Freezing watermelon allows you to have it available all year round. The easiest way to freeze it is to arrange it in slices on a baking sheet. If you want, you can sprinkle it with sugar to compensate for the loss of sweetness due to freezing. Alternatively, you can dip it in syrup or fruit juice to keep it as sweet and fresh as possible. Once thawed, the watermelon will no longer have its original texture, but it will have retained much of its flavor. You can use it in a fruit salad, in a smoothie and in many other recipes.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Wash and Cut the Watermelon
Step 1. Wash the watermelon under running water and dry it
Rinse it to remove dirt and dirt from the peel before carving it. If necessary, you can use a vegetable brush to remove dirt build-up. After washing it, dry it with a cloth or kitchen paper.
Wash your hands with soap and warm water before slicing the watermelon to avoid contaminating it with bacteria on your skin
Step 2. Cut the watermelon into quarters using a sturdy, sharp knife
Place the watermelon on a flat, stable surface, such as a cutting board or kitchen counter. First, cut it from side to side to divide it into two equal parts. Then, place the two halves horizontally and divide them in two vertically, to get four wedges.
- Alternatively, you can cut the watermelon into thin slices. Again, divide it in half first and then cut it into parallel slices about 3 cm thick.
- If you wish, you can peel the watermelon before slicing it. Start by removing one end in order to place it vertically. Then trim the watermelon with the knife until you have removed all the peel.
Step 3. Remove the peel and seeds from the watermelon pieces
Place them on the work surface and slide the blade of the knife between the pink pulp and the layer of white and green skin, to separate them. Before cutting the watermelon into small pieces, remove and discard all the black seeds.
Watermelon peel is edible, contains a large number of nutrients and lends itself to multiple preparations. For example, you can fry it, put it in preserves, centrifuge it to extract its juice, or mix it in a side dish of stir-fried mixed vegetables
Step 4. Cut the watermelon pulp into cubes about 3 cm wide
After removing the peel, it will be very easy to slice the pulp as you like. The easiest way to freeze it is to cut it into balls or cubes. In general it is important that the pieces are of homogeneous size to ensure that they all freeze at the same time.
- If you want to get spheres, use a fruit digger. Similar to an ice cream scoop, the scoop is a very handy kitchen utensil, which you can use to make lots of small balls out of melon, watermelon or potatoes, for example. You can make the balls after dividing the watermelon in half.
- You could freeze watermelon in slices or wedges too, but it would take up a lot of space in the freezer. Also, keep in mind that once thawed, the watermelon will have a different texture than the original one and will not be as suitable to be eaten in slices as when fresh.
- If you want, you can blend or centrifuge the pulp and freeze the puree or juice in a container or ice cube mold. Remember to filter them before freezing them.
Method 2 of 4: Freeze the Watermelon Natural
Step 1. Arrange the watermelon pieces on a baking sheet
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the watermelon from sticking to the metal. Spread the cubes or balls into a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other.
- If you prefer, you can place the watermelon pieces directly on the baking sheet, but they may stick to the metal.
- Make sure that the pieces of watermelon are not touching each other, otherwise they will freeze into a single block and you will have difficulty putting them back in the container and separating them at the time of use.
Step 2. Place the watermelon pieces in the freezer
They must become completely solid. Return the pan to the freezer and set the kitchen timer for 2 hours. When the time runs out, touch the watermelon pieces; if they give out under finger pressure, leave them in the freezer for another 30 minutes and then check again.
If you have trouble getting the watermelon pieces off the pan, use a thin, but sturdy kitchen spatula. Generally, the warmth of your hands is sufficient to remove them, but if necessary, you can wait a couple of minutes to make the job easier
Step 3. Transfer the watermelon pieces to a freezer container
You can use a food bag or a plastic container with a lid. Leave a couple of inches of empty space for the watermelon to expand. After filling, label the bag or container specifying the contents and the date of freezing.
- Leaving an empty space of a couple of centimeters is very important, otherwise the container may open as the watermelon grows in volume and freezes.
- You can write the date and contents directly on the bag using a permanent marker. Alternatively, you can stick an adhesive label on the container.
Step 4. Freeze the watermelon pieces and use them within 12 months
At a temperature of -18 ° C, watermelon can last much longer; however, it is best to eat it within a few months to prevent the taste from deteriorating.
In the freezer, the watermelon will lose some of its original texture and sweetness. That's why, once thawed, it's best to blend it and use it as a liquid ingredient, for example to make a watermelon smoothie
Step 5. Let the watermelon thaw in the refrigerator before using it
When it's time to use it, move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator. Wait for it to become soft before adding it to your recipes. If you intend to blend it, you don't need to wait for it to thaw completely.
Once thawed, you can keep the watermelon in the refrigerator for about 4 days. Throw it away if it becomes moldy, mushy, or has a rancid odor
Method 3 of 4: Freeze Watermelon in Sugar
Step 1. Sprinkle the watermelon pieces with sugar
After peeling and cutting it into pieces, transfer it to a bowl, then sprinkle it with sugar (use half a kilo for every 2.5 kg of watermelon). Mix the watermelon pieces with your hands or a sturdy spoon to distribute the sugar evenly.
This method is particularly suitable for storing watermelon in the form of cubes or balls. The sweetness of the sugar compensates for the loss of taste caused by the freezing process
Step 2. Transfer the watermelon pieces to an airtight container
After sprinkling them evenly with sugar, transfer them to a container or plastic food bag. Leave a couple of inches of empty space so that the watermelon has a chance to expand. Label the bag or container specifying the contents and date of packaging.
Having used sugar, there is no need to freeze the watermelon pieces individually before returning them to the container
Step 3. Use the watermelon within 12 months
Store it in the freezer at a temperature that does not exceed -18 ° C. In general, at a temperature of -18 ° C, watermelon can last much longer; however, it is best to eat it within a few months to prevent the taste from deteriorating.
Step 4. Let the watermelon thaw in the refrigerator before using it
Transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and wait about half an hour before using the watermelon. Once thawed, the watermelon will have a softer texture than the original one. Nothing prevents you from eating it as it is, but it's generally best to use it as a liquid ingredient to make a smoothie or other drink.
Once thawed, you can keep the watermelon in the refrigerator for about 4 days
Method 4 of 4: Freeze Watermelon in Syrup
Step 1. Make the syrup
Pour 1 liter of water into a saucepan, add 150 g of sugar and turn on the stove. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, taking care to stir frequently to dissolve the sugar.
- If you want, you can replace about ⅖ of the sugar with honey.
- Fruit juice is another viable option. You can replace the water with orange juice, pineapple juice, or ginger ale. If you want, you can also avoid making the syrup and pour the juice directly into the container with the watermelon.
Step 2. Chill the syrup in the refrigerator for one hour
Pour it into a plastic container, put it in the refrigerator and wait for it to cool. Try not to speed up the time, it is important that it reaches at least room temperature.
If the syrup is hot, it will cook the fruit; then wait for it to cool completely. Before pouring it on the watermelon, tap it to make sure it is cold
Step 3. Pour the syrup over the watermelon in two stages
Get a container or food bag suitable for storing watermelon in the freezer. Add 120ml of syrup, then fill the container with watermelon. Afterward, add the remaining syrup until it is completely submerged.
- Make sure you leave at least an inch of empty space at the top of the container. This way the watermelon can expand without risking to blow the lid off.
- Using fruit juice instead of syrup will achieve a similar result. Arrange the pieces of watermelon in the container and then submerge them with the fruit juice.
Step 4. Cover the watermelon with a piece of parchment paper
It must remain constantly immersed in the syrup. Use a type of waterproof paper and wrap it around the opening of the container before sealing it with the lid. The paper will keep the watermelon immersed in the syrup, which will therefore not risk drying out.
Label the container specifying the contents and the date of packaging so as not to risk leaving the watermelon in the freezer for too long
Step 5. Use the watermelon within 12 months
Store it in the freezer at a temperature that does not exceed -18 ° C. Just before use, let it defrost in the refrigerator at least until it becomes soft again. Once thawed, you can store it in the refrigerator for about 4 days before it deteriorates.
If you intend to use watermelon to prepare a dessert or fruit salad, the ideal solution is to store it in syrup. The sugar will preserve its quality and sweetness and you will get a result similar to fruit in syrup
Advice
- In the freezer, the watermelon will lose its original texture, so it will no longer be suitable for eating alone in slices. Since it will get soggy, it's best to use it as an ingredient in a smoothie, dessert, or drink.
- You can use frozen watermelon for any recipe that doesn't call for it fresh or whole.
- Another option for freezing watermelon is to turn it into a puree or juice. You can store them in the ice cube mold or make delicious popsicles.
- With these same methods you can also freeze melon.
