Yellow watermelon is a hot fruit topic on everyone’s lips!
The sweet, juicy golden yellow flesh is delicious, making it an ideal fruit to enjoy on a scorching day.
- What is Yellow Watermelon?
- What Does Yellow Watermelon Taste Like? Is It Sweet?
- 5 Varieties of Yellow Watermelon
- 5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Yellow Watermelon
- Bonus Tip: How To Tell If A Watermelon Is Ripe And Sweet?
- Yellow Watermelon: A Sweet and Unique Spin to your Summer Fruit Selection
- Final Fruity Thought
Watermelons are easily accessible and super refreshing. It is a nutritious snack, a unique fruit side dish, and perfectly complements a fruit salad.
We understand that the red watermelon varieties may hold the spotlight on your summer fruit platter.
Even so, keep reading to learn more about what yellow watermelon tastes like, its exceptional health benefits, and exciting ways to incorporate it into your diet. (*)
What is Yellow Watermelon?
Yellow watermelon is a summer fruit and gets its name from the golden yellow flesh. The green, striped outer rind is identical to the red watermelon. Oh, and you can get seedless varieties.
It may surprise you that yellow watermelon has been around longer than its red cousin. Sources are cloudy, but indications suggest first cultivation in Africa around 5000 years ago.
Then, farmers used selected cross-breeding to produce the watermelon with red flesh.
You may be wondering how watermelons get their bright red and yellow color. Well, the antioxidant lycopene gives fruits such as pink grapefruits and tomatoes their color. Hence, red watermelons are high in lycopene.
In the case of the yellow watermelon, there is no lycopene. Therefore it never turns red. However, it is high in beta-carotene. The same antioxidant that gives pumpkins and sweet potatoes their rich orange-yellow hue.
What Does Yellow Watermelon Taste Like? Is It Sweet?
You can expect the same sweet taste and juicy consistency as red watermelon. Yet, there is a slight difference.
Don’t worry; the crisp texture and flavor remain intact. However, some describe yellow watermelon’s sweet taste as similar to honey. So, if you want a little extra sweetness in your summer fruit selection. Yellow watermelon is the way to go! (*)
Is Yellow Watermelon Good for You?
Yellow watermelon contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including:
- Vitamin A, C, and B6
- Potassium, and
- Copper
Furthermore, there is zero fat, cholesterol, and sodium. The most valued factor here is the high level of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene helps promote a strong immune system and healthy eyes.
Moreover, it improves skin texture and can even assist with sunburn. Diets high in Beta-carotene may reduce the risks of certain cancers alongside improved memory.
5 Varieties of Yellow Watermelon
1. Yellow Crimson
Identical in appearance to the traditional red flesh Crimson Sweet. Yet, it tastes sweeter.
2. Buttercup Yellow Melon
A hybrid and seedless variety. It is one of the sweetest seedless yellow watermelons available due to its extremely high sugar content.
3. Yellow Flesh Black Diamond
Initially developed in Arkansas, it has a solid dark green rind. Equally delicious as the red watermelon. Although not as sweet as other yellow watermelon varieties.
4. Desert King
Joins yellow flesh black diamond from Arkansas. It is high in beta-carotene and closely resembles a cantaloupe. However, it promises the juicy sweetness of a yellow watermelon.
5. Yellow Doll
Often referred to as “Yellow Baby Doll.” This variety is considerably smaller and matures more quicker. The flesh is dense and crisp alongside sweet and juicy.
5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Yellow Watermelon
While we are all familiar with enjoying sliced watermelon on its own, there are various ways to incorporate it into enticing snacks and dishes.
Smoothies
For a vitamin-packed smoothie, add a few cubes to your daily smoothie. Add a dash of coconut cream, or use coconut water as your base. For extra freshness, add a handful of chopped garden mint. In particular, it pairs well with other summer fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and nectarines.
Cocktails
Where a recipe calls for red watermelon, consider substituting it for yellow watermelon. Cocktails such as margaritas and mint mojitos welcome the flavor of yellow watermelon exceptionally well and give them a unique fruit twist.
Learn more: 10 Amazing Cocktail Drinks That DON’T Taste Like AlCOHOL!
Fun Party Skewers
Summer fruit skewers are a fun and excellent addition to any fruit platter. Dice these into cubes and slide them onto the skewer using alternate colors. We recommended using both red and yellow watermelon.
To break the “citrus” color tone. Pop on a few green grapes in between—a refreshing and healthy party snack.
Salads
We love watermelon and danish feta salad. We suggest using a base of baby leaves and a bit of rocket as the base. Then, dice your watermelon and add a generous amount of creamy danish feta.
Top this off with some freshly chopped garden mint. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction for a special touch.
If you do not have a balsamic reduction, plain balsamic vinegar works just as well.
You can use both red and yellow watermelon. We suggest you stick to the yellow varieties to cater to a sweeter tooth.
Refreshing Popsicles
Popsicles are easy to make and enjoyed by everyone. When you make your own using fresh ingredients, you avoid all the preservatives and added chemicals. Also, you can find popsicle makers at several outlets.
To begin, dice your watermelon and blend until watery. Add coconut cream or water for a tropical twist, and finish with finely chopped garden mint.
Pour the mixture into the popsicle mold and place in the freezer until solid.
And it does not stop here!
Bonus Tip: How To Tell If A Watermelon Is Ripe And Sweet?
Look at the “field spot” on the watermelon. This spot is where the watermelon rests while growing. The color should be a creamy orange/yellow tone.
The darker the spot, the longer it was left to grow and the sweeter it will be. If the spot is white in color, allow the watermelon to ripen a bit more before cutting it open.
Yellow Watermelon: A Sweet and Unique Spin to your Summer Fruit Selection
Ingredients
- Yellow Watermelon
Instructions
- Picking the perfect yellow watermelon can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you can have the sweetest and juiciest yellow watermelon this summer.
- Start by looking for strong skin tones on the outside of the watermelon. The rind should have an even, golden yellow color as opposed to patches of green or white.
- Gently press your fingers into the surface of the melon; it should give slightly under pressure but still feel firm. If it is too soft, it’s overripe and not ideal for eating raw.
- Lastly, when you turn over the melon, check for a creamy yellow spot on its underside. This area of the melon made contact with the ground while it was growing and if it has darkened in color, it means that your melon is ripe and ready to eat!
Final Fruity Thought
What does yellow watermelon taste like? Undoubtedly, yellow watermelon is worth trying if you are looking for a unique fruit with a familiar taste to red watermelon.
Next time you see one at your local farmers market or supermarket, grab it and whip up some summer delights for the family.
Keep in touch! We would love to know what you prepared with your yellow watermelon.
