To satisfy customers, the quality of watermelon should not deteriorate throughout the value chain. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of storage alternative (plastic shade, zero energy cool chamber, naturally ventilated onion storage, and ordinary storage room), storage duration (1st, 2nd, 3rd 4th, and 5th -weeks), and variety (Crimson-sweet and Sugar-baby) sampled from three locations with factorial combinations in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Storage condition, duration, variety, and location influenced the quality attributes. The plastic shade and ordinary storage room maintained better TSS (total soluble solids) compared to the others. Crimson-sweet maintained better TSS, acidity content, and overall acceptability during storage. Regardless of storage conditions, variety, and location, TSS decreased while pH increased with prolonged duration. TSS below the US standard of 8% manifested after the 4th -week of storage. The ordinary storage room maintained sensory qualities the best. The overall acceptability of stored fruits was ‘neither like nor dislike’ according to the panelists after the 4th -week in all storage conditions. It is concluded that watermelon has a shelf-life of one month. Therefore, we recommend plastic shade and ordinary storage room, Crimson-sweet variety, and Ribb and Woramit locations, for the watermelon value chain in Ethiopia.
