• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Products I Love
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Products I Love
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » How to...

    Published: Jul 3, 2022 · Modified: Aug 28, 2023 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Can You Freeze Watermelon?

    Jump to Recipe

    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 preserving some for later.

    A large wedge of watermelon on a table with a watermelon smoothie in a glass.

    To retain watermelon for later enjoyment, there are some key things you can do. With just a few steps and some planning, freezing watermelon can be done right. Learning how to freeze watermelon in a few steps is quick and easy. Here I share all my top tips on freezing, defrosting, and using frozen watermelon in some tasty recipes.

    Jump to:
    • Can You Freeze Fresh Watermelon?
    • Best Ways to Freeze Watermelon
    • How Long Can You Freeze Watermelon?
    • What to Do with Frozen Watermelon?
    • Defrosting Frozen Watermelon
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top Tip?
    • Can You Freeze Watermelon?

    When fruit is in season we try and enjoy as much of it as possible. Sometimes we have an abundance on purpose or by accident. Seasonal fruits are great to enjoy right away when fresh but also some are great for drying or freezing for later enjoyment.

    Jump to:
    • Can You Freeze Fresh Watermelon?
    • Best Ways to Freeze Watermelon
    • How Long Can You Freeze Watermelon?
    • What to Do with Frozen Watermelon?
    • Defrosting Frozen Watermelon
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Top Tip?
    • Can You 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. Not only is it safe to freeze watermelon, but it does also freeze well.

    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
    Chunks of watermelon on a baking tray ready to freeze.

    Now that you have decided how best to freeze your leftover watermelon, check out other tips and tricks that will help you out. Make sure you know how best to freeze it with a step-by-step guide in the recipe card below. Also, find out how long it will keep in the freezer and how best to defrost it.

    BONUS: Oh and there are recipe ideas below too!

    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.

    A large wedge of watermelon on a table with a watermelon smoothie in a glass.

    What to Do with Frozen Watermelon?

    Can you eat frozen watermelon and what to do with it are common questions. Once that juicy summer fruit is solid in the freezer, what next? There are many recipes and ideas that make use of frozen watermelon. You can also use defrosted watermelon that was previously frozen in yummy recipes like my Watermelon Mint Martini.

    • 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.
    Watermelon Mint Martini The Short Order Cook

    Defrosting Frozen Watermelon

    To use the watermelon in recipes, you may or may not need to defrost it. Whether you need to soften it a bit before blending or want watermelon juice to be completely liquid again, the best way to thaw it is in the refrigerator. If you want a slushie or smoothie, you may use frozen cubes straight from the freezer.

    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.

    Equipment

    The best thing you can do to freeze watermelon safely is to make sure you have the right equipment. Whether you freeze chunks or puree, making sure watermelon is in freezer-safe containers that keep air out is important. Here are some items you may find helpful the next time you freeze some melon or other fruits.

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you!  

    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. Place the containers or ziplock bags in the freezer where they will be flat or not tip over or be exposed to possible puncture.

    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.

    Slices of watermelon frozen in a block of ice.

    Top Tip?

    Freeze the watermelon as soon as you know you will not be using it all right away. The fresher the watermelon is, the better quality it will be months later when you use it.

    Wedges of watermelon piled up.

    Can You Freeze Watermelon?

    Angela
    The best way to freeze watermelon is by following these easy tips and tricks. Find out the easy steps to freezing watermelon, defrosting it, and using it in recipes later.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Freezing Time 1 hour hr
    Course Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4

    Equipment

    • freezer storage containers or Ziploc bags

    Ingredients
      

    • Watermelon

    Instructions
     

    • Remove the rind and seeds from the watermelon.
    • If freezing slices, cubes, or chunks, cut them into the big or large-sized pieces you prefer.
      Place watermelon cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze for 1 hour.
      After 1 hour, place the flash-frozen watermelon chunks in an air-tight container or sealable bag. Label with the date and place in the freezer to continue freezing until solid.
    • If freezing puree or juice, blend or process the watermelon to the desired consistency.
      Place the liquid watermelon in an air-tight container with a tight-fitting lid. Label with the date and place it in the freezer.
    • Store for up to 9 months in the freezer.
    • To thaw, see the tips and tricks in the section above for defrosting watermelon.
    Keyword 1-ingredient

    This article has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    « Grilled Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
    How Many Slices in a Loaf of Bread? »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Jenny says

      July 05, 2022 at 8:23 pm

      5 stars
      I froze a bunch of leftover cubes from 4th of July. I haven't used them yet but they will make some great smoothies later.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

    More about me →

    This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    Popular

    • Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos with Wontons
    • spicy jalapeno basil moscow mules ready to drink in copper mugs
      Spicy Jalapeno Basil Moscow Mule
    • Fried Spaghetti with Eggs featured closeup overhead of bowl filled and topped with parmesan and parsley
      Fried Spaghetti with Eggs
    • Garlic Butter Wings Plated and topped with fresh parsley.
      Garlic Butter Wings
    • A bun topped with 3-ingredient sloppy joe meat and cheese.
      3-Ingredient Sloppy Joes (Gluten-Free)
    • Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream Overhead two bowls of ice cream and black napkin.
      Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream
    • A set of black pots and pans.
      Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    • Toaster Oven Baked Potatoes featured 4 ready to eat and plated
      Toaster Oven Baked Potato

    The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Meet Angela
    • Meet the Family

    Copyright © 2023 The Short Order Cook LLC All recipes, original photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share an original photo ONLY with an accompanied do-follow link back to this site. Publishing any item as if they were your own is prohibited & illegal.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT