Learn how to freeze watermelon the easy way to preserve the sweet, juicy flavors of summer all year long. Freezing leftover watermelon also helps reduce food waste!
Before you start, be sure to check out How to Cut Watermelon into Cubes.
Buying a whole watermelon from the store is the most effective way to purchase watermelon, but sometimes it's difficult to consume a fresh watermelon before it goes bad.
Freezing Watermelon
Buying a whole watermelon from your grocery store is more cost-effective than buying precut watermelon pieces or even from the frozen aisle of the supermarket. Watermelon freezes well because of it's high water content - it is over 90 percent water!
We love fresh ripe watermelon, especially during the heart of watermelon season. However, fresh watermelon lasts only between 3-5 days. This is not a lot of time to consume such a large fruit!
We try to eat as much fresh as we can in recipes like watermelon basil salad, but sometimes, we need to freeze it for frozen watermelon margaritas.
How to Freeze Watermelon
This step-by-step guide will equip you with the perfect way to freeze your watermelon chunks!
Expert tip: we always recommend buying a seedless watermelon. If the one you bought has black seeds, it is best to remove the seeds before freezing.
Cut the watermelon: Whether you want to cut your watermelon into cubes or use a melon baller to get watermelon balls, make sure your watermelon is cut and separated from the rind. Do not freeze an uncut whole watermelon.
Arrange in a single layer: Cover your baking sheet, cookie sheet, or baking tray with parchment paper. Place the cubes of watermelon on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the watermelon chunks aren't touching each other.
Flash freeze: Place the entire baking sheet in the freezer until the watermelon is frozen, about 2 hours. You can wrap it in plastic wrap, but it isn't necessary.
Storage Bag: transfer the frozen watermelon to an airtight container. You can store your watermelon in freezer bags or in any freezer-safe container. It can last up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can freeze an entire cut-up watermelon but do not freeze a whole watermelon that is uncut.
You can thaw it; however, the texture of watermelon will change significantly by freezing and thawing. Thawing your watermelon chunks may mess with the integrity of the watermelon. We do not recommend thawing.
Check out our tips on how to pick the perfect ripe watermelon. Do not purchase a watermelon if: it's shiny, has soft spots, bruises, dents, or irregular bumps.
Most frozen fruit will keep for at least 3 months and as long as 6 months. Make sure to use freezer bags or a freezer-safe container for best results.
Storage Tips
- Always use a freezer-safe storage container. This can include using your favorite freezer bags, a freezer-safe container, or an airtight container.
- Label it. Write the date on the outside of the bag or airtight container so you know the best by date.
Frozen Watermelon Recipes
- Watermelon balances well with basil in strawberry popsicles. Simply swap the watermelon in or use a mixture of strawberry and watermelon!
- If you love margaritas as much as we do, you will love our frozen watermelon margarita recipe!
- It's a great addition to this cucumber water. Watermelon chunks pair with the mint leaves perfectly!
- Add it to any smoothie. Use this tropical kale smoothie recipe as a baseline.
- Try this watermelon sorbet we shared on Instagram.
- Watermelon juice is also a great option on hot summer days. Place it in a food processor or juicer to desired thickness or add a splash of flavored soda water.
- To make watermelon popsicles, you can use popsicle molds. If you don't have popsicle molds, use ice cube trays! Simply cover ice cube trays with foil and stick a popsicle stick through the foil where you have poured your watermelon juice.
How to Freeze Watermelon
Ingredients
- 1 whole seedless watermelon
Recommended Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large sheet pan
- Freezer bag
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into cubes or use a melon baller to make watermelon balls.
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Place the cubes of watermelon on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the watermelon chunks aren't touching each other.
- Place the entire baking sheet in the freezer until the watermelon is frozen, about 2 hours. You can wrap it in plastic wrap, but it isn't necessary.
- Transfer the frozen watermelon to an airtight container. You can store your watermelon in freezer bags or in any freezer-safe container. It can last up to 6 months.
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