Artificial red colour in your watermelon? Easy tests and checks to spot it

Watermelon is an excellent fruit that refreshes and nourishes you during the scorching summer heat. The high water content and sweet taste make watermelon one of the most loved fruits. However, the red, juicy watermelons available in the market may not always be safe to eat, as certain sellers add artificial colourants and sweeteners. The chemicals used to enhance the colour and taste of watermelons may cause severe health problems. It leads to digestion issues, allergies, stomach pain, and even causes long-term health troubles. However, you can easily check whether the watermelon is safe to eat by running a few simple tests and checks. 

Before buying 
At the store, check the rind of your chosen watermelon for syringe marks before it. Tiny holes, cracks, or unusual marks may be signs of chemical injection. 
Red colour
Naturally ripened watermelon will be moderately red. If you notice unusually bright or dark red when you cut open a watermelon, then artificial colours may have been added. Besides, naturally ripened fruit may not have the colour evenly distributed everywhere. 

Cotton ball test
This is the most effective test recommended by the Food and Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) experts. Cut a slice of watermelon and wipe the red flesh using a small piece of tissue or a cotton ball. If the colour transfers to the tissue or the cotton ball, then artificial colours have been added. It is safe to eat the watermelon if the colour doesn’t transfer. 

Water test
A water test is the simplest way to determine whether the watermelon has ripened naturally. Soak a slice of watermelon in a glass of water. If the water turns red, artificial colourants are added. The colour of the water wouldn’t change if the watermelon were naturally ripened. 

Observe the seeds
The watermelon seeds would tell the quality of the fruit. The seeds of a naturally ripened watermelon would be black or dark grey. However, pale-coloured seeds or seeds stained red may indicate the presence of artificial colours. 
Changes in texture
A naturally ripened watermelon’s flesh may have even thickness in all places. If chemicals have been injected, then that part may be overly red or thick. Besides, naturally grown watermelon will have fibres too.