On a hot day, few things are more refreshing than a slice of ripe watermelon. But what if you cut one open and see something strange — deep cracks in the flesh, gaps, or hollow pockets inside the fruit? It might look odd, but is it safe to eat?
The short answer: Probably not.
What Does That Weird Look Mean?
If you open a watermelon and notice unusual cavities or splits inside the flesh, it could be a sign of a condition called “internal cracking” or “hollow heart.” This happens when the fruit grows too quickly or develops unevenly.
There are a few reasons why this can occur:
- Excessive use of fertilizers or growth chemicals
- Sudden changes in temperature or irregular weather
- Disrupted ripening processes inside the fruit
These internal changes might not seem like a big deal at first, but they can lead to more serious problems — including bacterial growth, especially if the watermelon wasn’t stored correctly during transport or at the store.
Is It Dangerous?
Not every misshapen watermelon is contaminated, but here’s the issue: there’s no reliable way to tell just by looking. And once the inside of a fruit is compromised like that, it’s easier for harmful bacteria to settle in and multiply — especially if the skin has microscopic breaks or was exposed to poor storage conditions.
That’s why food safety experts often recommend this simple rule:
→ If it looks strange on the inside, don’t take the risk. Just throw it away.
A Few Things to Look For When Buying Watermelon:
- Choose one with a deep, uniform red color
- Avoid fruit with soft spots, bruises, or cracks on the outside
- Once cut, the flesh should be crisp and dense — not split or hollow
Bottom Line
Internal cracking in watermelon might seem like a harmless cosmetic issue, but it can signal underlying problems that you can’t detect by sight or smell. When in doubt, it’s always safer to skip the fruit than to risk foodborne illness — especially in summer heat.
Stay safe, and slice smart.
