The most important task is to find a watermelon that has no cracks, bruises, or other signs of damage on its surface. Otherwise, the whole exercise will be for nothing.
You shouldn’t select a very large watermelon if you want to keep it for a long time. The most appropriate size in this case is one that weighs around 4 kg (9 lbs).
It’s also best to go for a variety of watermelon that ripens slowly and has a thick skin.
The watermelon you intend to keep for a long time shouldn’t be very ripe — they’re more likely to go off.
The method of preserving watermelons that we want to share here was first developed in India. It involves covering the watermelon in a layer of paraffin oil or wax that protects it from the external environment and also prevents it from losing its moisture. The protective layer is created in the following way:
Wipe the watermelon with a dry cloth (you don’t need to wash it).
Melt the paraffin oil or wax using a water bath. If you can’t find either of these things at the store, you can use cheap candles. Remember to remove the wick and break the candles into small pieces.
Allow the substance to cool slightly, then apply it evenly to the surface of the watermelon, turning the melon over until the whole of it is covered in a layer about 0.5 cm thick.
Allow the paraffin oil/wax to cool down and harden.
Place the covered watermelon inside a box filled with straw or lined with newspaper, and store it in a dark, cool, dry place.
A cellar or pantry is the ideal place to store the watermelon, but if this isn’t available an attic will also do just fine. The main thing is that the watermelon is kept well away from any heating devices.
From time to time, check the watermelon to make sure no marks have appeared on the surface of the wax.
The protective layer needs to be completely removed and the skin of the watermelon washed before it can be eaten. We hope your family and guests enjoy the unusual holiday treat!
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