Yellow watermelon is a less common variety of watermelon. However, it is increasingly gaining popularity. After all, its unique taste and appearance intrigue people. Unlike the classic watermelon, the yellow watermelon has bright yellow flesh.
This food guide will help you discover more about this fruit. We will discuss its flavor, nutritional value, and culinary uses.
Yellow watermelon, also known as yellow-fleshed watermelon, is a variety of watermelon that has a bright yellow or golden interior flesh.
For this reason, people also call it “golden watermelon.” The exterior rind of yellow watermelon can vary and may be either light green or striped.
Because red watermelon is more popular, you may think that it is the original fruit from which yellow ones came.
However, the opposite is true. The yellow watermelon came first. The red watermelon was a result of years of cross-breeding yellow watermelon.
Like red watermelon, yellow ones are available all year round. Their peak harvest season falls in the summer months.
Even with its growing popularity, yellow watermelons are still a specialty fruit. You may not find them as easily as you would a red watermelon.
It’s important to note that the exact appearance of yellow watermelons can vary slightly depending on the specific variety and growing conditions.
On the outside, the yellow watermelons look exactly like the regular watermelons. They usually have a striped green rind, while some have a pure, dark green rind.
Depending on the specific variety of yellow watermelon, it may contain black or brown seeds, or it may be seedless.
Yellow watermelons come in various sizes and shapes, ranging from small to large, just like other watermelon varieties. They generally have an oval or elongated shape with a rounded or slightly pointed end.
The most distinctive feature of yellow watermelons is their bright yellow or golden interior flesh. When the watermelon is cut open, the flesh will be uniformly yellow throughout, rather than the typical red or pink color of most watermelons.
Pro Tip:
If you are looking to purchase yellow watermelons, you can often find them labeled or displayed separately from red watermelons to differentiate them based on their unique color and flavor.
Yellow watermelons taste like traditional watermelons. Their crispy, juicy, and mostly sweet, especially if you get a properly ripe one.
Some of these watermelons are sweeter than red and pink ones, with a hint of a honey-like flavor.
Yellow watermelons are generally very juicy, making them a thirst-quenching and hydrating fruit.
The flesh of yellow watermelons has a refreshing and crisp texture, which is characteristic of most watermelons. The texture is often described as juicy, tender, and slightly crunchy.
There are different kinds of yellow watermelons. Each has unique characteristics that set them apart from other varieties.
This variety is among the smallest melons. Yellow Dolls grow early in the summer and have thin rinds. For this reason, they do not hold well in transport. The Yellow Doll watermelon is often seedless, making it convenient for consumption.
You may also come across Yellow Crimson. By its name, you’ll know it resembles the Crimson Sweet red watermelon. Crimson Sweets are among the most common red watermelons in the market.
The Desert King watermelon is popular for its high resistance to drought. It has a bright yellow, almost orange flesh, and its rind is usually light green. It looks more like a cantaloupe than a watermelon.
The Buttercup Yellow Melon is popular because it has no seeds. This seedless variety is almost always perfectly round, too. If you hate picking seeds out of a watermelon, this is perfect.
Unlike most watermelons, this variety has a pure green, almost black rind, hence its name. This kind is usually bigger than the other yellow melons.
You can buy yellow watermelons in some grocery stores. This fruit is especially abundant in stores in the summer months.
If you do not find them there, look for these fruits in farmers’ markets instead. You may also look in some online food stores.
If you love them so much, you can grow your own yellow watermelon in your garden. Seeds for yellow varieties of watermelon are available online.
The main difference between a yellow and a red watermelon is the color of their flesh. What produces the pigments in these fruits are carotenoids.
The carotenoid present in red watermelon is lycopene. This compound is the same pigment that gives tomatoes the same color.
Yellow watermelons, on the other hand, have beta-carotene. You’ll find this carotenoid in sweet potatoes, carrots, and cantaloupes.
There is not much difference in the flavor of red and yellow watermelons. They both taste sweet and refreshing. Some say yellow ones are slightly sweeter, with hints of honey taste.
More beta-carotene in a yellow watermelon means they offer more vitamins A and C than a red one.
On the other hand, a red watermelon will give you more of the most potent antioxidant, lycopene.
