Watermelon is a tasty treat that delights everyone who takes a bite.
It’s juicy, sweet, and has a nice pink color.
You can eat it raw or slice it up and add it to your favorite dishes.
But what if you don’t have access to fresh watermelon all summer? Well, freezing it is a great way to keep it fresh for longer.
Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy watermelon on a hot summer day!
Here’s everything you need to know about freezing watermelon, including how to freeze watermelon, what foods should be frozen, and how long frozen watermelon lasts.
How do you freeze watermelon?
The first step to freezing watermelon is to cut it into pieces.
Then, lay them out in an even layer in a freezer-safe dish.
The size of the piece will depend on how much you plan to use.
For example, if you want to make a lot of ice cream sandwiches, then cut the melon into smaller cubes so they fit better.
If you just want a few slices, then leave it whole.
Next, cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
This allows the watermelon to “set up” and get super cold before you start freezing it.
What is the best way to freeze watermelon?
The easiest way to freeze watermelon is in a bag.
Just take the watermelon and put it inside a freezer-friendly bag.
Make sure it’s fully sealed, otherwise moisture may seep through the bag and cause mold growth.
Place the bag in the freezer for 48 hours.
Afterward, remove the watermelon from the bag and transfer it to a container.
It’ll stay fresher for weeks this way because the watermelon hasn’t been exposed to air.
If you want to speed things up, you can also place watermelon directly in the freezer, but it won’t last as long as if you freeze it first.
How long does frozen watermelon last?
Frozen watermelon will last about two months once it’s defrosted.
That’s if it doesn’t go bad while it’s frozen.
If it starts getting moldy, throw it away immediately.
To avoid this, store it in a closed container to prevent the moisture from leaking out.
How do you thaw frozen watermelon?
Once you’ve got your watermelon fully defrosted, you can either eat it straightaway or let it sit overnight.
If you want to eat it right away, simply grab a knife and cut it into slices.
Otherwise, you can let it sit until it’s completely melted.
What is the difference between fresh and frozen watermelon?
Fresh watermelon is always the best choice over frozen watermelon, but it isn’t necessarily easier to find than the latter option.
Fresh watermelon contains more nutrients and vitamins than frozen watermelon, which means it’ll taste better.
However, the quality of frozen watermelon is still high enough to be enjoyed by most people.
Is frozen watermelon as good as fresh watermelon?
Yes, frozen watermelon is just as tasty as its counterpart.
How do you know when watermelon is frozen?
To tell whether your watermelon is frozen, you should feel its texture.
When watermelon is frozen, it usually feels hard like rock candy.
But if you bite into it and it’s soft like regular watermelon, it’s not frozen yet.
What are the benefits of freezing watermelon?
One of the main benefits of freezing watermelon is that it keeps it fresh for longer.
It’s ideal for people who live in warmer regions where watermelons grow year-round.
And since it’s easy to transport, you can save money by buying small amounts instead of large ones.
Are there any drawbacks to freezing watermelon?
There aren’t many downsides to freezing watermelon.
The only potential issue is that the flavor might change slightly after being frozen.
While it’s true that the melon itself won’t turn sour, the juice inside may become less sweet.
What are some creative ways to use frozen watermelon?
If you have extra watermelon lying around, there are plenty of creative ways to use it.
Here are a few ideas:
Make Watermelon Ice Cream
Cut the watermelon into 1/4-inch-thick slices and place them in a single layer in a shallow baking dish.
Freeze for 12 hours, then remove the watermelon and place it in a food processor.
Add 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and salt.
Pulse the mixture until smooth.
Pour the mixture back into the baking dish, return it to the freezer for another 12 hours, then carefully remove the watermelon and serve.
Add watermelon to salads.
Slice the fruit into wedges, toss it in a bowl with a dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
Serve immediately.
Chop up the chunks of watermelon and mix them with plain Greek yogurt.
Top with honey, cinnamon, and chopped nuts.
Serve frozen watermelon in a tall glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with mint leaves and lime wedges.
Watermelon ice cream
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 spoon
- 1 freezer
Ingredients
- 3 cups watermelon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by cubing your watermelon into bite-sized pieces. You should have about 3 cups of cubed watermelon when you're done.
- Add the cubed watermelon, heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Let the ice cream thaw for about 10 minutes before scooping and serving.
Video
Nutrition
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