Everything You Need to Know About Yellow Watermelon
High summer means plenty of zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant and one of our favorite summer fruits, watermelon. It's juicy and sweet and refreshing, plus it's super versatile. Toss it into a fruit salad for breakfast, pair it with feta or halloumi for lunch or a cookout side dish, or toss it on the grill for a fun, smoky dish that will get everyone talking.
But if you really want to get people talking, swap out the typical red watermelon for a yellow watermelon. There's a surprising amount of chatter online about the existence of yellow watermelons, but we're here to confirm that they are indeed real—and really delicious.
To find out all you need to know about yellow watermelon, we talked to Farmer Lee Jones, founder of The Chef’s Garden, a farm-to-kitchen subscription box and delivery service. Read on for all of the juicy yellow watermelon details: what it tastes like, where it grows, how to incorporate it into recipes and much more.
Related: 20 Brilliant Recipes to Make with Watermelon
What Is Yellow Watermelon?
This one's pretty simple to answer. "A yellow watermelon is a natural variation of the common watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)," explains Jones. "It is a result of selective breeding and is considered a cultivar that has been developed over generations." Just like red watermelons, yellow watermelons contain vitamins A and C, along with the antioxidant beta-carotene, which can help keep your eyes healthy and may protect against various forms of cancer.
What's less simple, but absolutely fascinating, is the history of yellow watermelon. It's believed that the first watermelons, which were grown in Africa 5,000 years ago, were yellow instead of red. The first watermelons weren't sweet and some were grown for their seeds, which is the opposite of the sweet, mostly seedless fruit we have today. Today's watermelon is the product of years and years and years of selective breeding.
When Is Yellow Watermelon in Season?
Similar to red watermelons, summer is high season for yellow watermelons. And although the fruit can be found year-round (at certain stores), summer is when the fruit is at its prime. Lee says to keep an eye out for the best-tasting melons from late spring to early fall—around May to September.
Related: How To Pick a Watermelon
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Where To Buy Yellow Watermelon
Yellow watermelon used to be a little hard to find, but the growing interest in the sunny fruit has led to increased availability. You can often find it at your local grocery store or farmers' market. We've even spied yellow watermelon on Instacart and DoorDash! Just like red watermelon, you'll likely have the easiest time finding yellow watermelon during the peak summer season.
What's The Difference Between Yellow and Red Watermelon?
Let's start with the obvious one: color. Although they both have green-striped skin, red watermelon has red flesh and yellow watermelon has yellow flesh. But there is another very important difference, according to Jones. "Yellow watermelons offer a sweeter and milder taste compared to the more juicy and slightly tangier flavor of red watermelons," he says.
Related: Best Watermelon Juice Recipe
Where Do Yellow Watermelons Grow?
"Yellow watermelon is grown in regions with warm climates, similar to where red watermelon is cultivated," shares Jones. The watermelons you find in the grocery store are likely from one of four warm, sunny states: Georgia, Florida, Texas and California.
What Does Yellow Watermelon Taste Like?
Aside from the subtle sweetness Jones mentioned earlier, yellow watermelon is also known to have hints of honey, depending on the variety. And like any watermelon, it's extremely juicy (thanks to its high water content), crunchy, crisp and packed with seeds. "Yellow watermelon doesn't have the tanginess of red watermelon, providing a delightful and refreshing taste experience," says Jones.
How Should You Cut Yellow Watermelon?
To cut a yellow watermelon, Jones suggests slicing off both ends to create a stable, flat surface, then standing the fruit on one end and using a sharp knife to remove the rind in sections. "Once the rind is removed, you can cut the flesh into slices, cubes or wedges," he says. Store any leftover watermelon in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
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What Are the Best Ways to Eat Yellow Watermelon?
Yellow watermelon can be enjoyed in various ways: sliced for a refreshing snack, added to fruit salads, blended into smoothies or incorporated into savory dishes for a fun twist.
One easy recipe to consider is Jones' Yellow Watermelon Salsa, which can be served with tortilla chips or used as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. "Start by dicing yellow watermelon, red onion, cucumber and jalapeño, then mix that with lime juice, chopped cilantro and a pinch of salt," he explains. We're definitely going to try that this summer.
For even more examples of what to do with yellow watermelon, try these ideas courtesy of Farmer Jones:
Watermelon Gazpacho: Create a unique chilled soup by blending watermelon with cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes and herbs. It's a cool and tangy dish for summer.
Grilled Watermelon: Slice watermelon into thick wedges and grill them briefly. The heat caramelizes the sugars, which adds a subtle smoky flavor.
Watermelon Sorbet: Freeze watermelon chunks and blend them until smooth for a homemade sorbet. You can add a touch of honey or mint for extra flavor.
Feta and Watermelon Salad: Combine watermelon cubes with crumbled feta, fresh mint and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delightful sweet-savory salad.
Watermelon Agua Fresca: Blend watermelon with water and a bit of lime juice for a refreshing Mexican-style drink.
Watermelon Skewers: Thread watermelon cubes onto skewers along with other fruits like grapes and berries for a fun fruity treat.
Watermelon Parfait: Layer watermelon cubes with yogurt and granola to create a nutritious and satisfying breakfast or dessert.
Next: 12 Best Watermelon Cocktail Recipes
Can You Freeze Yellow Watermelon?
You sure can, and Jones shared his top method with us. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces, freeze them on a baking sheet then transfer the frozen fruit to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container.
"Frozen watermelon chunks are great for a refreshing and hydrating smoothie," Jones says. "Blend it with other fruits like strawberries, pineapple and a splash of citrus juice or make frozen watermelon pops by inserting popsicle sticks into watermelon slices and freezing them."
