How To Freeze Watermelon?
Nothing says summer quite like juicy slice of watermelon! But when you buy a giant melon, you don’t necessarily want to eat it all at once. Freezing your watermelon can help preserve its fresh and delicious flavor so that you can enjoy it throughout the year – without having to worry about spoilage.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to freeze watermelon so that you can experience its sweet taste any time, all year round! Keep reading to get started.
Contents
What Are Watermelons?
Watermelons are a popular fruit, known for their sweet and refreshing taste. They belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and are characterized by their hard green rind and juicy red or pink flesh dotted with black seeds.
Rich in water and nutrients, they are a favorite summertime treat due to their hydrating properties.
What Does A Watermelon Looks And Tastes Like?
A watermelon is characterized by a hard, green outer rind and a juicy, vibrant red or pink inner flesh. It tastes sweet and slightly tangy, offering a refreshing, hydrating, and crisp texture with each bite.
Health Benefits Of Watermelon
Watermelon is not just a low-calorie summer fruit; it’s also a great source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and A.
It’s rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which contributes to heart health and combats free radicals. The high water content of watermelon (around 92%) makes it incredibly hydrating and helps keep you refreshed.
Additionally, it contains dietary fiber that aids in digestion. Its natural sweetness can also satisfy a sweet tooth without adding too many calories, making it a healthier choice for dessert or snacks.
Can You Freeze Watermelon?
Yes, you can freeze watermelon. Watermelon is 92% water, so it freezes well. However, after thawing, the texture of the fruit may change and become softer and mushy. Therefore, it’s best to use frozen watermelon in recipes like smoothies, sorbets, or margaritas rather than eating it on its own.
Here Is How To Freeze Watermelon
Watermelon is a refreshing, hydrating, and delectable fruit that’s a favorite during the summer months. But what if you want to enjoy this fruity delight beyond the peak season, the solution is simple: freeze it. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to freeze watermelon:
Step 1: Choose Your Watermelon
Choosing the right watermelon is an essential first step when it comes to freezing watermelon. To make sure you pick a juicy, sweet, ripe and fresh watermelon, look for a uniform shape and smooth skin without any obvious dents or bruises.
The watermelon should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it’s full of water and perfectly ripe. Also, give the watermelon a tap – if you hear a deep, hollow sound, it’s a sign it is ripe and ready to eat. Once you’ve chosen your watermelon, it’s time to cut it into bite-sized chunks and freeze it for later use.
Step 2: Prepare Your Watermelon
Preparing your watermelon is an important step in the process of freezing watermelon. First, rinse the whole watermelon under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a sharp knife to cut off both ends of the watermelon on a cutting board.
Stand the watermelon on one end, and use a sharp knife to cut away and remove the rind, following the curve of the fruit. From there, you can cut watermelon into small cubes, slices, or use a melon baller to create small balls.
Step 3: Remove Seeds
Although watermelon seeds are edible (and even nutritious, they can interfere with the consistency of your frozen watermelon. So, removing the seeds from your watermelon is an important step when it comes to freezing watermelon.
To do this, use a melon baller or a small spoon to scrape along the seed line, removing all the seeds from the flesh of the fruit. Alternatively, you can cut the watermelon into small cubes and remove the seeds with the tip of a knife or a spoon.
By removing the seeds before freezing the watermelon, you’ll ensure that the texture of the fruit remains intact and that you won’t have any hard or inedible pieces in your final product.
Step 4: Freeze On A Baking Sheet
Arrange the seedless watermelon cubes, pieces or watermelon slices in single layer on a wax paper or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The key here is to make sure that the watermelon pieces are arranged in a single layer and not touching each other.
By doing this, you will prevent the watermelon cubes from freezing together, which can make it difficult to use them later on. If you’re using a whole watermelon, cut it into small cubes or slices before arranging them on the baking sheet.
It’s important to keep the pieces uniform in size, so they will freeze evenly. Make sure the baking sheet is flat and level in the freezer so the watermelon pieces don’t slide around and stick together.
Step 5: Freeze
After arranging the seedless watermelon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, it’s time to freeze them. It’s recommended to place the baking sheet in the coldest part of the freezer and leave it there for at least 2-4 hours, or until the watermelon is completely frozen.
The exact time to freeze the watermelon may depend on the size and thickness of the fruit pieces, and the temperature of your freezer.
You can check if the watermelon is frozen by gently pressing one of the pieces. If it feels solid and doesn’t leave a dent, it’s ready to be stored. Avoid over-freezing the watermelon, as this can affect its texture and taste.
Step 6: Transfer To Freezer Bag
After the watermelon pieces have been frozen for the recommended amount of time, it’s important to transfer them to the airtight container or freezer bag. This will ensure that the watermelon stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
It’s best to use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Once you’ve placed the watermelon in the container or bag, be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing it. This will prevent any excess moisture from forming inside the container and causing freezer burn.
