Watermelon might be one of the world’s most popular fruits — but it could be doing you more harm than good.
Sterling Fournier, a content creator who goes by @Idksterling on TikTok, says people should throw out the fruit foaming from the exterior as they cut it open.
“Eating these watermelons generally is not the best idea,” he explained, saying it was a sign the fruit is rotting.
“This is a prime breeding ground for certain types of bacteria that can give you food poisoning,” the TikTokker further declared.
In a resurfaced viral TikTok video, Fournier shows an example of how the fruit has bubbles and foam seeping outside the pierced line.
“It might not be your first time seeing a foaming watermelon,” he said in the clip. “They are actually not that uncommon,
Fournier explains watermelons develop the foam from being left out in the heat for too long.
“This is essentially the result of gas and pressure building up in the watermelon and then eventually foam being released,” the content creator added.
Experts from Food & Wine seconded that statement.
“The fermentation process produces gas, all of that internal pressure can cause the watermelon to explode — and even cutting into a watermelon that has started fermenting could be unsafe,” explained the food site.
To avoid having a fermented watermelon, the fruit should be stored inside a refrigerator.
Unfortunately, many people online didn’t see Fournier’s video before they consumed one of the fateful fruits.
“I got food poisoning from eating a bad one that my mom had cut up,” commented a TikToker.
“I been eating them like that,” added another, saying they were completely unaware of the risks.
Meanwhile, others agree with Fournier’s take on the foaming watermelons.
“This is exactly what I said! People were running around saying,’This is a man-made watermelon! GMOs!’ Nope, it’s just a watermelon that’s too hot!” added an online spectator.
“I have been in food processing most of my career,” another asserted. “I agree with this message!”
