To get the biggest nutritional boost from watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe and more, store them at room temperature. That’s because the antioxidant levels in melons continue to rise after they’re picked… But refrigerating them can stop that process cold, and cut the number of antioxidants in the fruit in half.
A USDA study found that watermelons kept at room temperature developed nearly double the levels of beta-carotene as refrigerated melons, which promote healthy skin and eyes. But once a melon’s been cut, keep it chilled to prevent bacterial growth.