Step 7: Label And Store
Do not forget to label your freezer bags with the date. Proper labeling and storage of your frozen watermelon is essential in order to keep it fresh and avoid confusion in your freezer.
First, label your container or freezer bag with the date you froze the watermelon and what it is. Use a permanent marker and write legibly to avoid any confusion later on. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag that is airtight, as this will prevent freezer burn and keep your watermelon fresh for an extended period of time.
When storing your frozen watermelon, place it at the back of your freezer where it is coldest, so it stays frozen solid. It’s also a good idea to separate the frozen watermelon from other frozen foods to avoid cross-contamination and to make it easier to find later on.
With these simple steps, you can store and label your frozen watermelon like a pro and enjoy sweet and juicy watermelon all year long!
Can You Freeze Watermelon Juice?
Yes, you can freeze watermelon juice. It’s a great way to preserve the juice for later use, and it can be easily thawed or even used in its frozen state to add a refreshing touch to smoothies, cocktails, or other beverages.
How Long Does Watermelon Last In Freezer?
When properly stored in airtight container or freezer bag, watermelon can last in the freezer for up to 8-12 months. Frozen watermelon should be tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn and loss of quality. Cut watermelon can also be frozen and will last up to a year when stored in the freezer.
How To Prevent Freezer Burns On Watermelon While Freezing?
Here are some tips on how to avoid freezer burn while freezing watermelon:
- Try using a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container designed for freezing food.
- Remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing it shut.
- Keep your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower to help the watermelon freeze quickly and reduce the risk of ice crystals forming on the surface.
By following these tips, you can enjoy frozen watermelon that is free from freezer burn and still retains its delicious flavor and texture.
Can You Thaw Frozen Watermelon?
We do not recommend thawing frozen watermelon, as doing so significantly alters the texture of the fruit. With its high water content, frozen watermelon has a tendency to become mushy when thawed. Instead, it’s best to use frozen watermelon in recipes that call for frozen fruit or consume it as a frozen treat.
If desired, you can allow the frozen watermelon to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to slightly soften before consuming, but we still recommend using it in its frozen state.
Is Frozen Watermelon Healthy?
Frozen watermelon is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this refreshing fruit. Watermelon is packed with nutrients and vitamins that offer numerous health benefits, and freezing the fruit doesn’t diminish these benefits.
One of the main benefits of watermelon is its high water content, which can help keep you hydrated during hot weather. Additionally, watermelon contains antioxidants, such as lycopene, which helps protect your cells from damage that is caused by free radicals.
Frozen watermelon is also a good source of vitamin C, which supports immune system, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Furthermore, watermelon has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
5 Ways To Use Frozen Watermelon
Frozen watermelon is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. If you’ve recently frozen some watermelon and are wondering how to use it, we’ve got you covered. Here are five simple yet tasty ways to use frozen watermelon:
Frozen Watermelon Cubes
Freeze freshly cut watermelon cubes and use them instead of ice cubes in your fruit juices or lemonades. The cubes won’t water down your drink, and they’ll add a touch of sweetness along with extra watermelon flavor.
Watermelon And Pineapple Juice
Blend previously frozen watermelon chunks with pineapple juice to make a tropical and refreshing drink that’s perfect for a hot summer day. Add splash of orange juice for an extra boost of Vitamin C.
Fruit Salad
Add partially frozen watermelon chunks to your favorite fruit salad recipe to give it a cool and crunchy texture. Canned fruit can also be used, but the fresh flavors of the watermelon will make the salad taste even better!
Making Smoothies
Frozen watermelon is a great ingredient for making smoothies. Combine it with other fruits like berries or bananas, Greek yogurt, and a little bit of honey or agave nectar for a healthy and delicious breakfast or snack.
Watermelon Ice Cubes
Puree frozen watermelon chunks in a blender and pour the liquid into ice cube trays. Freeze for a few hours until solid, then use the watermelon ice cubes to add some fruity flavor to your water, lemonade, or cocktails.
How To Make Watermelon Popsicles?
Here is how to make watermelon popsicles:
- Add the cubed watermelon, honey, lime juice, and water to a blender.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the popsicle molds. Fill molds about 3/4 of way full.
- Insert the popsicle stick into the center of each mold.
- Freeze the popsicles for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely frozen.
- To remove the popsicles from molds, run them under warm water for a few seconds to loosen them up.
- Serve and enjoy your refreshing watermelon popsicles!
So, How To Freeze Watermelon: Conclusion
Free watermelon is a simple and effective way to enjoy this juicy fruit all year. To freeze watermelon, cut the fruit into bite-sized chunks and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Freeze the watermelon for 1-2 hours until partially frozen, then transfer the chunks to an airtight container or a freezer bag, labeling it with the date. Frozen watermelon can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
And there you have it! Whether you want to add frozen watermelon to your smoothies, make a refreshing watermelon juice, or just enjoy them as a cool snack, freezing watermelon is a great way to preserve this delightful fruit.
