In this article, we explore the benefits of yellow watermelons, their types, how they compare with red watermelons, and a few simple recipes to try at home. Take a look.
What Are Yellow Watermelons?
These are one of the oldest and natural varieties of watermelons without any genetic modifications. They are smaller than red watermelons and are believed to be native to Africa. Yellow watermelons have an oblong to oval shape with a thicker and harder green rind than red watermelons. The color of the flesh ranges from pale yellow to gold, and it contains large and edible brown or black seeds (it could be seedless too). Besides, these yellow-fleshed watermelons have a sweet flavor with subtle notes of honey. These delicious yellow watermelons are available in different varieties. The most common types are listed below.
Yellow Watermelon Varieties
Yellow Crimson
Most of the yellow watermelons you find at the grocery store are yellow crimsons. The yellow crimson watermelon is similar to pink watermelons (crimson sweet) on the outside but has brighter yellow flesh. Its pulp turns yellow when it becomes ripe, and it is sweeter than the crimson variety.
Yellow Doll
You can grow this watermelon vertically in a container. A Yellow doll can weigh around five to seven pounds and mature early (within 68 days). Moreover, it tastes very sweet.
Desert King
It looks like a cantaloupe but has the crisp texture of watermelon with a high beta-carotene content. It tastes extra sweet and has a honey-apricot flavor.
Buttercup Yellow Melon
It is a seedless, hybrid variety of yellow watermelon with a very high sugar content.
Yellow Petite
It is a very aromatic watermelon weighing just four to seven pounds and has a high sugar content. It is a perfect sphere (in shape) and fits into the refrigerator comfortably. Yellow watermelons are replete with beneficial plant compounds and nutrients that help treat and prevent many ailments. Here is a list of the health benefits of yellow watermelons.
Health Benefits Of Yellow Watermelons
1) May Help Reduce CVD Risk
Jay Cowin, a registered nutritionist, says, “Yellow watermelon has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. It has been shown to have the ability to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increase HDL cholesterol, and reduce inflammation in cardiovascular disease risk patients.” He also adds, “They also are a great source of vitamins A and C, which help reduce inflammation and also strengthen the immune system.” Yellow watermelons also contain antioxidants, phytochemicals, and minerals like potassium that help lower blood pressure (1).
2) May Help Manage Chronic Diseases
Studies suggest that consuming watermelons may help treat and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and other age-related ailments. These medicinal properties are attributed to the presence of phytochemicals like lycopene, citrulline, and other polyphenolic compounds. Besides, watermelon intake was also found to help with weight management (2). L-citrulline (a non-essential amino acid) may also help improve exercise performance and recovery in individuals (3). Note: A study found that supplementation of β-carotene (present in yellow watermelons) to smokers may increase the risk of lung cancer (4).
3) May Improve Gut Health
The peel of yellow watermelons was shown to have the highest probiotic activity on Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium bifidum (5). Trista Best, a registered dietitian, says, “Yellow watermelons provide water and fiber, both of which are necessary for gut health. These two characteristics make yellow watermelons useful in helping to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort, ulcers, and constipation.” Besides, the high percentage of water in yellow watermelon may help keep you hydrated for the whole day. Wondering why this oldest variety of watermelons has yellow flesh? What does science have to say about it? Keep scrolling to find out.
Why Is This Watermelon Yellow Inside?
Yellow watermelons look the same as traditional red watermelons from outside – with a striped, smooth green rind. But the hue in red watermelons is due to lycopene, an antioxidant also present in tomatoes. Yellow watermelons do not contain this antioxidant. This is because they had undergone selective cross-breeding for their texture, color, and sweetness over a certain period. Apart from their flesh color, how else are the two watermelon varieties different? Let us find out.
Red Watermelon Vs. Yellow Watermelon
Matthew Scarfo, a nutrition expert, says, “Flavor-wise, yellow watermelons are very similar to the red variety, only that they are slightly sweeter with a slight honey-like flavor. They are essentially identical in flavor and nutritional value other than the lack of lycopene.” Both are available in seeded and seedless varieties created by the natural cross-breeding process. These melons can be used in different fruit salads, smoothies, lemonades, and desserts. What is the shelf life of yellow watermelons? How to store them properly to increase their shelf life? Here are a few tips to follow.
How To Store Yellow Watermelons?
An uncut watermelon can last up to two weeks, and regularly changing its (base) position may further increase its shelf life. If refrigerated, it can last up to two to three weeks. Store the watermelon in a sealed glass container once it is cut. Note: Always check for watermelons with a creamy yellowish spot on their rind. A ripe watermelon should feel heavy and make a hollow sound if you lightly tap it. Including yellow watermelon in your diet is easy. Here are a few delicious recipes you can try at home.
Yellow Watermelon Recipes
1. Yellow Watermelon Salad With Mint
What You Need
Yellow watermelon, rind removed – 600g Crumbled Greek feta – 180g Olive oil – 4 teaspoons Mint leaves (hand-torn) – ⅓ cup Pepper – to taste Salt – to taste
Process
2. Yellow Watermelon And Mint Pops
What You Need
Yellow watermelon (peeled, seeded, and chopped) – 1 quart (960 ml) Sugar – ¾ cup (150g) Fresh lemon juice – 2 tablespoons Fresh mint – 5 to 6 large sprigs Very thinly sliced fresh mint – 2 teaspoons Ice pop molds – 8 Water – 180 ml
Process
3. Grilled Watermelon With Cucumber Cantaloupe Salsa
What You Want
¾-inch yellow watermelon slices – 12 Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons Lime– 2 Cucumber (peeled, seeded, and diced) – 1 cup Diced red onion – ½ cup Diced cantaloupe – 1 cup Minced jalapeno – 1 Chopped fresh basil and parsley – 1 tablespoon each Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoons Kosher salt – to taste Black pepper – to taste
Process Where do yellow watermelons grow? Yellow watermelons thrive best in countries that are warmer like Africa, where they originated. They also grow in Mexico and the United States. Is yellow watermelon good for weight loss? Yes, yellow watermelon is good for weight loss. It is a low-calorie food and is filling.
