Yellow crimson watermelon is a watermelon that contains juicy bright yellow flesh. It's perfect for fruit salads like this one which combines three seedless varieties to make a healthy snack. This yellow crimson watermelon salad is topped with a sweet lime dressing with mint. You'll be craving this vegan watermelon salad in the summer months!
What Is A Crimson Watermelon?
I would bet that most people have never heard of or tried a yellow watermelon before. There are all different types of yellow watermelon varieties that are grown by farmers in fact they've been grown in South Africa for thousands of years. Some of the most common varieties include:
- Yellow Doll
- Yellow Flesh Black Diamond Watermelon
- Desert King
- Buttercup
- Tastigold
A Yellow Crimson Watermelon is very similar to the pinkish-red flesh that you commonly find in the grocery store. You can find them in both seeded and unseeded forms. The color of the rind is also very similar with light and dark green stripes that line the outside. The biggest difference is the yellow fresh that's inside.They are becoming more and more popular in the US as farmers start to grow them. The obvious color difference makes them a great choice for salads or eating them raw.
How Does Yellow Crimson Watermelon Get Its Yellow Color?
So how does a Yellow Crimson Watermelon get its color? Well, yellow watermelon plants get their color from a natural mutation that occurs as the yellow crimson watermelon plants are growing. Essentially they lack lycopene which is the chemical that produces a watermelon's red color. It's all natural and has been that way all along!
How a Yellow Crimson Watermelon Differs From A Regular Red Watermelon
There are many similarities between a red and yellow watermelon. For example, they're both large fruit that look almost identical. When you cut into the watermelon that's when you'll notice the big difference in color. When it comes to flavor, they're similar but there's a small difference. Contrary to what you might think, yellow watermelon are a lot of times sweeter than red varieties. They have more of a honey like flavor. This is true when the fruit is nice and ripe. Yellow watermelons also have a thicker skin as well. When it comes to taste and texture the differences are there but are subtle.
Yellow Crimson Watermelon Health Benefits
There are so many reasons you should choose yellow crimson watermelon. The health benefits are numerous. This vegan watermelon salad is perfect for warm climates during hot summers because it helps you stay hydrated. It's low calorie and filling which aids in weight loss. There are also multiple nutritional benefits, for example watermelon is a good source of vitamin A, B6, and vitamin C. This is important for your immune system and nerve function.
Different Varieties of Watermelon Used In The Yellow Crimson Watermelon Salad
You may notice three varieties of watermelon used in this salad. Yellow Crimson Watermelon is only one variety found in this recipe. Along with the yellow fruit we also added sugar baby watermelon which has the reddish color and orange tendersweet watermelon which is orange. Both have a dark green rind and produce super sweet watermelon meat that's crisp and sweet for a hot summer day.
Orange tendersweet watermelon compliments this vegan watermelon salad nicely. It shares the same sweet taste that you would find with a red or yellow crimson watermelon. The orange tendersweet watermelon is a crisp watermelon that looks a lot like a yellow crimson watermelon when you compare the two. Instead of buying three watermelons for the salad, I recommend sticking with buying a watermelon wedge if your local farmers market allows that. They're perfect in fruit bowls together and that way you won't have to over commit if you don't think you'll eat them all.
Traditional watermelons can be used to make this salad but using a variety of watermelons is going to take it up a notch, not only with the taste but also with adding color to your plate. I found all three varieties, including the orange tendersweet watermelon from a local plant nursery that also sells organic produce. Choosing organic is way better than regular watermelons bought from the grocery store. The organic varieties have juicy fruit, excellent sweet flavor, and the fruit size is very comparable to what you would normally find.
Here Are Some Tips On Growing Yellow Crimson Watermelon
Looking to grow your own yellow crimson watermelon? First you'll need to find yellow watermelon seeds. These can be bought online or at your larger local grocery store. Growing season takes place after the last frost. Wait until your temperature is at least 70 degrees. The soil temperature should be warm and the watermelon should receive full sun.
Yellow Crimson Watermelons require well draining sandy soil that is loamy as well. PH should be about a 6.5-7.0 for the best results. Make sure your plant is getting at least 6 hours of full sun. Plant around 3-4 seeds per hole. Make sure your holes are about 1 inch deep. Space seed groups about 5-6 feet apart. Keep ground moist when your seedlings are just starting to grow. After your plant is more established water 1-2 inches per week.
Use Yellow Crimson Watermelon to Make This Delicious Vegan Watermelon Salad
This vegan watermelon salad is refreshing, healthy, guilt free, and so good. We combine three varieties of watermelon to make a colorful salad topped with a sweet mint dressing. Making the salad is simple, cut your watermelon into bite sized squares and mix in a mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl combine lime juice, maple syrup, and mint and stir. Let sit to allow the mint to release its flavor.
Wait to pour the dressing over the watermelon until you're ready to eat it. Pouring it over too soon can cause the watermelon to break down and collect excess juice at the bottom of the bowl. Be cautious of this. I recommend storing the dressing and watermelon separately. Each serving can be served with a drizzle of dressing and some extra mint leaves to garnish over top.
Looking For More Healthy Salads To Try?
Yellow Crimson Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 1 yellow crimson watermelon chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 orange tendersweet watermelon chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 red watermelon chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 2-3 lemons (or limes) squeezed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the varieties of chopped watermelon mix distributing all of the pieces well
- In a small bowl combine mint, lemon, and maple syrup stir until mixed thoroughly. Add more maple syrup if you desire more sweetness in the dressing.
- Serve watermelon salad with lemon mint dressing on top. Store the mint dressing and the watermelon separately so the watermelon does not break down.
Leave a Reply