Even though watermelons are synonymous with summer, we’re willing to guess that yellow watermelons have never appeared in any of your hot weather fantasies. After all, the watermelon we all know and love is often pink or red in color. As Farm Flavor points out, yellow watermelons aren’t just common; they precede the reddish variety by several generations.
Watermelons were first grown in Africa thousands of years ago, and it is thought that the fruit went through natural cross-breeding for characteristics that would eventually determine its flavor, tint and texture. Only after the presence of lycopene, a plant ingredient that causes the watermelon’s insides to turn pink and finally red, did the fruit begin to change color from yellow to pink. Known as Citrullus lanatus, yellow watermelons are part of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes pumpkins and squashes, making this fruit a gourd (via Britannica).
Yellow and red watermelons are nearly indistinguishable on the outside, and when ripe, they taste virtually exactly alike, according to What About Watermelon.
Have You Seen Yellow Watermelon?
Watermelons are a classic summertime treat, right? You know what I’m talking about- that giant striped green fruit with the sweet pink flesh and juicy seeds. But have you ever cut into one only to find out it wasn’t actually like a watermelon at all?! What if you slice into it to find out there isn’t any pink at first glance – only yellow flesh inside like on my bad luck day today.
Don’t worry. In this article, I am going to make it easy for you, and you will know how enjoyable your summer could be with this yellowish watermelon.
So, What is a yellow flesh watermelon?
Yellow watermelons are a delicious summer fruit, with the skin being both thick and hard to peel. The yellow flesh has an understated sweetness that may or may not be ripe depending on where you live – some varieties can stay green even in hot weather!
These fruits vary widely depending upon their type; for example, red-fleshed vs. white flesh will taste very differently due to genetics and ethnicity (white melon originates from Asia).
The peak season for this tasty treat runs from June until August. Still, it’s available all year long, except for those who live near California, where several different varieties cannot grow because of their climate conditions (such as excessive heat).
The watermelons of today are not what they used to be. These days, you can find a wide variety in colors and flavors thanks to selective breeding programs that have been going on since the Middle Ages – as early settlers began cultivating this fruit for its seeds (yellow being an important dye at one point). Some varieties include:
Red-fleshed Yellow “Fuerte” – bear strong resemblance with their red cousins by having deep orange flesh; Yet lack some antioxidants due making them less resistant against natural oxidative processes while other parts contain higher amounts than others when it comes downregulating inflammation or decreasing risk factors behind chronic diseases such heart disease, etc…which isn’t good if eaten regularly.
Is Yellow watermelon available in the market?
Despite their long history, yellow watermelons are a challenge to find in commercial markets and are mostly confined to specialty growers. Its red-fleshed relatives still overshadow this fruit despite the increasing popularity it’s seen over time.
It has large social media exposure that highlights their unique coloration – which may have started as an accident when someone spilled dye into a green one at some point!
Nutritional Value of a yellow watermelon
Yellow watermelons are not only a delicious and refreshing fruit, but they can also help you maintain your health. The vitamins A and C in the yellow melon fruits will reduce inflammation which is great for strengthening the immune system as well! Additionally, their potassium helps regulate fluid levels in our body while providing magnesium to control blood pressure at any given time.
What Do Yellow Watermelons Taste Like?
However, yellow watermelons taste just like red and pink watermelons, despite their color difference. Crisp and juicy are the best words to describe the mouthfeel. Some yellow watermelon types, on the other hand, have a honey-like flavor and can be significantly sweeter.
Fun facts of yellow watermelon
The yellow watermelons, botanically classified as Citrullus lanatus and belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family can be traced back to Africa before they became popularized. They’re one of many types that have existed since before humans were even aware!
Applications of a yellow-colored watermelon
These watermelons are so good, and you’ll want to eat them out of hand. They have a subtle sweetness reminiscent of the cantaloupe but without all that Seed Syndrome! With many different varieties available (both seedless and seeded), it is easy for home gardeners like yourself can enjoy this fruit too by just cutting it up into slices or chunks as desired and tossing it with your favorite topping such as salsa, Verde, tomatoes, etc.
The yellow flesh also makes them perfect candidates when juicing, which will give any dish a unique twist no matter how simple, whether it cocktails-in-a glass type drinks where they go best mixed together.
The yellow flesh of this watermelon has an unusual flavor that’s best when paired with the right ingredients. The same applies for red-fleshed varieties, but they’re typically used in more savory dishes like sauces and spice mixes rather than desserts– although I do enjoy trying out new recipes! Beyond being cool enough to serve as a refreshing snack on hot days, grilling or searing one will create caramelized surface sugars that add depth to your food (especially if you salt it first).
Can Watermelon be stored in refrigerators?
You can store a watermelon in the refrigerator. But remember not to put it for long. In fact, You can not as it is so delicious. Ripe yellow watermelons should feel heavy and create a sound when tapped. If you find yourself without access to fresh produce for any reason, though (like during winter), don’t worry because it still retains some nutritional value if stored properly.
Be sure not to let them get too oxidized overtime before eating, or else they may turn brown rapidly due to this occurring naturally under high heat exposure.
Red Vs. Yellow watermelon: They Look the Same on the Outside
Have you heard the traditional quote? You can’t judge a book by its cover. So is true for a watermelon. Just like any other watermelon, yellow watermelon has the same green rind. So determining the flesh color is not easy unless you already get levelled it in the market.
What Makes Them Yellow?
So the question is what makes watermelon yellow? The way plants produce color is interesting, and it’s usually due to a pigment called anthocyanin. Many fruits have this type of flavonoid, such as cherries, blueberries, grapes purple sweet potatoes, which give them their rich colors. Watermelons also contain an antioxidant called lycopene; they turn pinkish-red from eating these healthy nutrients! So basically, if you find a yellow-colored watermelon, that’s because it lacks lycopene in its flesh. Lack of lycopene makes it yellowish.
5 Varieties of Yellow Watermelon
It’s unlikely that you’ll find yellow watermelon types in your local supermarket. Instead, look for these yellow types at your local farmers market.
‘Yellow Crimson‘ watermelons look identical to the more traditional pink watermelon variety, ‘Crimson Sweet,’ but their yellow flesh is considerably sweeter.
There are no seeds in the Buttercup Yellow Melon, making it an excellent choice for those who like a seedless, sugary treat. This seedless watermelon is one of the sweetest available.
Black Diamond, the ancestor of the yellow flesh type, was first bred in Arkansas and is known as ‘Yellow Flesh Black Diamond’. Its rind is a deep, rich green color that is unblemished. Red and yellow watermelons are both tasty, but this yellow type is less sweet than other yellow watermelons.
Beta-carotene-rich, this cultivar looks more like a cantaloupe but tastes more like a yellow watermelon.
“Yellow Doll,” sometimes known as “Yellow Baby Doll,” is a smaller and sooner maturing watermelon than most other types. Even though it’s just about five to six pounds, the luscious, juicy flesh is still there.
Seasons/Availability
Summer is the peak season for yellow watermelons, but they are accessible all year long.
