Citrullus lanatus (Yellow Watermelon)

Yellow Watermelon: Golden, Sweet, and Full of Benefits

Citrullus lanatus, commonly known as yellow watermelon, is a delightful summer fruit that surprises with its bright golden flesh and honey-like sweetness. While its exterior resembles traditional red watermelon, the inside offers a unique flavor profile and a host of nutritional benefits. From refreshing snacks to gourmet dishes, yellow watermelon is a vibrant and healthful addition to your summer menu.

What is Yellow Watermelon?

Yellow watermelon is a naturally occurring variety of Citrullus lanatus, the same species as traditional red watermelon. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes familiar plants like cantaloupe, zucchini, and cucumber.

What makes yellow watermelon unique is its vibrant golden flesh, which comes from the presence of beta-carotene—a powerful antioxidant and the same pigment that gives carrots and sweet potatoes their orange color. Unlike red watermelons, which get their signature hue from lycopene (another antioxidant), yellow varieties naturally lack this red pigment.

This difference in pigmentation not only affects color but also subtly changes the flavor and nutrient profile. Yellow watermelon tends to be sweeter and more honey-like in taste, and it’s a great source of vitamin A thanks to its high beta-carotene content. It’s not a hybrid or genetically modified; yellow watermelons have been around for thousands of years and are actually believed to be older than red-fleshed types.

Appearance and Taste

• Exterior: Round or oblong shape with solid or striped green rinds—visually similar to red watermelon varieties.
• Flesh Color: Ranges from pale yellow to deep yellow-orange, offering a vibrant and unexpected twist.
• Flavor: Often sweeter and more mellow than red watermelon, with subtle notes of honey, apricot, or cantaloupe.
• Texture: Crisp, juicy, and tender—perfect for a smooth, refreshing bite.

Nutritional Benefits of Yellow Watermelon

Here’s what you get in one cup (152 g) of fresh yellow watermelon:

Health Benefits of Yellow Watermelon

Yellow watermelon isn’t just beautiful and sweet—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s a quick look at the top health perks of enjoying this golden fruit:

How to Eat Yellow Watermelon

Yellow watermelon is as versatile as it is vibrant. With its honey-like sweetness and crisp texture, it shines in everything from snacks to gourmet dishes:

• Fresh Slices: Serve cold as a refreshing, naturally sweet snack.
• Salads: Pair with feta, mint, or citrus for a contrast of flavors and textures.
• Smoothies & Juices: Blend into smoothies, juices, or agua frescas for a burst of flavor and hydration.
• Salsas: Dice and combine with lime, jalapeño, and herbs for a spicy-sweet twist.
• Grilled: Lightly sear slices for a smoky-sweet side dish.
• Seeds: Roast the seeds for a crunchy, nutrient-rich snack.
• Rind: Use the rind in pickling or cooked dishes—it’s entirely edible.

Popular Yellow Watermelon Varieties

There are several yellow watermelon cultivars, each with unique traits:

• Yellow Crimson: Looks like ‘Crimson Sweet’ outside but has rich, sweet yellow flesh inside.
• Buttercup Yellow Melon: A seedless hybrid known for ultra-sweetness and firm texture.
• Yellow Flesh Black Diamond: Has a dark rind and golden flesh with a mild flavor.
• Desert King: Drought-tolerant and high in beta-carotene, with orange-yellow flesh and cantaloupe-like flavor.
• Yellow Doll: Small, early-maturing, and ideal for compact gardens.
• Mountain Sweet Yellow: Large, oblong fruits with bold striping and firm, sweet yellow flesh.

Growing Yellow Watermelon

Yellow watermelon can be grown just like red varieties, with attention to warmth and space:

• Climate: Needs warm, sunny days with temperatures between 70°F and 90°F.
• Soil: Best in well-drained sandy or loamy soil with pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
• Planting: Sow directly outdoors after the final frost. Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart.
• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development, then reduce watering as harvest nears to concentrate sweetness.
• Pollination: Bees are essential. Avoid pesticides while flowers are blooming.

Vines can sprawl 10 feet or more—be sure to give them ample room or use a trellis for small cultivars.

Want to grow your own sweet, juicy watermelon? Here’s how!

Selection and Storage

Choosing: A ripe yellow watermelon will have a creamy yellow field spot and a dull rind. It should feel heavy and sound hollow when tapped.

Storage: Whole melons can last for a few weeks in a cool, dry place. Once cut, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3–5 days.

Yellow Watermelon FAQs