On a scorching summer day, few pleasures beat the crisp, juicy bite of a chilled slice of watermelon. But what happens when you finally cut into that perfectly green-rinded melon — only to find deep cracks, hollow pockets, or gaping splits running through the red flesh?
It’s not just unappetizing — it could be a warning sign.
While a misshapen interior might seem like a harmless oddity, food safety experts say it could indicate a deeper issue — and in some cases, mean the fruit shouldn’t be eaten at all.
What Is “Hollow Heart” in Watermelon?
The condition you’re seeing is commonly known as “hollow heart” — a physiological disorder that causes internal fissures, cavities, or separation of the flesh within the fruit. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with the seeds or core — it’s a structural flaw that develops as the melon grows.
It’s not mold. It’s not rot — at least not yet. But it is a red flag.
What Causes Hollow Heart?
This condition isn’t caused by disease, but by stress during growth. Common triggers include:
Fluctuating temperatures — sudden heatwaves or cold snaps during ripening
Inconsistent watering — periods of drought followed by heavy irrigation
Overuse of nitrogen-rich fertilizers — which push rapid growth the fruit can’t sustain
Hybrid varieties — some modern watermelon breeds are more prone to this issue
When a watermelon grows too quickly on the outside while the inside lags, the flesh can pull apart, creating gaps and cracks that weren’t visible from the outside.
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