Here’s everything you need to know about Yellow Watermelon. Like what’s the difference between yellow watermelons and red? What does yellow meat (flesh) watermelon taste like? And, is the yellow variety as sweet as the pink?

Large cut wedges of yellow watermelon, red watermelon and cantaloupe

Yellow watermelons have a sweet juicy flesh, making them perfect to add to fruit salads, smoothies, popsicles and juicing recipes. 

Large cut pieces of yellow watermelon next to slices of cantaloupe and red watermelon

What Is Yellow Watermelon?

Yellow watermelons are large round, oval or oblong-shaped melons with a green rind and a juicy yellow flesh on the inside. Watermelons are a member of the cucurbitaceae family (gourd family), which includes zucchini, cucumber, squash, cantaloupe and pumpkins. The yellow watermelon originated thousands of years ago in Africa, and it is one of the oldest types of watermelons that has been cultivated through natural seed cross-breeding techniques. They’re refreshing, hydrating and loaded with nutrients, and they come in both seeded and seedless varieties. The flesh consistency and outward appearance is similar to the red-fleshed variety, but red watermelon is rich with lycopene, an antioxidant that gives it the vibrant red color. 

Types of Watermelon

There are more than 300 varieties of watermelon that are grown in the United States and South America, and amongst these are five different types of yellow watermelon:
  1. Yellow Crimson – This variety looks like the pink watermelon called Crimson Sweet.
  2. Yellow Doll – This is a small dense variety with a crisp and juicy flesh.
  3. Yellow Flesh Black Diamond – The rind is a solid dark green and was developed in the state of Arkansas (U.S.).
  4. Buttercup Yellow Melon – This is a seedless variety that is one of the most sweet varieties.
  5. Dessert King – This variety looks like a cantaloupe but tastes like a watermelon.

What Does Yellow Watermelon Taste Like?

Even though there is a difference in flesh color, yellow meat watermelon tastes much like the red-fleshed variety, only slightly sweeter with hints of honey. Because of the similarities in taste and texture, yellow flesh watermelon can replace the red variety in most recipes. 

How Do You Pick A Good Watermelon?

Choose a watermelon with a flat matte rind rather than a glossy or shiny rind and a yellow field spot on the bottom of it. This is where the watermelon laid on the field and the yellow color indicates ripeness and that the fruit ripened in the field. Heavier watermelons are often the most juicy. Pick up different watermelons in the bunch to choose one on the heavier side for its size.

How Do You Store Watermelon?

How long a watermelon lasts, depends on when it was picked and how it’s stored. Whole uncut watermelon should be kept at room temperature until ripe. It will last up to 10 days sitting on your kitchen counter and up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. Once the watermelon is cut or cubed, place the cut pieces in an airtight container or place in a bowl or on a plate and cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

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Slices of yellow watermelon stacked next to cantaloupe, red and yellow watermelon

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