Have you ever thought to yourself, “Can you freeze watermelon?” Spoiler alert: Yes, you can!
It’s easy. Just cut it, flash freeze it, and then bag it for long-term storage.
Can You Freeze Watermelon?
Abso-freezing-lutely, you can freeze watermelon of all shapes and sizes!
Let me guess. You absolutely adore watermelons, but there’s just one tiny problem. Watermelons contain a boatload of fruit!
There’s so much melon to munch on before it goes bad.
The solution is as cool as the fruit itself – freeze it! That’s right, you can freeze watermelon and enjoy it anytime, anywhere.
Watermelon is a delightful summer treat. But let’s be real… it’s a massive fruit to tackle before it goes bad. That’s where freezing comes in!
It’s super easy and a fabulous way to enjoy that summer-fresh taste all year long. Plus, it’s a fantastic solution for saving leftovers from your latest BBQ or picnic.
And you can cut back on costs! Freezing watermelon helps you fight food waste by letting you store and preserve extras.
And by freezing them into individual squares, they turn into fun, fruity ice cubes. You can do it with watermelon balls, too!
Who wouldn’t crave a taste of summer in the middle of winter? There’s no better way to beat the winter gray.
Plus, frozen watermelon is a super versatile ingredient. You can use it in tons of recipes, from refreshing smoothies to fruity salads.
Personally, I love using frozen watermelon for slushies and sorbets!
How to Freeze Watermelon
Ready to freeze your watermelon? Just follow these simple steps:
- Cut your watermelon into cubes, slices, or whatever shape you like best. Smaller pieces will freeze faster and be easier to use later.
- Remove any seeds (unless you’re using seedless, of course!).
- Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re not touching. This will prevent them from sticking together when they freeze.
- Pop the tray in the freezer until the watermelon is completely frozen. It may take a few hours. This locks in the flavor and texture of the fruit, so it’s delicious every time.
- Transfer the frozen watermelon to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date, so you know when to use it.
How Long Does a Watermelon Last?
A whole watermelon will last on the counter for 7 to 10 days. But it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
After cutting the watermelon, it’s best to eat it within 3 days. But if you want it to last even longer, go ahead, and freeze it.
Frozen fruit stays fresh for at least 3 months. But it may last up to 6 months. It must be stored in an airtight container in the freezer.
How to Defrost Frozen Watermelon
When you fully thaw watermelon, it can get mushy, which is not ideal. But if you only partially thaw it, it will maintain its delicious crunch.
To defrost the watermelon, pop the storage bag into your fridge for a few hours. The time it takes depends on how big the chunks are.
And sometimes, you don’t even need to defrost it at all! For example… if you plan to make a watermelon blended drink, juice, or frozen dessert.
Tips for Freezing Watermelon
To make the most out of your frozen watermelon, keep these tips in mind:
- Use ripe watermelon for the best flavor and texture. Underripe fruit can become mushy and tasteless when frozen.
- Freeze the watermelon as soon as possible to maintain freshness. The longer you wait, the more the quality of the fruit may decrease.
- Keep the pieces separate while freezing to avoid sticking together. This will make it much easier to use individual pieces later.
- Choose ripe, firm watermelons with a yellow field spot and heaviness for their size.
- Avoid freezing old or damaged watermelons with dark/soft spots.
- Thawing can cause a watermelon to lose its crunch. So, the best way to eat it is when it’s partially thawed.
Ways to Use Frozen Watermelon
- Blend it into a refreshing smoothie or slushie. The natural sweetness of the watermelon makes it great for your favorite frozen drinks.
- Make a delicious watermelon sorbet or granita. The bright flavor and vibrant color will make for a delightful frozen dessert.
- Use it as a natural ice cube alternative in your favorite beverages. Pop a few frozen watermelon cubes into your drink to keep it cool.
- As a bonus, the watermelon will add a subtle fruity taste.
- Mix it into a chilled fruit salad for a unique twist. Combine with other frozen or fresh fruits for a refreshing side dish.
- Make watermelon salsa! Combine thawed watermelon with chopped onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. This sweet and spicy concoction pairs well with grilled fish or chicken.
- Skewer frozen watermelon cubes with other fruits for a frosty fruit kabob. Drizzle with honey or a balsamic glaze for an extra touch of flavor.
- Create a zesty watermelon-feta salad! It features watermelon cubes, tangy feta cheese, mint, and a delightful vinaigrette.
- The salty-sweet combo will be a sure-fire hit!
Can You Freeze Watermelon? (Yes! Here’s How.)
Can you freeze watermelon? You sure can! Follow this step-by-step guide and learn how to savor the taste of summer long past watermelon season.
Ingredients
1 Watermelon
Parchment-lined baking tray
Resealable freezer bag or airtight container
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into whatever shape you like best- cubes, balls, triangles, etc. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will freeze.
- Remove any seeds.
- Lay the watermelon pieces on the parchment-lined baking tray. They should not touch one another.
- Freeze the watermelon until they are frozen solid. This may take a few hours.
- Remove the baking tray from the freezer and transfer the frozen watermelon to a freezer bag or freezer-safe airtight container.
- Label and date the container. Freeze for 3-6 months.
- Enjoy your frozen watermelon! OR place the container of watermelon into the fridge for a few hours to thaw before using.
Notes
