Did you know that some watermelons are yellow inside? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the taste and texture of yellow watermelon, plus some tips for using it in vegan recipes.
Let’s dive right in…
What Does Yellow Watermelon Taste Like?
Yellow watermelon is not terribly dissimilar to the red watermelon most of us are used to. It just doesn’t have lycopene in it, which gives ruby-toned watermelons, tomatoes and papayas their jewel-like colors.
The sunny yellow watermelon is sweet and floral with what is often considered a honey taste. This flavor is delicate and may not be very pronounced, but the fruit is delicious either way.
Yellow Watermelon Texture
The flesh of yellow watermelon is extremely moisture-rich and juicy with a light firmness that makes it crisp. The more mature the melon is, the less firm it will be.
If it’s old, it may even be mealy. However, under-ripe watermelon isn’t as juicy. You really want to catch it in that perfect stage of full ripeness before it starts to get grainy.
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Is Yellow Watermelon Sweeter?
Not everyone agrees that yellow watermelon is sweeter than the red kind, but many people do claim this. It may depend on how ripe the melon you’ve purchased is.
Weather and growing conditions are known to affect the flavors of fruits and vegetables in general, so how sweet a yellow watermelon is may be entirely out of your control.
Don’t worry! Even if it isn’t more sugary-tasting than red watermelon, it will still be sweet.
How Do You Pick a Yellow Watermelon?
Luckily for us, picking a yellow watermelon is no different from picking the red variety. There are a few easy-to-spot features that you’ll want to be on the lookout for.
A ripe watermelon will sound hollow when you give it a light knock. It will also have a deep green rind with a golden yellow spot on it. If it’s white, it’s not ready yet. If there’s a “tail” on the end (from the vine), it’ll be good and dry when the fruit is ready.
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How Can You Tell If Yellow Watermelon Is Bad?
Watermelon that has gone bad may have excessive dark patches on the outside. These may even indicate mold growth. Basically, the outside of the melon should be pretty solidly green-striped with that telltale yellow spot that indicates ripeness.
If you cut into a watermelon and it’s crumbly and very dark, it may be a little overdue for eating, though it may still be edible. Watermelon that is overripe but not rotten can be blended up in a smoothie or made into juicy popsicles.
Yellow Watermelon Serving Tips
If you haven’t cooked with watermelon yet, now’s your chance. Any variety of watermelon is suitable for the recipes in the videos linked below.
If you’ve heard of poke, you know that it’s not vegan because it’s made with raw fish. This recipe uses watermelon in place of fish to make a wonderful vegan version. Just swap the red watermelon for yellow. Here are the ingredients:
- Yellow (or red) watermelon
- Kelp flakes
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
Read Also: What Does Winter Melon Taste Like?
Earlier, we talked about what to do with watermelon that’s just a touch overripe. Here’s a smoothie recipe that you’ll only need two ingredients for: watermelon and lime.
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Wrap Up
Yellow watermelon tastes just like red watermelon with a little honey sweetness. Selecting the best kind involves some simple steps like checking for color, then giving it a tap and listening for the hollow sound. Eating yellow watermelon fresh is arguably the best way to enjoy it, but you can make smoothies, desserts and even savory meals with it. Try it cooked in a vegan poke bowl and you’ll be amazed at how it turns out.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
