistakes That Slow Ripening Down
Even when you know how to make a watermelon ripen faster, a few common slip-ups can slow things down.
Watch out for these so your watermelon ripens the way you want.
1. Storing It in the Fridge Too Soon
Cold temperatures halt ripening, so never refrigerate an underripe watermelon.
Set it out first, let it finish, then chill it once it’s ready to eat.
2. Sealing the Bag Too Tightly
A completely sealed bag traps moisture along with ethylene, which invites mold.
Leave the top folded loosely so air can still move.
3. Stacking Heavy Items on Top
Piling other produce on your watermelon can bruise the rind and create soft spots.
Give it its own space while it ripens.
4. Expecting Instant Results
Ripening takes time, so give it a few days.
Check daily, be patient, and you’ll get there.
So, How Do You Make a Watermelon Ripen Faster?
You can make a watermelon ripen faster by keeping it at room temperature, trapping ethylene with a paper bag, and adding a ripe banana or apple for an extra boost.
Warmth, patience, and a little daily attention are really all it takes.
Now that you know how to make a watermelon ripen faster, you can pick up an underripe one without any worry and let it finish on your counter.