Why is the Watermelon Yellow Inside?

We are all familiar with the common green skinned, pink fleshed watermelon but many of us may not even realize that there are over one thousand types of watermelon grown in ninety six countries around the world. Of these, the following seven varieties are all in fact yellow fleshed watermelons:

• Yellow Flesh Black Diamond
• Yellow Crimson
• Desert King Yellow
• Buttercup
• Tastigold
• Yellow Doll
• Yellow Baby

Description of Yellow Watermelon

Although these watermelons appear similar to the common red fleshed watermelons on the outside, bright green with darker green striping, the inside tells a different story. The flesh of a yellow watermelon can range from a light yellow to a deep golden yellow depending on the species. They can be round or more ob-longed shaped and come with or without seeds. Yellow watermelons can weigh up to 30 lbs (14 kg) but generally weigh anywhere from 5 lbs (2.3 kg) to 18 lbs (8.2 kg). This makes them on average half the size of the normal red fleshed varieties. Although they differ in size, yellow watermelons have the same distinct crisp texture as red watermelons.

Size comparison between red and yellow varieties.

Why are They Yellow?

Although a close cousin of the popular red fleshed watermelons, yellow watermelons lack the red pigment and lycopene (an antioxidant) that give red watermelons (and similarly red tomatoes) their color.

Taste

Yellow watermelons that are grown in preferable conditions and picked when ripe are distinctively sweeter than red watermelons. Their flavor is described to have hints of an apricot/honey mixture.

Availability

Although Yellow watermelons can be grown in any season, during the summer is when they will flourish. Yellow watermelons are best grown in warmer countries such as their origin, Africa or within the United States, Mexico or California. In the United States, Yellow Watermelons grow best during May to October. When the ‘Yellow Baby’ and ‘Yellow Doll’ varieties are ripe and edible, approximately seventy five days after planting, they should feel firm and be free of cracks. Once ripe, larger yellow fleshed watermelons should feel similar although have a longer growing period. Yellow watermelons need one square yard (0.9 square meters) of ground to successfully grow and temperatures between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 degrees Celsius). Yellow watermelons are a lot less common in the United States than the red watermelons. Although, it can be easier to find them at places such as farmer markets.

Storage

If kept in the refrigerator, a yellow watermelon can last up to two weeks. It is recommended that once cut you store your watermelon in a sealed glass container by themselves otherwise the amount of ethylene in other fruits can decrease their shelf life.

Preparation

Yellow watermelon varieties are a popular choice on Summer days and can be eaten:

• raw
• grilled
• seared
• caramelized

They can be used to make:

• syrups
• frozen deserts
• smoothies
• juices
• cocktails
• salads
• salsas
• cakes
• salad dressing

Yellow Watermelon Rum Cocktail

Yellow Watermelon Salad

Fun Facts About Yellow Watermelons

• Seeded varieties include: ‘Tastigold’, ‘Desert King Yellow’ and ‘Yellow Flesh Black Diamond’
• Yellow watermelons contain a small trace of beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorous and vitamins A, B & C
• Yellow watermelons are made up purely over 90% water
• Watermelons, including yellow watermelons can be classified as a fruit or a vegetable
• 1 cup of yellow watermelon contains on average forty five calories
• Yellow varieties of watermelon are actually older than pink and red varieties
• Beta Carotene found in yellow watermelons is thought to protect against eye disease and some cancers
• In a 154 gram serving of yellow watermelon it will contain approximately: 0% of fat and cholesterol, 1% calcium, 2% iron, 4% carbohydrates, 18% vitamin A and 21% vitamin C
• Yellow watermelons are actually cousins of the American cucumber species