Have you ever been in your local grocery store or at the farmer’s market and come across a strange-looking fruit with bright yellow skin? If so, you may have found the wonderful yellow watermelon. Yes, you read that right! This cousin of the traditional crimson red watermelon is dazzling fruit lovers everywhere. It does so for good reason.
Yellow watermelon—why is it yellow? The easy answer comes from its genes. Yellow watermelon, or Citrullus lanatus in scientific jargon, is yellow thanks to the presence of beta-carotene. This pigment creates the vivid yellow and orange colors in many types of fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, red watermelon owes its characteristic shade to lycopene—a different pigment. Each of these pigments contributes to both sight and taste in its own way. They confer different tastes and nutritional content on each kind of watermelon.
What does yellow watermelon taste like? Just think of sweet nectar mixed with honey—a description some have used to capture its unique flavor. Yellow watermelon, in any case, is often said to have a more modest and less aggressive flavor than its red counterpart. Its flesh is moist and refreshing in the heat of summer. It provides an ideal source of relief on hot days to boot.
So, besides color and the presence (or lack) of seeds, how is yellow watermelon different from its red cousins? Apart from taste and peel texture, yellow watermelons are often more frequently bred to be seedless. This depends mostly on customer acceptance.
This is today’s million-dollar question: Does one of them stand out as the best? The answer is that it’s all a matter of personal taste. Some people cannot resist the feeling of sweet, juicy red watermelon. Meanwhile, others go for the stronger and subtler sweetness in yellow watermelons. Regardless of color, either kind still makes a great snack.
Once you develop a taste for yellow watermelon, you naturally want to pick one that’s perfectly ripe. Choosing a ripe yellow watermelon is much like choosing a red one. First, knock on the fruit. If it sounds hollow, it’s ripe. Finally, pick a yellow watermelon that is heavy for its size.
There’s something special about yellow watermelons—their lovely sweetness and the abundant nutrition behind their novel form are finding popularity in the diets of modern folks. The pigment beta-carotene (which also provides the yellow color) is an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. As more and more people become health-conscious, looking for healthier food options, the appeal of yellow watermelons will only grow.
After trying it for yourself, you’ll for sure agree with us that it’s a nice change from traditional RED watermelons. Whether you still love the look and taste of red watermelon or want to try something new in the form of yellow, both kinds make great snacks. They are also good for you on sweltering summer afternoons. Remember, the next time you go to the grocery store or farmer’s market, keep a sharp eye out for this golden treat.
From color-changing varieties to surprising health benefits, there’s more to watermelon than you’d expect.
