Here’s everything you need to know about Yellow Watermelon. Like what’s the difference between yellow watermelons and red? What does yellow meat watermelon taste like? And, is yellow watermelon as healthy as 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, a powerful antioxidant that gives it the vibrant red color. 

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 watermelon 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 watermelon, only slightly sweeter with hints of honey. Because of the similarities in taste and texture, yellow flesh watermelon can replace red watermelon in most recipes. 

Picking A Good Watermelon

  • Rind health. You’ll want to look for a watermelon with a flat matte rind rather than a glossy or shiny rind.
  • Yellow field spot. Look for the yellow field spot on the bottom of the watermelon. This is where the watermelon laid on the field and the yellow color indicates ripeness (and that it ripened in the field).
  • Weight. Heavier watermelons are often juicy watermelons. Pick up different watermelons in the bunch to choose one on the heavier side for its size.

How to Store Watermelon

How long a watermelon lasts, depends on when the watermelon was picked and how it’s stored.

  • Whole uncut watermelon should be kept at room temperature until ripe.
  • Whole watermelon will last up to 10 days sitting on your kitchen counter at room temperature. 
  • Whole ripe watermelon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
  • Once the watermelon is cut or cubed, place the cut pieces of watermelon in an airtight container or place in a bowl or on a plate and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  • Cut watermelon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Watermelon Benefits

  • Hydration. Watermelon is comprised of 92% water, so it makes a great addition for your daily water intake. Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, it helps to delivery nutrients to every cell in our body. 
  • Rich with Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Properties. Yellow watermelons are a good source of vitamins A and C, which are powerful antioxidants that may help to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.  Inflammation is a leading cause of many chronic diseases. The antioxidants found in watermelon may help lower inflammation and oxidative damage in our bodies. (1)
  • May Help Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol.  It’s a good source of magnesium and potassium, which helps to regulate fluids in the body and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

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

Looking for Melon Recipes to Make?

You can easily exchange the red watermelon in these recipes for yellow meat watermelon instead.

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