The Perils and Curiosities of Microwaving a Watermelon

Microwaving a watermelon might seem like a fun and adventurous experiment, but it comes with a range of challenges and risks. This article explores what happens when you put a watermelon in the microwave and provides some safety tips to prevent explosions and messes.

What Can Happen When You Microwave a Watermelon?

Microwaving a watermelon is generally not recommended due to the potential for dangerous and messy outcomes. If you do decide to experiment, the following can occur:

Heating

The microwave will heat the water content in the watermelon, causing it to become very hot. This might lead to a burst or explosion, spraying water and possibly causing an electrical short in the microwave.

Steam Build-Up

As the water heats up, steam will build up inside the watermelon. If the pressure increases too much, it can cause the watermelon to explode, creating a mess in your microwave. This can be particularly dramatic if the watermelon is unopened, as the pressure from the steam inside can cause it to explode.

Texture Change

The texture of the fruit may change, becoming mushy or losing its crispness. This can negatively impact the eating experience, making the watermelon less refreshing and more cooked, which may not be appealing.

Flavor Alteration

The distinct granular texture and sweet taste of watermelon can be altered. When heated, the taste becomes less sweet and more savory or smoky, which may not be a desirable outcome if you are looking to maintain the original flavor.

Safe Experimentation

If you are intrigued by the effects of microwaving a watermelon, it is safer to cut the watermelon into smaller pieces and heat them in a microwave-safe container, ensuring there is space for steam to escape. Cutting the watermelon beforehand can also help prevent it from bursting or exploding.

Real-World Experiences

Microwaving a whole, unopened watermelon can be risky. Depending on the softness of the walls, it may crack open in at least one place and pop nicely, releasing steam and boiling inside the microwave. Leaving it too long can lead to a stinky mess inside the oven and the need for a new one.

Some individuals have reported that the watermelon would heat up, potentially resulting in some water boiling and the watermelon breaking open to let out the steam. Another experiment resulted in the watermelon getting hot and possibly exploding due to the steam pressure inside.

From personal experience, it is best to be cautious when microwaving a watermelon. The walls might be a bit softer, causing the watermelon to crack open in at least one place and possibly pop nicely. Once inside the microwave, it will continue to heat up, boil, and ooze out in the microwave, potentially dripping through the bottom and door frame. If left too long, it can emit a strong odor, making it a nightmare to clean.

Conclusion

Microwaving a watermelon is an experiment that might yield interesting results but comes with significant risks of mess and potential damage to your microwave. Always exercise caution and consider the potential consequences before attempting such an experiment.