This woman’s watermelon collapsed on her kitchen floor—experts explain why it’s happening more often
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There’s nothing quite like a slice of cold watermelon on a hot summer day.
That first cut, the burst of color, the sweet juice—it’s a simple pleasure that signals the season.
But for one shopper, that refreshing moment turned into a mess no one saw coming.
What she discovered inside her watermelon has sparked questions, jokes, and concern about what’s really going on with our summer produce.
Here’s what happened, why experts say it could happen again, and how to pick a watermelon that’s fresh—not fermented.
Social media user @gyaldem_ari recently shared her unfortunate experience after buying a watermelon from Walmart.
When she got home, she noticed a strange puddle on her kitchen floor and found the melon visibly caved in.
It looked deflated, almost like it had collapsed under its own weight.
Curious—and concerned—she used scissors to cut it open.
What she found inside was soft, mushy, and far from edible.
"It doesn’t stink," she said, “but I am completely disgusted,” retching as she recorded the video.
The clip quickly drew widespread attention, with thousands of comments ranging from jokes to serious warnings about buying produce from big box stores.
Although it may seem dramatic, what happened to this watermelon isn’t entirely unusual.
Food safety experts say that fermentation is often the cause. Here’s how it works:
Dr. Keith Schneider, a food science professor at the University of Florida, explains that as fermentation increases gas pressure, “enough internal pressure may build up for the watermelon to crack or pop.”
With hot summer weather becoming more extreme, these cases are expected to rise.
Source: TikTok / @gyaldem_ari.
The short answer: absolutely not.
If your watermelon is leaking, soft, foaming, or deflated, toss it out.
Even if it doesn’t smell bad, the presence of fermentation means bacteria are active—and spoiled fruit can lead to foodborne illness.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially during warm months when bacteria grow more quickly.
You don’t have to give up watermelon this summer.
Just keep these tips in mind when selecting one:r
Some commenters online blamed the experience on Walmart’s storage practices, while others speculated that the fruit might have been frozen to extend shelf life.
While these concerns may be valid in some cases, watermelon issues like this aren’t exclusive to one retailer.
Fermentation can happen at any point in the supply chain—from the farm to the grocery store to your own kitchen.
No matter where you shop, inspecting your produce before buying and storing it properly when you get home is your best defense.
This story isn’t just about one bad melon. It’s a reminder of the increasing challenges in keeping fresh produce safe as temperatures rise and supply chains stretch longer.
Food waste is already a major concern, and incidents like this only add to the problem.
By learning how to choose and store fruits carefully, we can all help reduce waste—and avoid any unexpected kitchen surprises.
Read next: Are you eating enough fruit to stay young? Dietitian reveals the surprising answer
Have you ever had a produce mishap like this? Do you have a favorite tip for picking the perfect watermelon—or a funny fruit story of your own? We’d love to hear it in the comments. And remember: if your melon looks off, smells strange, or feels squishy, it’s best to skip it. A cool slice of summer is only good when it’s fresh!
That first cut, the burst of color, the sweet juice—it’s a simple pleasure that signals the season.
But for one shopper, that refreshing moment turned into a mess no one saw coming.
What she discovered inside her watermelon has sparked questions, jokes, and concern about what’s really going on with our summer produce.
Here’s what happened, why experts say it could happen again, and how to pick a watermelon that’s fresh—not fermented.
Strange produce mishaps are sparking questions about food quality, storage, and safety during the summer months. Image Source: Pexels / rudolf e.
A surprise no one wants in their kitchen
Social media user @gyaldem_ari recently shared her unfortunate experience after buying a watermelon from Walmart.
When she got home, she noticed a strange puddle on her kitchen floor and found the melon visibly caved in.
It looked deflated, almost like it had collapsed under its own weight.
Curious—and concerned—she used scissors to cut it open.
What she found inside was soft, mushy, and far from edible.
"It doesn’t stink," she said, “but I am completely disgusted,” retching as she recorded the video.
The clip quickly drew widespread attention, with thousands of comments ranging from jokes to serious warnings about buying produce from big box stores.
Also read: The surprising depression cure hiding in your fruit bowl—but there’s a catch
Why do watermelons collapse or even explode?
Although it may seem dramatic, what happened to this watermelon isn’t entirely unusual.
Food safety experts say that fermentation is often the cause. Here’s how it works:
- Heat and bruising can cause damage to the inside of a watermelon during transportation or storage.
- Once damaged, the fruit becomes more vulnerable to natural yeasts and bacteria, which begin to ferment the sugars inside.
- As the fermentation process continues, gas builds up inside the fruit.
- Eventually, that pressure causes the melon to crack, collapse, foam—or even burst.
Dr. Keith Schneider, a food science professor at the University of Florida, explains that as fermentation increases gas pressure, “enough internal pressure may build up for the watermelon to crack or pop.”
With hot summer weather becoming more extreme, these cases are expected to rise.
Source: TikTok / @gyaldem_ari.
Also read: Experts are raving about this $2 pantry staple—could it help lower your cholesterol and fight inflammation?
Is it safe to eat a watermelon like this?
The short answer: absolutely not.
If your watermelon is leaking, soft, foaming, or deflated, toss it out.
Even if it doesn’t smell bad, the presence of fermentation means bacteria are active—and spoiled fruit can lead to foodborne illness.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially during warm months when bacteria grow more quickly.
Also read: What watermelon really does to your body—and why it deserves a spot on your summer plate
How to choose a fresh, healthy watermelon
You don’t have to give up watermelon this summer.
Just keep these tips in mind when selecting one:r
- Look at the rind: A good melon should be firm and symmetrical, with no soft spots or cracks. A dull rind (not shiny) often indicates ripeness.
- Check the field spot: This is the pale patch where the melon sat on the ground. A creamy yellow color is a good sign of ripeness.
- Tap it: If it sounds deep and hollow, it’s likely juicy and ready.
- Feel the weight: A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size—that means it’s full of water and flavor.
- Buy local when you can: Melons grown closer to home are less likely to suffer from extreme storage or transport conditions.
Also read: This summer’s superfood stars: Which ones are worth adding to your plate?
Should you avoid watermelons from big box stores?
Some commenters online blamed the experience on Walmart’s storage practices, while others speculated that the fruit might have been frozen to extend shelf life.
While these concerns may be valid in some cases, watermelon issues like this aren’t exclusive to one retailer.
Fermentation can happen at any point in the supply chain—from the farm to the grocery store to your own kitchen.
No matter where you shop, inspecting your produce before buying and storing it properly when you get home is your best defense.
This story isn’t just about one bad melon. It’s a reminder of the increasing challenges in keeping fresh produce safe as temperatures rise and supply chains stretch longer.
Food waste is already a major concern, and incidents like this only add to the problem.
By learning how to choose and store fruits carefully, we can all help reduce waste—and avoid any unexpected kitchen surprises.
Read next: Are you eating enough fruit to stay young? Dietitian reveals the surprising answer
Have you ever had a produce mishap like this? Do you have a favorite tip for picking the perfect watermelon—or a funny fruit story of your own? We’d love to hear it in the comments. And remember: if your melon looks off, smells strange, or feels squishy, it’s best to skip it. A cool slice of summer is only good when it’s fresh!
