Looking for a new and exciting twist on the classic summer fruit? Look no further than the yellow watermelon! With its vibrant sunshine hue and juicy, refreshing flesh, this unique fruit will surely delight your taste buds and brighten your day. Whether you slice it up for a refreshing snack, blend it into a tropical smoothie, or use it to create a colorful fruit salad, the yellow watermelon is a versatile and delicious addition to any summer spread.
The nutritional benefits of yellow watermelon are just as impressive as its taste. Bursting with antioxidants, this juicy fruit helps safeguard your body from harmful free radicals, keeping you feeling your best. It's also an excellent source of hydration, making it an ideal snack to refuel after a workout or stay cool on a scorching summer day. And let's not forget its cheerful hue and rejuvenating taste, which make the yellow watermelon a treasure trove of goodness in the world of fruits.
If you are new to yellow watermelon, here is what you need to know about this delicious summer fruit.
What is Yellow Watermelon
Yellow watermelon is a deliciously sweet and refreshing fruit unique to the traditional red watermelon. On the outside, red and yellow varieties of watermelon look exactly alike with striped green rind.
However, on the inside yellow watermelon has yellow flesh. It gets its distinctive yellow color because it does not contain lycopene, which is present in traditional watermelons. Lycopene is a carotenoid, a type of organic pigment responsible for the red pigment, and it is found in many fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes. In the case of yellow watermelon, the lack of lycopene in the fruit's flesh gives it a bright yellow hue. Instead, yellow watermelon does contain beta-carotene. A powerful antioxidant that gives carrots and sweet potatoes their orange and yellowish hue.
What Is the Difference
Aside from the flesh color difference, there is a slight difference in taste between yellow and pink watermelons. In terms of taste, yellow watermelon is often described as a bit sweeter and more delicate than traditional watermelon. Some can have a honey-like flavor. However, the taste can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions.
From a nutritional standpoint, yellow watermelon and traditional watermelon are quite similar. Both are low in calories, high in water content and rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C and potassium. However, yellow watermelon contains more beta-carotene, which gives it its distinctive yellow color and has been associated with several health benefits.
Varieties Of Yellow Watermelons
Both yellow and pink watermelon come in different varieties, including seeded and seedless varieties. Here are some of the yellow watermelon varieties:
Yellow Doll
Also known as yellow baby, this is a variety of yellow watermelon smaller than most, making it the perfect snack for the on-the-go. This variety of watermelon has thin skin, bright yellow flesh, and a sweeter, more intense flavor than other types of yellow watermelon.
Cream of Saskatchewan
This is a rare heirloom yellow variety that originated in Canada. It has a creamy white rind and light yellow flesh that is very sweet and juicy.
Desert King
The Yellow flesh Desert King melon has a distinctive appearance, with a smooth, creamy, tan-colored rind that is slightly ribbed or netted. When ripe, the fruit's interior is a deep yellow and has a sweet, slightly musky aroma.
Yellow Crimson
Yellow crimson is a sweeter variety with a bright yellow flesh similar in texture and sweetness to crimson sweet.
Buttercup Yellow Melon
The Buttercup yellow melon is typically round or oblong-shaped and has a bright yellow, waxy rind. It is a seedless variety that is super sweet, tender, juicy, and crisp.
Black Diamond
Yellow flesh black diamond watermelon has a large, oblong fruit that can reach between 30-50 pounds. It has a dark green rind that's almost black with yellow flesh that is juicy and sweet. The flesh of this watermelon is a bit softer than the traditional red-fleshed black diamond but still has a firm texture. The sweetness level of a black diamond is very similar to a pink watermelon.
How To Pick A Yellow Watermelon
If you're on the hunt for a delicious and refreshing yellow watermelon, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you pick the best one.
A ripe yellow watermelon should have a consistent creamy yellow color all over the fruit. Avoid ones with any green spots or stripes, as this may indicate they are not fully mature. Tap the yellow watermelon lightly with your knuckles. If it sounds hollow, it's likely ripe and juicy. If it sounds dull, it may be underripe. Choose a yellow watermelon that is symmetrical and uniform in shape, with no bumps or irregularities. This indicates that it has grown evenly and is likely to be ripe. A fully ripe yellow watermelon should also feel heavy for its size, which signifies that it's filled with sweet, juicy flesh.
What You Can Do With Yellow Watermelons
Yellow watermelon can be used in various ways in the kitchen, just like traditional watermelon. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Enjoy as is
One of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy yellow watermelon is to simply eat it fresh, either on its own or in a fruit salad. Its sweet and juicy flavor makes it a refreshing and healthy snack on a hot summer day.
Blend it into smoothies
Yellow watermelon can be blended with other fruits, like strawberries or bananas, and a liquid base, like milk or yogurt, to create a delicious and nutritious smoothie.
Make a salsa
Dice up yellow watermelon and combine it with diced red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to make a flavorful and colorful salsa that can be served with tortilla chips or used as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.
Freeze it
Cut yellow watermelon into chunks and freeze them to make a delicious and healthy frozen treat. You can also blend the frozen watermelon with a little bit of honey or mint for added flavor.
Use it in cocktails
Yellow watermelon can be used to make a refreshing and flavorful base for cocktails like margaritas or mojitos.
Add it to the salad
Watermelon salad is a great summer dish that keeps you full and hydrated. Swap your traditional watermelons with yellow watermelons and turn them into delicious and simple salad or fruit salads.
