All You Need To Know About Yellow Watermelon?
Watermelons are yellow or green, depending on the variety of watermelon. As a result, yellow watermelons have become increasingly popular among consumers. However, there is still limited information about yellow watermelons available to consumers. This article will discuss everything you need to know about yellow watermelon, including how they grow, what nutrients they contain, and any risks that may be associated with eating them.
What is yellow watermelon and where does it come from?
Yellow watermelons are yellow because, in comparison to green watermelons, yellow watermelons have a higher concentration of lycopene. Lycopene is a type of antioxidant found in red and orange fruits. It helps protect our bodies against cell damage induced by free radicals and environmental factors such as UV radiation, leading to skin cancers.
A yellow watermelon also contains a more yellow pigment called lutein which is good for vision health. They come from the Citrullus lanatus plant from South America. They grow on average around 34 pounds each with pulp containing about 95% moisture content inserted into 12 pack, 18th-foot containers for shipping worldwide year-round.
What nutrients do they contain?
Watermelons are not just high in water (about 92% by weight) but also supply a good amount of potassium. They help out athletes recover after exercise. This fruit contains only 20 calories per 100 ml while providing your body with essential minerals and vitamins such as calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
They are free of cholesterol, sodium, and sugar. They also contain carotenoids such as cryptoxanthin (a yellow pigment), lutein (an orange-yellow pigment), and lycopene (red). Many of these compounds act as powerful antioxidants in our bodies.
How To Store
Watermelons should be stored at room temperature. Once cut, they should be refrigerated and used within two days.
What are the risks associated with eating them?
- Gastrointestinal Distress. Watermelon seeds contain cucurbitacins which may affect gastrointestinal health in some people when they are consumed in very large quantities over a short period of time. People who have problems with irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis should avoid consuming watermelon seeds or yellow watermelon in very high quantities.
- Kidney Stones. Watermelon contains oxalate which can contribute to kidney stone formation when consumed in large amounts over time, especially by individuals who are susceptible to developing kidney stones for other reasons.
- Potential Drug Interactions. The most commonly used pharmaceutical drug, probenecid, is said to reduce the potential risk of kidney stones. However, it also reduces the excretion of lycopene which means that people who are taking this medication should avoid eating large amounts of yellow watermelon or watermelon seeds.
Pregnant or breastfeeding people should consult their medical care provider before eating yellow watermelon.
Because of the potential risk of food poisoning, people on immune-suppressing drugs (such as steroids), cancer patients, and HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy should avoid raw fruit salads containing watermelon. There is a low risk that the fruit has been contaminated by an individual carrying the Norovirus.
What are the benefits?
- High in Lycopene Watermelon contains high levels of lycopene which is believed to provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anticancer and cardiovascular protective effects.
- Eye Health Watermelon is extremely high in vitamin A, which is required for good vision. It also contains lutein and zeaxanthin which protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts.
- Heart Health Watermelon is very low in sodium, making it a suitable choice for individuals who are on low-sodium diets or are at risk of developing high blood pressure.
- Digestive Health Watermelon is very low in calories, but high in fiber which makes it an ideal choice for anyone who wishes to improve their digestive health.
- Weight Control The composition of watermelon means that it has a relatively high satiety index . It is also very low in calories and is a good choice for individuals who wish to control their weight.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects Watermelon helps to reduce inflammation in the body by acting as a diuretic. It also contains nutrients that have been shown to help reduce systemic inflammation, such as lycopene, glutathione, and vitamin C.
Recipes that use Yellow Watermelon
Watermelon Rind Pickles
Ingredients
- 1 large watermelon
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- pinch of salt
Directions
- Cut the watermelon into 1-inch thick slices. Discard the seeds and rind. Cut the flesh into small cubes.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, celery seed, mustard seed, turmeric and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the watermelon cubes and cook for 2 minutes, or until they are slightly softened.
- Pack the watermelon into sterilized jars and cover with syrup from the pan. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
Watermelon Mint Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sugar (or more depending on preference)
- 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
- 3 cups cold water
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Combine syrup with lemon juice, dried mint and remaining 2 cups of cold water. Serve over ice.
- For a sweeter tea, add more sugar as desired. Enjoy!
Watermelon Slushy (A Summertime Favorite)
Ingredients
1 cup cold water 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 4 lemons) 5 cups coarsely chopped seedless watermelon, chilled 1/2 cup superfine sugar, or to taste
Directions
- In a blender, mix the cold water and lemon juice until well blended. Add the chopped watermelon and process until very smooth. Strain if desired for a smoother consistency.
- Combine the syrup with the watermelon puree. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Serve immediately over ice cubes.
How can you tell if ripe or not?
There are a few ways to tell if a watermelon is ripe. One is to look at the color. A ripe watermelon should be a deep red or yellow. Another way to tell is by checking the weight. A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. You can also listen for a hollow sound when you thump it. And finally, a ripe watermelon’s surface should have little white lines.
Conclusion
The information provided in this article will help you make the most of your next watermelon purchase. We hope that these tips have helped give you a better understanding of recognizing when a watermelon is ripe and ready for consumption and some tasty recipes that use yellow watermelons. Do you know any other ways to tell if a watermelon is ripe? Let us know in the comments!