Diantha Mills
Everybody enjoys the taste of watermelon because it is sweet, juicy, and packed with water. Watermelons are typically red or pink on the inside, but there has been a recent surge in popularity for the yellow watermelon. Replacing pink with yellow, this fruit is just as delicious and offers a unique flavor profile.
What is yellow watermelon exactly and how does it differ in taste, nutrition, and usage? This article will explore its nutritional benefits, taste comparison and everything else you need to know about this watermelon.
What is Yellow Watermelon?
Yellow watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a type of watermelon that has yellow flesh instead of red or pink. The rind consists of the same green exterior that is commonly found in the traditional watermelon.
In spite of the difference in color, this watermelon has many similarities with pink or red watermelon, not just in taste but in shape and structure as well. Rich in fiber, the flesh of this watermelon is juicy, firm, and sweet with a subtle different flavor.
The Taste of Yellow Watermelon
One defining characteristic that separates this watermelon from the rest is its sweet and honey-like taste. Yellow watermelon is often referred to as sweeter and milder relative to pink watermelon, which happens to be the more common variety.
Many even say that yellow watermelon tastes like a Golden Delicious apple. Due to the sweetness, it tends to be quite popular among those who enjoy eating fruit with a high sugar content compared to more sour or even tangy fruits.
The texture of this watermelon is comparable to that of red watermelon—a crispy and juicy texture that is perfect to bite into on hot summer afternoons. The sensation of eating it during the summer can feel even more refreshing than eating it chilled due to the added sugar content.
Golden watermelon is a versatile fruit that can be blended into smoothies, tossed into fruit salads, or even eaten fresh; regardless of how it is prepared, it adds a unique taste to each dish.
Nutritional Benefits of Yellow Watermelon
This watermelon is a powerhouse of hydration, just like its conventional counterpart, and remains an ideal snacking fruit for the weight-conscious due to its low-calorie count. However, its nutritional advantages do not end here, and other qualities of yellow watermelon make it a distinctly beneficial fruit for health.
Rich in Vitamins A and C
For those in need, watermelon yellow serves as an excellent source for vitamin A as well as vitamin C. Having good vision and a strong immune system? Check. Healthy Skin? Check. All thanks to vitamin A.
C, on the other hand, acts as an antioxidant and assists in tissue repair, cartilage maintenance and even in strengthening one’s immune system. For getting rid of free radicals and aging gracefully, vitamin C, abundant in this watermelon, is crucial.
High in Beta-Carotene
Highly potent antioxidant beta-carotene bestows this watermelon with its lovely color. Yellow watermelon is linked to offering a whole spectrum of health advantages, for instance, lowering the risks of cancer, preventing heart disease and enhancing eye wellbeing.
Once yellow watermelon is eaten, beta-carotene is transformed into vitamin A in the human body, further improving overall wellbeing.
Contains Fiber
Unlike most fruits, yellow watermelon, especially the rind, has a decent quantity of dietary fiber. Fiber helps to control blood sugar and also plays an essential role in regulating digestion while preventing constipation.
Including this watermelon in your meals will not only keep your stomach healthy but also relieve you from digestive issues.
Packed with Antioxidants
Yellow watermelon is packed with antioxidants such as lycopene, which helps reduce inflammation while lowering the risk of certain cancers.
The antioxidants within this watermelons assist in protecting the skin from damage inflicted by the environment, thus ensuring a better skin complexion.
Beneficial Seeds
The nutrients packed within the watermelon seeds are mostly unknown because people tend to discard the seeds.
They are helpful in providing essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron, and folate. Magnesium and zinc help the body combat infections while enabling muscle and nerve functions.
How to Enjoy Yellow Watermelon
You can do a lot more with yellow watermelon than you are doing with red watermelon. Below are some pointers to integrating it into your food:
Fresh, Chilled Slices
Cutting watermelon into cubes or slices is probably the most effortless and easiest way to relish this watermelon. It is even more delicious if kept in the fridge for a while before serving. Fresh, chilled watermelon is a go-to snack and also pairs well with meals. It is also a healthy option for food.
Smoothies
Put yellow watermelon into a blender along with other fruits to prepare a smoothie. Cucumber, mint, and watermelon all combine beautifully, creating a refreshing tropical smoothie. There is no need to add sugar since watermelon is naturally sweet.
Fruit Salads
Yellow watermelon beautifies the presentation of fruit salads, plus it tastes amazing as well. Mix it with mint, basil, citrus, and berries for a delightful aromatic salad. The best part about this watermelon is how its sweet and mild flavors make it a great addition to fruit salad.
Where to Find Yellow Watermelon
With the increase in popularity, it can be found in bigger grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and retail chains. If you’re having trouble locating it, consider planting these watermelon seeds over the summer. If all else fails, Amazon, eBay, and other websites offer seeds and fruit for delivery. To ensure high quality, it’s important to buy it from trusted sources.
Is Yellow Watermelon Natural?
Yellow watermelon is actually a natural form of the regular watermelon, which is not genetically modified. It is a product of selective cross-breeding to increase sweetness and enhance the unique color. The yellow coloring of the flesh is caused by the presence of carotenoids, a pigment beta-carotene that is responsible for the yellow color.
Health Considerations
It is generally safe to eat yellow watermelon, but it is very important to note that it has high levels of sugar, which could be problematic for specific people with issues such as diabetes. So it is best to control the quantity taken. Moreover, don’t forget to wash the rind thoroughly before slicing the fruit to minimize the chances of contamination.
Conclusion
Yellow watermelon is a great alternative with a refreshing twist and sweet honey-like flavor. In addition to that, it has plenty of nutritional health advantages. Its vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration potential make it an important asset in your diet. Now you can eat it fresh, blend it into smoothies, or mix it up in a fruit salad. One thing is for sure: yellow watermelon is simply a delicious and versatile fruit that adds joy to any meal.
Next time you’re at the store or farmers’ market, keep an eye out for this vibrant, naturally sweet watermelon variety and give it a try—you may just find your new favorite fruit!
