What Does Watermelon Taste Like?

If you’ve ever bitten into a slice of red watermelon on a hot summer day, you know just how refreshing it can be. Watermelon is best enjoyed when it’s ripe and in season, typically between May and September.

The taste of red watermelon is a delightful blend of sweetness and juiciness that is hard to resist. It’s like a sip of sweet water that has a hint of a fruity flavor.

In this article, I’ll explain more about the taste of red watermelons and how it compares to other varieties. I’ll also share some tips on how to choose a tasty watermelon and ways to enjoy it.

How Does Watermelon Taste?

When you take a bite of red watermelon, you’ll first notice its sweetness. It’s a natural, fruity sweetness that’s not overpowering. It’s just right, making it a perfect treat for those hot summer days when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy.

The texture of red watermelon is also part of its taste experience. It’s crisp and juicy, adding a refreshing element to its sweet taste. The juice fills your mouth when you bite into it, providing a hydrating and satisfying experience.

But the taste of red watermelon isn’t just sweet. There’s a subtle hint of tartness that balances out the sweetness. This slight tartness gives red watermelon its unique flavor, making it more than just a sweet fruit. This balance of sweet and tart makes red watermelon a favorite among many.

Types of Watermelon

Sugar Baby Watermelon: This variety is known for its small size and dark green skin. The flesh is bright red and incredibly sweet, living up to its name.
Crimson Sweet Watermelon: This is a larger variety, with light green skin covered in dark green stripes. The red flesh is sweet and juicy, making it a popular choice for many.
Charleston Gray Watermelon: While the flesh is still red and sweet, this variety is known for its elongated shape and thick, grayish skin. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a slightly different watermelon.
Yellow Watermelon: This variety surprises many people with its bright yellow flesh. The taste is sweet but has a honey-like flavor that sets it apart from the red varieties.

Comparing Watermelon with Other Fruits

Cantaloupe: Cantaloupe has a sweet and slightly musky flavor. It’s less juicy compared to watermelon and has a more firm texture.
Honeydew Melon: Honeydew has a sweet and slightly tart flavor. It’s less sweet than watermelon but has a similar level of juiciness.
Pineapple: Pineapple is sweet and tangy with a fibrous texture. It’s more acidic and less watery than watermelon.
Strawberries: Strawberries have a sweet-tart flavor. They’re juicier than most berries but still less juicy than watermelon. Their texture is also firmer.

Does Watermelon Taste Good?

Watermelon is one of those fruits that most people find irresistible. Its sweet, juicy flavor is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a fruit that’s often associated with summer and good times and for a good reason. When it’s fresh and ripe, watermelon can be incredibly delicious.

However, the taste of watermelon can greatly depend on its freshness and ripeness. A perfectly ripe watermelon is sweet and juicy, while an underripe or overripe one can be bland or mushy. So, picking a good watermelon is key to enjoying its taste.

Eating watermelon raw is the most common way to enjoy it. The cool, refreshing taste is perfect on a hot day. But did you know you can also cook watermelon? Grilling watermelon can bring out a different flavor profile, making it a unique addition to your summer BBQ.

Freezing watermelon and using it in smoothies or as a natural popsicle is another great way to enjoy it. However, freezing can change the texture, making it less crisp. So, while frozen watermelon can still taste good, it’s a different experience compared to eating it fresh.

What Does Watermelon Look Like?

Watermelon is a large fruit that’s easy to spot in a grocery store or farmer’s market. It has a hard, thick rind, typically green with darker green stripes or spots. The shape can vary from round to oblong, depending on the variety.

When you cut into a watermelon, you’ll see its vibrant flesh. Most commonly, this is a bright red or pink color, but as we mentioned earlier, there are also varieties with yellow or orange flesh. Scattered throughout the flesh, you’ll find black, brown, or white seeds, although seedless varieties are available too.

When buying a watermelon, there are a few things to look out for to ensure you’re getting a ripe and sweet one.

First, check for uniformity. The watermelon should be symmetrical and free of cuts, bruises, or dents.
Next, pick it up. It should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it’s full of juice.
Finally, look for a creamy yellow spot. This indicates where the watermelon was resting on the ground, and a yellow spot (as opposed to white or green) indicates that it’s ripe.

Do Watermelons Have Seeds?

Yes, traditionally, watermelons do have seeds. These seeds are usually black, brown, or white and are embedded in the fruit’s flesh. They can be quite hard and are typically spit out when eating watermelon raw. However, they are completely edible and can even be roasted for a crunchy snack.

You may also come across seedless watermelons in your local grocery store. These watermelons are not genetically modified, as some might think.

