That headline is exaggerated and misleading.
A cracked-looking watermelon doesn’t automatically mean it’s unsafe.
Watermelon can sometimes show internal cracks or “hollow heart” for a few harmless reasons:
Common harmless causes
- Rapid growth: The fruit grows faster than its internal structure can keep up.
- Temperature changes: Hot and cold swings during growth affect texture.
- Pollination issues: Can lead to irregular internal patterns or gaps.
- Variety differences: Some types naturally have more internal variation.
These cracks are often called “hollow heart” and are mostly a quality issue, not a safety issue.
When you should avoid eating it
Only be cautious if you notice:
- Sour or fermented smell
- Slimy texture
- Mold (white, green, or black fuzzy patches)
- Off taste (fermentation-like or alcoholic flavor)
Those signs suggest spoilage or bacterial growth, not just “cracks.”
Bottom line
Internal cracking alone ≠ danger. It’s usually a cosmetic or texture issue caused during growth, not something that makes the fruit toxic.
If you want, I can also tell you how to pick a good watermelon so you avoid these surprises in the first place.
