Should you refrigerate pepino melon? The definitive guide

January 9, 2026 •

4 min read

Pepino melon, also known as pepino dulce or pear-melon, is not a true melon but a member of the nightshade family, like tomatoes. The key to proper storage of this delicate fruit hinges on its ripeness, with the answer to the question "should you refrigerate pepino melon?" varying depending on its stage of maturity.

Quick Summary

Correctly storing pepino melon depends on its ripeness, requiring room temperature for ripening and refrigeration once mature. This approach prevents chilling injury and preserves the fruit's sweet flavor and aroma, maximizing its short shelf life for optimal enjoyment. Sliced pieces should always be refrigerated in an airtight container.

Key Points

Check ripeness: Refrigerate pepino melon only after it has fully ripened, indicated by a fragrant aroma and a slight softness when pressed.
Room temperature first: Store unripe pepino melon on the counter to allow it to ripen naturally and develop optimal flavor.
Avoid chilling injury: Refrigerating an unripe pepino can cause chilling injury, resulting in a mealy texture and a loss of flavor.
Refrigerate ripe fruit: A whole, ripe pepino melon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week to extend its shelf life.
Properly store cut melon: Once sliced, store pepino melon in an airtight container or tightly wrapped to keep it fresh for 1–3 days.
Freezing is not recommended: Freezing pepino melon significantly degrades its texture and is not recommended for eating fresh.
Use airtight containers: Use sealed containers for cut melon to prevent flavor absorption from other foods in the fridge.

When to Refrigerate Pepino Melon

Knowing when to refrigerate a pepino melon is crucial for enjoying its full flavor. The simplest rule to follow is based on its ripeness. An unripe pepino melon should be kept at room temperature, while a fully ripe one requires refrigeration. This practice prevents the cold from disrupting the natural ripening process and affecting the fruit's texture and taste. As the fruit ripens, its skin will transition from a pale green to a creamy yellow with distinct purple stripes. A ripe pepino will also become noticeably fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe plum.

Identifying a Ripe Pepino Melon

Several sensory cues can help you determine if your pepino melon is ready for the fridge.

Color: The most obvious sign is the skin color. Unripe fruits are pale green, but as they mature, the skin brightens to a golden yellow with more vivid purple streaks.
Fragrance: A ripe pepino melon will emit a sweet, melon-like aroma. This fragrance becomes more prominent as the fruit reaches its peak sweetness.
Firmness: Gently press the fruit with your thumb. A ripe pepino will give slightly under pressure, whereas an unripe one will feel very firm.

Best Practices for Storing Unripe Pepino Melon

For unripe pepino melons, the best place for them is on your kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight. This allows the natural ethylene gas the fruit produces to speed up the ripening process. To accelerate ripening further, you can place the pepino melon in a paper bag with a banana, which releases more ethylene. This method ensures the fruit develops its full flavor and aroma before being exposed to the cold temperatures of the refrigerator. Storing unripe fruit in the cold can cause chilling injury, leading to a pitted skin and a bland, mealy texture.

Storing Ripe and Cut Pepino Melon

Once a pepino melon is ripe, it becomes more perishable and its delicate flesh can be easily bruised. Proper refrigeration is necessary at this stage. Whole, ripe pepino melons should be stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where they can last for up to a week. For cut pepino melon, a different approach is needed to maintain freshness.

Storing Sliced Pepino Melon

Use an airtight container: Once sliced, the pepino melon's porous flesh can absorb odors from other foods in the fridge. Storing it in a sealed, airtight container prevents this and keeps the fruit fresh.
Wrap tightly: If an airtight container isn't available, wrap the cut side tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This helps to retain moisture and prevents the flesh from drying out.
Eat quickly: Cut pepino melon should be consumed within 1 to 3 days for the best quality and flavor.

Pepino Melon Storage Comparison Table


Storage Method	Ripeness Stage	Estimated Shelf Life	Pros	Cons
Room Temperature	Unripe	Up to 1 week	Allows for natural ripening; develops better flavor and aroma.	Fruit is not ready to eat; risk of over-ripening and spoilage.
Refrigerator (Whole)	Ripe	Up to 1 week	Extends shelf life of ripe fruit; provides a refreshing chilled taste.	Prone to chilling injury if unripe; risk of bruising delicate flesh.
Refrigerator (Cut)	Ripe	1–3 days	Keeps cut pieces fresh and prevents flavor absorption; convenient for snacking.	Shorter storage time; requires proper airtight container.
Paper Bag	Unripe	Variable	Accelerates ripening process naturally.	Requires monitoring to avoid over-ripening; needs space on the counter.
Freezer	Any (not recommended)	N/A	Long-term storage possible (for smoothies only).	Destroys texture and alters flavor, rendering it mushy.

Potential Issues and How to Avoid Them

Understanding the potential pitfalls of storing pepino melon can help you avoid a disappointing experience. Chilling injury, for example, is a common problem when unripe fruit is refrigerated. This condition can lead to the fruit failing to ripen, resulting in a bland flavor and poor texture. To prevent this, ensure the fruit is fully ripe before moving it to the fridge. Another issue is spoilage, which can happen quickly once the fruit is cut. The high water content makes it susceptible to mold and bacteria if not stored properly. Always use clean utensils and airtight containers for cut melon to prevent bacterial growth.

Conclusion

In summary, the decision to refrigerate a pepino melon is entirely dependent on its stage of ripeness. Unripe fruits should be kept at room temperature to allow their flavor to develop fully, while ripe fruits should be moved to the refrigerator to preserve freshness and slow down spoilage. For cut melon, airtight containers are your best defense against moisture loss and flavor absorption. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure your pepino melons are always perfectly ripe and delicious. The key is to pay attention to the fruit's color, scent, and firmness, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all storage method.

Visit Epicurious for more expert advice on storing melons and other produce.

Frequently Asked Questions

To ripen a pepino melon, simply leave it out at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. For faster ripening, place it in a paper bag with a banana or apple, as these fruits release ethylene gas, which accelerates the process.

A ripe pepino melon will have bright yellow skin with prominent purple stripes. It will also have a sweet, fragrant aroma and will yield slightly to gentle pressure.

Refrigerating an unripe pepino melon can cause chilling injury, which prevents it from ripening properly. This can result in a bland flavor, a mealy texture, and pitting on the skin.

A whole, ripe pepino melon can last in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in the crisper drawer. For best flavor, it's recommended to consume it sooner rather than later.

Store cut pepino melon in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent the flesh from drying out and absorbing other odors. It will stay fresh for about 1 to 3 days.

Yes, the skin of a pepino melon is technically edible, but it is often removed before eating because it can have a slightly bitter taste. This is especially true for unripe fruit. Some people enjoy the texture and flavor of the skin, so it comes down to personal preference.

While it is possible to freeze pepino melon, it is not recommended for fresh eating. The freezing process changes its high water content, causing the texture to become mushy upon thawing. It can, however, be used for purposes like smoothies or frozen desserts.

Many people find that pepino melon is best enjoyed chilled, as the cool temperature enhances its refreshing, mildly sweet flavor. Slicing it and serving it cold is a popular way to enjoy this fruit.