China experts explain why hugging winter melons for cooling in summer can cause explosions
While many people have embraced the trend of hugging a giant winter melon to sleep as a means of cooling down during summer, some have shared their “painful” experiences, recounting instances where the fruit exploded, releasing a foul-smelling and putrid liquid that soiled their beds and floors. They detailed this “disastrous scene” on social media, noting that the winter melons exploded after…
As many have taken up the habit of snuggling a large winter melon to stay cool during the summer, some have shared distressing accounts of the fruit unexpectedly exploding. The unpleasant incident left a foul odor and a putrid liquid that stained their beds and floors, according to reports in the Sichuan Daily. One woman from central Hubei province recounted her experience, warning others against this cooling method.
She said, "The rotten melon pulp and fluid ruined my bedsheet. It was disgusting. I had to dispose of both the bedsheet and the winter melon." She explained that she had initially sought relief from the summer heat but it only caused her discomfort instead.
Hugging a winter melon to sleep in the summer is an age-old Chinese tradition dating back to the late Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Both ancient encyclopedias and a wellness book from the Qing dynasty (1644–1912) described residents of southern China clutching the fruit while sleeping during the hot nights. The fruit is 95% water, which helps absorb heat through skin contact, acting similarly to a cold water bag.
However, this traditional cooling method comes with a risk. According to Ao Qingyan, a senior agricultural specialist from the Chengdu Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, microbes can enter the winter melon when the white wax on its skin is damaged by frequent skin contact. These microbes ferment inside the melon, breaking down sugars and organic matter to produce carbon dioxide. As the gas builds up, an explosion can happen, Ao explained.
Ao recommended changing the melon once a week and inspecting it regularly. If the melon becomes soft, swollen, or emits a sour odor, it should be discarded immediately. "Hugging winter melons is a low-cost, temporary solution for beating the summer heat. But due to the risk of explosion and mold growth, it is not a reliable method. Air conditioners, cold mats, and cold pillows are more effective alternatives with lower risks," she concluded.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
