How to Freeze Watermelon?

If you have a large watermelon or leftovers and are wondering if can you freeze watermelon - this is the article for you. During summer watermelon is enjoyed at BBQs, picnics, and just about every gathering so no wonder extras are often in our kitchen. It can be enjoyed long after the hot days of summer are over, by simply learning how to freeze watermelon.

Can You Freeze Fresh Watermelon?

Whether you have whole, half, or slices of watermelon, it can be frozen. The best way to keep watermelon for later enjoyment is by safely freezing it. Yes, it is freezer-friendly.

The only drawback is that you won't be able to bite into a juicy slice and have that same crisp texture that fresh has. Once the watermelon thaws, the texture will change and be soft and some of the water will be released. But rest assured the chunks, pieces, or juice will have the same wonderful flavor and it's great in many recipes.

Best Ways to Freeze Watermelon

When freezing watermelon, first off make sure it is fresh and of good quality. Melon that has already spoiled, dried out, or is no longer at its peak of freshness will not freeze well and is not worth saving. It is best to remove the seeds and cut the watermelon up when it comes to freezing it.

Ways to freeze watermelon is by cutting or pureeing it to store in the freezer. Flash freezing is the best in small chunks but there are other ways to do it. Before you prep the watermelon for freezing, ask yourself a few questions first. These questions will help you decide how to freeze watermelon.

• How much room do I have in my freezer for watermelon?
• What containers or freezer-safe bags do I have for storing frozen watermelon?
• How will I enjoy & use thawed watermelon later?

All of these questions and answers will help you decide how to go about freezing it. If you have very little space in your freezer or want it for sorbet later, puree or juice of the watermelon is the way to go. If you want a smoothie or gazpacho, with plenty of freezer space, slices or cubes of watermelon are the way to go.

• Freezing Slices
• Freezing Cubed Watermelon
• Freezing the Juice or Puree of a Watermelon

How Long Can You Freeze Watermelon?

Frozen watermelon can last for up to 9 months in the freezer if stored properly. As long as it is in air-tight containers or ziplock bags that are well sealed, it will last in the freezer for a long time.

Any frozen watermelon that has been exposed to air, has frostbite, or has thawed and refrozen is not best to use and has gone bad. If that has happened, it is best to throw it out.

How to Use Frozen Watermelon?

• Smoothies - throw some frozen chunks into a blender with other ingredients like vanilla yogurt, ice cubes, and other fruits.
• Cocktails - use watermelon juice or the blended puree to make cocktails like my recipe for a martini or use frozen watermelon cubes in place of ice in a fun drink.
• Sorbet - grab a blender and a few ingredients to make a yummy Watermelon Sorbet for dessert.
• Ice Cream/Gelato - use the juice, puree, or chunks to make watermelon ice cream by replacing the mango in my Best Ever Mango Ice Cream with pureed/strained watermelon instead.

Defrosting Frozen Watermelon

Remove the frozen watermelon cubes or juice from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. Depending on the size of the frozen pieces, it can take from 6 hours to 2 days for them to be completely thawed. Then use it with one of the above yummy ideas or recipes. Try and use the defrosted watermelon within 1-2 days.

Storage

Make sure to store the watermelon for up to 9 months in the freezer. Labeling the container or bag will help you keep track.

As mentioned above, use thawed watermelon within 1-2 days. Make sure any you are not able to use right away is thrown out. Also, throw out any that has gone bad. How can you tell watermelon is not safe to eat and has spoiled - it is slimy, smells sour, discolored, or has a fuzzy or tacky texture.