Freezing is a good way to store many foods, as many nutrients and vitamins are preserved over longer periods of time. Due to their special properties, watermelons are only conditionally suitable for frozen storage.
The composition of a watermelon
The different varieties of watermelon are not without reason a popular thirst quencher in midsummer. After all, the low-calorie and vitamin-rich fruits contain up to about 95 percent water in their pulp. This makes them difficult candidates for storage in the freezer. Although asparagus also contains almost the same amount of water and can be frozen without any problems, watermelons become relatively mushy when thawed due to their special cell structure. On the other hand, watermelons can be stored well if they have not yet been cut, even if they have already reached their maximum ripeness point. They can be kept intact in a cool place in the home for about two to three weeks. If you have already cut the fruit, you can store it in the fridge for a few more days. In this case, cover the interface with some cling film so that foreign smells from the refrigerator are less likely to be absorbed by the pulp.
Ways to freeze watermelon
Although the flesh of frozen watermelons may become mushy when thawed, this is sometimes not a problem for some watermelon recipes and processing methods. This is how you can use frozen pulp for the following recipe ideas:
- smoothie
- sherbet
- Watermelon ice cubes
If possible, remove brown seeds from watermelon before freezing the fruit pieces. So you can chop them up in the mixer while they are still slightly frozen and prepare delicious shakes or sorbets. Fill the pulp, which you have chopped up before freezing, into an ice cube mold to provide a delicious refreshment for people or dogs on hot summer days.
Alternatives to freezing
With the melons of the larger Crimson Sweet variety available during the summer season, there is usually some left over, even in families. Use the remaining pulp as a savory vegetable side dish by pickling it with vinegar and spices.
tips and tricks
If you want to freeze leftover watermelon from the fridge for later use, don't wait too long. Otherwise, after a few days in the refrigerator, the pulp can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which noticeably consume the taste quality and nutritional content of the pulp.
WK
The garden journal freshness ABC
How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?
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