What Is Yellow Watermelon—and Where Can You Buy It?

Yes, there is such a thing as a yellow watermelon, and it’s been around for thousands of years. Its rind looks like any other watermelon, but when sliced open, it reveals a bright yellow interior. Here, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about this buzzy fruit so you can enjoy it yourself.

What Is Yellow Watermelon?

Yellow watermelon is just what it sounds like—a watermelon with bright yellow flesh. Like its pink counterparts, yellow watermelons have tough, green rinds. The texture and flavor of the two watermelon varieties are also very similar to each other, although yellow watermelons tend to be a bit sweeter.

As for their nutritional value, yellow watermelons are hydrating and vitamin-rich, and contain beta-carotene, which gives them their bright yellow color. The plant is native to Africa, and has been grown there for thousands of years.

What Does Yellow Watermelon Taste Like?

Yellow watermelon is sweet and sour, with notes of honey. Crunchy, juicy, and with high water content, yellow watermelon is a refreshing snack for hot days. Luckily, its peak season is the summer, so it’s at its best when you need it most. Eat it on its own, or use it as a substitute for pink watermelon in any recipe, like a Watermelon Mojito Granita or Ginger-Lime Melon Salad. Note that the same rules apply for slicing and storing yellow watermelon as they do for the pink variety.

Where to Buy Yellow Watermelon

As opposed to pink watermelon, yellow watermelon can be a bit tricky to find. It’s worth checking your local supermarket (Trader Joe’s has been known to stock yellow watermelons in the summertime), any shops with a wide variety of fruits, and your local farmers market during summer months. The search is worth the effort!

When you manage to track a yellow watermelon down, follow this advice for picking the sweetest and ripest of them all.