This tropical fruit contains as much as 93% water, hence its name. That said, people almost always associate this fruit with summer. After all, this sweet treat can provide hydration that will benefit you most on the hottest days.
Yellow watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C. They also have phosphorus, magnesium, and iron.
It contains potassium, which is vital for heart health and proper muscle function.
Watermelons, including yellow watermelons, contain various antioxidants such as lycopene and beta-carotene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against certain chronic diseases and promote heart health. Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body and also acts as an antioxidant.
It is also a low-calorie and low-fat fruit.
Cutting a yellow watermelon follows the same basic process as cutting any other variety of watermelon.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
You can use yellow watermelon in recipes where you’d normally use a red or pink watermelon.
Aside from eating it on its own, you can also make delicious and refreshing smoothies. Blend yellow watermelon chunks with other fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, or pineapples, to create a delicious and hydrating smoothie. You can also juice yellow watermelon to enjoy its refreshing flavors.
You may also use it for a unique and flavorful salsa. Combine diced watermelons, chopped red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a bowl. Add a splash of lime juice for a perfect finishing touch.
If you’re having a cocktail night, yellow watermelons will be a valuable ingredient. Blend some watermelon chunks and strain them to get their juice. Then, combine it with vodka or tequila for a quick cocktail mix.
You may also use these watermelons to add color to your salad dishes. Add some diced yellow watermelons to your bowl of mixed greens and feta cheese. Complete the salad with balsamic vinaigrette and enjoy.
You can incorporate yellow watermelon into a refreshing fruit salad. Combine it with other fruits like berries, grapes, or citrus fruits for a colorful and nutritious mix. You can also add a drizzle of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for added flavor.
For a unique twist, try grilling or roasting yellow watermelon. The heat caramelizes the natural sugars and adds a smoky flavor. Cut the watermelon into thick slices or wedges, lightly brush them with oil, and grill or roast until slightly charred. This method brings out a different flavor profile and can be a tasty addition to salads or served as a side dish.
Freeze yellow watermelon chunks to make a refreshing and healthy frozen snack. You can blend the frozen watermelon with other fruits or yogurt to create homemade popsicles or sorbets.
Here are some tips to help you select a ripe watermelon:
Look for a Uniform Shape.
A ripe watermelon typically has a consistent, symmetrical shape. Irregularities or unevenness in shape can indicate uneven ripening or potential quality issues.
Check the Field Spot.
The field spot is the area where the watermelon rested on the ground. Look for a creamy yellow or creamy white field spot. A ripe watermelon usually has a well-developed and slightly yellowish field spot.
Tap and Listen.
Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound. If the sound is dull or flat, the watermelon may not be fully ripe or could be overripe.
Examine the Rind.
The rind of a ripe watermelon should have a dull or matte appearance rather than a shiny or waxy one. A shiny rind could indicate under-ripeness. Additionally, look for a firm and intact rind without soft spots, bruises, or major blemishes.
Check the Weight.
Lift the watermelon and assess its weight. Ripe watermelons are generally heavier than they appear due to their high water content. However, this method may not be foolproof, as the weight can vary depending on the variety and size of the watermelon.
Consider the Sound when Shaking.
If you hear the seeds rattling inside the watermelon when you shake it gently, it may indicate that the watermelon is overripe. Most ripe watermelon varieties are seedless, so this tip may not apply if you’re selecting a seedless variety.
The yellow watermelons thrive in regions with tropical and subtropical climates. For this reason, you’ll see them grow in parts of South and North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Of course, they also grow where people first cultivated them – Africa.
Yes, you can buy yellow watermelon in the US. These watermelons may not be as common as the red ones. Still, you can find them in most US farmers’ markets and grocery stores during the summer months. You can also order one from online fruit stores.
Yes, yellow watermelons are real. It is a natural variety of watermelons from which the red ones are bred. Even when they look different, it’s good to know that these watermelons are not products of GMOs.
Yellow watermelon is a less common variety of watermelon. Its outer appearance is similar to the classic red watermelon. However, its flesh is light yellow or golden. These watermelons are a good source of vitamins A and C and other minerals.
They taste similar to red watermelons. That said, you can use both watermelons interchangeably in recipes. You can make smoothies, popsicles, sorbet, salsa, cocktails, and salads from it. Yellow watermelons are a specialty fruit. Still, you can find them in some grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and online food stores.
