That headline is misleading. If you cut open a watermelon and find cracks in the flesh, you do not automatically need to throw it away.
The cracks may be a harmless condition called “hollow heart,” a developmental defect associated with factors such as pollination and growing conditions. The National Watermelon Promotion Board says these watermelons are safe to eat and may even taste sweeter around the cracks.
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Watermelon Board
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When you should discard it
Don’t eat the watermelon if you also notice signs of spoilage such as:
Mold
Slimy or unusually mushy flesh
A sour, fermented, or unpleasant smell
Significant discoloration or leaking
A damaged, decaying, or moldy rind
A damaged rind is more concerning from a food-safety perspective because contamination can be transferred from the rind into the flesh when the melon is cut.
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chhs.colostate.edu
So a more accurate headline would be:
“Found Cracks Inside Your Watermelon? Don’t Panic—Here’s When It’s Safe to Eat.”
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