Can You Freeze Watermelon?

Have you ever had an abundance of fresh, crisp watermelon and asked the question: “Can you freeze watermelon?” Whether you have an excess of the delicious fruit or want to make sure you always have some on hand for smoothies, chilled beverages and more, freezing watermelon can be an excellent way to extend its shelf life.

With watermelon being approximately 92% water, there’s no doubt that you can freeze watermelon. But how exactly can you freeze watermelon to retain its nutritional value and refreshing flavor? To find out how easy it is, keep reading for our guide to freezing watermelon and using the frozen fruit in tasty recipes.

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• Can Watermelon be Frozen?
• How To Freeze Watermelon
• Frozen Watermelon Recipes

Can Watermelon Be Frozen?

Watermelon absolutely can be frozen. Doing so means that you can always have some available to add to your recipes or even enjoy as a snack on its own. The consistency may change a bit during freezing, with the watermelon taking on more of a puréed texture. Despite this, freezing the fruit is still an excellent way to add a fresh and fruity taste to recipes like watermelon gazpacho and watermelon smoothies. 

Can You Freeze Watermelon Chunks?

Watermelon chunks can definitely be frozen. Freezing watermelon as chunks offers an excellent way to store this juicy treat. You can also use a melon baller for uniform pieces. The pieces don’t necessarily have to be the same size if you plan to use them in smoothies or sorbets, but having them close in size helps with consistent freezing and defrosting. 

Can You Freeze Watermelon Slices?

You can freeze watermelon slices just like chunks of the fruit. However, freezing as slices instead of chunks may take up more space in the freezer. Since the consistency of watermelon does change a bit when frozen, you may not enjoy a slice on its own after defrosting it because it loses a lot of the crispness that a fresh slice would have. 

So, if you’re planning to freeze watermelon slices to eat in the same way you would a fresh slice, you probably won’t get good results. If you need to add slices to the freezer quickly for use later in other recipes, you shouldn’t have any issues. 

Can You Freeze a Whole Watermelon?

Any of us who have carried a watermelon will realize that it’s not advisable to freeze a whole watermelon. In addition to taking up valuable real estate in your freezer, it will be super hard to slice when you’re ready to use it. Don’t even think about the prospect of dropping it! Luckily, it doesn’t take long to cut it into slices or chunks for freezing. 

Can You Freeze Watermelon Juice?

Yes, you can freeze watermelon in juice form. Frozen watermelon juice is wonderful when added to other beverages, from smoothies to cocktails and mocktails. Frozen watermelon juice is good for approximately two months when stored in an airtight and freezer-safe container. Just be sure to label it with the date of freezing.

Can You Freeze Watermelon for Smoothies?

Freezing watermelon for smoothies is a wonderful way to prolong the flavors of summer. Freezing the watermelon as chunks or balls is advised if you plan to add it to smoothies. When you want to use it, try tossing it in with strawberries, spinach and cilantro for a delicious fresh-from-the-garden beverage.

Can You Freeze Watermelon Purée?

“Can you freeze watermelon purée?” may be another question you find yourself asking. Yes, you can freeze watermelon purée. You may want to add a bit of sugar before freezing for a sweet zing. Flash-freezing the purée in an ice cube tray is also recommended. Once frozen solid, place in freezer bags and store until you need it. The cubes can be used to add a fruity taste to teas, fruit juices and even sangria. Try a watermelon and wine mix with the addition of strawberries and peaches for a tasty melon-infused sangria.

How to Freeze Watermelon

So, just how do you freeze watermelon for use in delicious recipes? Start by choosing the freshest and ripest melon in the bunch. You’ll want to cut away the rind and remove the seeds. Frozen seeds are not fun to deal with! You can also skip the de-seeding process by purchasing seedless melons.

Next, cut the watermelon into pieces. You can also use a melon baller. Place the pieces on a tray lined with parchment paper. Transfer to the freezer and allow to sit for a few hours until it’s all frozen. Place the frozen watermelon into freezer bags and enjoy later.

How To Freeze Watermelon Chunks

As mentioned, you can freeze watermelon chunks to use later in many recipes, from sorbets to smoothies and even as a cool popsicle-like snack. To freeze chunks of watermelon, follow these simple steps:

1. Cut away the rind and remove the seeds.
2. Cut the watermelon into chunks.
3. Place the watermelon pieces on a parchment paper-lined baking tray.
4. Put the watermelon chunks in the freezer and allow to freeze solid. This should take a few hours. 
5. Transfer the frozen watermelon chunks to freezer bags and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy. 

How Long Can You Freeze Watermelon?

When properly preserved and sealed, frozen watermelon will last in the freezer for approximately eight months. That end-of-summer freezing session will take you all the way through winter now that you’ve learned how you can freeze watermelon.

Frozen Watermelon Recipes

Having discovered that you can freeze watermelon, you may now also be wondering how to use that frozen watermelon. Never fear, there are a variety of recipes perfect for use with frozen watermelon! One great idea is to add chunks to the blender for frozen drinks, such as watermelon margaritas, smoothies and icy granitas. A frozen watermelon cocktail with rum, mint, a splash of lemonade and either red or yellow watermelon provides a wonderful way to transport yourself to a tropical paradise.

Another option is to combine frozen watermelon chunks with sweetened condensed milk for a refreshing sherbet dessert. If you’re more of a sorbet fan, place the frozen fruit in a food processor and combine it with sugar and water. For an effortless way to use frozen watermelon, simply use it as ice cubes in a glass of tea, water, lemonade or your favorite light spirits like vodka or white rum. 

How to Thaw Frozen Watermelon

Thawing frozen watermelon is quite easy. Simply place it in the refrigerator until it fully defrosts. Once defrosted, it will take on a puréed consistency. Depending on what you’re using it for, you may want to only thaw it out partially. For frozen drinks and desserts, partially thawed or even fully frozen fruit may work just fine. Most prefer the firmer consistency of partially frozen watermelon. If you’re adding it to a smoothie, you don’t need to defrost it at all. Just toss it into the blender for an extra cool touch.

Due to the changes in consistency after being frozen (watermelon becomes slightly mushy when completely thawed out), it’s not the best choice for a fruit bowl or salad. However, it’s still wonderful for use in other smoothie, sorbet and gazpacho recipes.

How To Make Watermelon Ice Pops

Since watermelon doesn’t have artificial flavors or colors, it’s an excellent choice for ice pop snacks for the kids (or yourself). Here’s how you can freeze watermelon for cool and refreshing ice pops:

1. Blend watermelon juice, a splash or lemon or lime juice and some sugar or honey in a blender until reaching a smooth consistency.
2. Place the mixture in popsicle molds or plastic cups with a popsicle stick inserted.
3. Let the pops freeze until solid and then enjoy them on a sizzling summer, or even dreary winter, day.

As you can see, you can freeze watermelon to enjoy at any time of the year. All you have to do is follow a few simple steps to have a steady supply of frozen watermelon to use in all of your favorite recipes.  

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