Instead, they’re the result of hybridization, a natural process where different types of the same plant are cross-pollinated. In the case of seedless watermelons, they’re bred from a cross between watermelons with two different numbers of chromosomes.

While seedless watermelons still have seeds, they’re small, soft, and white. These seeds are undeveloped and can be eaten along with the watermelon flesh without noticeable texture or flavor differences. So, whether you prefer seeded or seedless, there’s a watermelon out there for you.

How To Make Watermelon Taste Good

Watermelon is naturally sweet and refreshing, but you can use a few tricks to enhance its flavor even more. Here are some tips to make your watermelon taste even better:

Choose a ripe watermelon: This is the first and most crucial step. A ripe watermelon will always taste better than an underripe one. Look for a uniform shape, dull (not shiny) skin, and a creamy yellow spot where the watermelon rested on the ground. It should also feel heavy for its size.
Chill it: Watermelon tastes best when it’s cold. After cutting it, store the watermelon in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. The cool temperature enhances the fruit’s, natural sweetness.
Sprinkle some salt: It may sound strange, but a small sprinkle of salt can enhance the sweetness of the watermelon. The salt interacts with the fruit’s natural sugars, making them more pronounced.
Add some acid: Lime or lemon juice squeeze can make the watermelon’s flavor pop. The acid in the citrus contrasts with the sweetness of the watermelon, creating a balanced and more complex flavor.
Pair it with fresh herbs: Fresh mint or basil leaves can add a new dimension to the flavor of watermelon. The herbs’ freshness complements the sweet and juicy nature of the fruit.

Remember, starting with a good one is the key to a delicious watermelon. So take your time selecting your watermelon, and use these tips to make it taste even better.

How To Use Watermelon In Recipes And Side Dishes

Watermelon’s sweet and refreshing flavor pairs well with many other ingredients. Here are some popular recipes and side dishes where watermelon shines:

Recipes

Watermelon Salad: This is a classic summer dish that’s refreshing and easy to make. Combine chunks of watermelon with feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, and a simple olive oil and lime juice dressing. The salty feta and the fresh mint perfectly balance the sweetness of the watermelon.
Watermelon Gazpacho: This chilled soup is perfect for hot summer days. Blend watermelon with cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and a splash of vinegar, then chill before serving. The watermelon adds a sweet twist to this traditional Spanish dish.
Watermelon Salsa: Swap tomatoes for watermelon in your salsa for a sweet and spicy treat. Combine diced watermelon with jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s a great accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken.

Side Dishes

Grilled Watermelon: Grilling watermelon enhances its sweetness and gives it a smoky flavor. Simply slice the watermelon into thick rounds, grill for a few minutes on each side, and sprinkle with a little sea salt. It’s a unique and tasty side dish for any summer barbecue.
Watermelon and Cucumber Salad: This refreshing side dish is perfect for hot days. Toss together chunks of watermelon and cucumber, add a drizzle of olive oil, lime juice, and chopped fresh mint. It’s a hydrating and delicious side that pairs well with grilled meats.
Watermelon Pickles: This is a great way to use up the rind of the watermelon. The rind is pickled in a sweet and tangy brine, resulting in a crunchy and flavorful pickle that’s a great addition to any picnic or barbecue.

Watermelon FAQs

How should I store watermelon?

Watermelon can be stored in different ways depending on its state. Whole watermelons can be kept at room temperature, but once cut, they should be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated to keep them fresh. For the best taste and texture, remember to consume the cut watermelon within a few days.

How do I cut a watermelon?

Cutting a watermelon can be a bit tricky due to its size. Start by slicing off the ends to create a stable base. Stand the watermelon on one end and use a sharp knife to carefully cut the rind away from top to bottom, following the shape of the fruit. Once the rind is removed, you can cut the watermelon into slices, cubes, or any shape you prefer.

How can I pick a ripe watermelon?

Picking a ripe watermelon involves a few steps. Look for a uniform shape, whether it’s round or oblong. The watermelon should feel heavy for its size, indicating a high water content. Check for a uniform color except for the field spot, which is where the watermelon rested on the ground. The spot should be creamy yellow color. When you tap a ripe water melon, it will give a deep, hollow sound.

My Tasty Thoughts

Watermelon’s sweet, juicy nature makes it a hit in many households, especially during the warmer months. If you haven’t tried watermelon yet, you’re missing out on a truly refreshing experience.

However, it’s important to note that watermelon is a large fruit. This might be a bit daunting for some home cooks, especially if you’re only preparing it for one or two people. Cut and store properly requires a bit of effort, but the payoff is worth it.

Lastly, while watermelon is commonly available in many grocery stores, its availability might be seasonal in some areas. This could limit when you can enjoy this tasty fruit. But when it’s in season, don’t hesitate to add it to your shopping list.