Frozen Watermelon
Frozen watermelon is a refreshing treat that helps reduce food waste! Learn how to freeze watermelon, with tips and recipes like watermelon popsicles.
Equipment
- Sheet pans
- Parchment paper
- Serrated knife
- Gallon zip top freezer bags
- Popsicle sticks if making popsicles
Ingredients
- 1 seedless watermelon cubed
Instructions
To cube the melon
- Cut a small amount off the top and bottom (stem end) of the watermelon, then cut watermelon in half horizontally. Lay half of the melon cut side down on the cutting board, follow the curve of the melon with a sharp serrated knife and slice off the rind. Slice the melon into 1” thick slices, cut the slices into 1” wide strips, and finally into 1” cubes.
- Line your sheet pans with parchment paper, and make room for them in the freezer. Spread a layer of watermelon cubes onto the sheet pan, ensuring that they don’t touch. Freeze for about 3 hours, then transfer to gallon size zip top freezer bags.
To make popsicles
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Slice a personal size seedless watermelon in half, lay cut side down, then slice into 1” thick half moons. Cut the half moons into thirds to form little triangles.
- Take a sharp paring knife and stab the rind, wiggling the knife to create a pocket. Insert the popsicle stick about 1.5” into the melon.
- Place on prepared sheet pan, ensuring they do not touch. Freeze for 2-4 hours.
To make a watermelon slushie
- 8 cups frozen watermelon cubes
- Juice of half a small lime
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups Sprite
- Place watermelon cubes in a high speed blender with the lime juice and hot water. Process until smooth, mashing watermelon and adding splashes of water if needed. Remove the blender blade, pour in the sprite and stir gently. Serve immediately, garnished with skewered watermelon cubes and a lime wheel. Makes 4 small servings.
To make a watermelon mojito (makes 1)
- 4 large mint leaves
- 1-2 tablespoon white sugar
- Juice of ¼ lime
- Frozen watermelon cubes
- 2 ounces white rum
- Club soda or tonic
- Muddle mint leaves with the sugar and lime juice until mint is bruised and fragrant in a tall glass.
- Fill glass completely with watermelon cubes. Pour in the rum, and top off with club soda or tonic. Stir gently. Garnish with mint leaves and a lime wheel, serve immediately.
Notes
There are tons of tips within this post on selecting a ripe watermelon, but here are some quick notes:
- Look for a symmetrical shape; round, not oval.
- Check the field spot; it should be a creamy yellow.
- Tap it; it should sound hollow.
- Examine the skin; there should be no bruises, cuts or soft spots.
- Check the weight; it should feel heavier than it looks.
- Look for a uniform color; it should be a darker shade of green.
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