Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely freeze watermelon for use in smoothies later. Freezing watermelon is a great way to preserve fresh watermelon to enjoy out of season. Frozen watermelon works very well in smoothies, adding sweet flavor and a slushy texture.
How to Freeze Watermelon for Smoothies
Freezing watermelon for smoothies is easy. Here are some tips:
- Choose ripe, sweet watermelon. Overripe or underripe watermelon won’t freeze as well.
- Cut the watermelon into cubes or small chunks. Smaller pieces will freeze faster and be easier to blend.
- Spread the watermelon pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding.
- Freeze until completely solid, at least 2-3 hours. For longer storage, transfer to freezer bags.
- Remove as much air from freezer bags as possible. Properly sealed, frozen watermelon will keep for 6-8 months.
Benefits of Freezing Watermelon for Smoothies
Freezing watermelon for smoothies has several advantages:
- Lets you enjoy fresh watermelon taste year-round
- Provides a cold, slushy texture in smoothies
- Convenient for smoothie meal prep and quick breakfasts
- Allows buying in-season watermelon at peak ripeness and flavor
- Saves money versus buying out of season watermelon
Choosing the Best Watermelon for Freezing
For the best results, choose ripe, mature watermelons for freezing. Here are tips for picking good watermelons for the freezer:
- Select symmetrical, oval melons without dents or bruises
- Lift to check weight – heavy means ripe and juicy
- Look for a creamy yellow spot on one side – indicates ripeness
- Tap and listen for a hollow sound – ripe melons resonate
- Rind should be dull, not shiny – shiny means underripe
Overripe, fermented watermelon won’t freeze well, so aim for peak ripeness. Underripe melons can be frozen but won’t have ideal sweetness or texture.
How to Prepare Watermelon for Freezing
Proper preparation is key for successfully freezing watermelon:
- Wash thoroughly – rinse under cool water to remove dirt and debris
- Cut – remove rind and cut flesh into 1-2 inch cubes or chunks
- Pick out seeds – remove any large black seeds for a smoother texture
- Freeze in single layer – avoids clumping; freeze first on baking sheet
- Package airtight – use freezer bags, remove excess air
Follow these steps and your frozen watermelon will retain its nutrition, flavor, color, and texture.
How Long Does Frozen Watermelon Last?
Frozen properly, watermelon will retain excellent quality and flavor for:
- Freezer – 6 to 8 months
- Deep freezer at 0°F or below – 12 months
At the maximum storage times, frozen watermelon may start to develop ice crystals and degraded texture but will remain safe to eat.
Watermelon Freezer Storage Time Chart
| Freezer Type | Temperature | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard freezer | 0°F | 6-8 months |
| Deep freezer | -10° to 0°F | 12 months |
Properly stored frozen watermelon stays fresh and nutritious for use in smoothies for 3/4 of a year or more.
Using Frozen Watermelon in Smoothies
Frozen watermelon is perfectly suited for adding to smoothies. Here are tips:
- Measure frozen chunks straight from freezer into blender
- May need to break up larger clumps by hand first
- Combine with liquid base and other ingredients
- Blend from low to high speed until smooth consistency
- Add extra liquid if too thick; blend again briefly
The frozen watermelon gives smoothies a refreshing chilled texture, similar to a slushy.
Good Smoothie Pairings for Frozen Watermelon
| Fruits | Veggies | Liquids | Mix-ins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banana Mango Pineapple Berries |
Spinach Kale |
Yogurt Milk Juice |
Chia seeds Protein powder Nut butter |
Watermelon combines deliciously with either fruits, vegetables, dairy, juices or other smoothie ingredients.
Smoothie Recipes with Frozen Watermelon
Here are 3 tasty smoothie recipes that use frozen watermelon:
Watermelon Berry Smoothie
- 1 1/2 cups frozen watermelon chunks
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional)
Watermelon Green Smoothie
- 2 cups frozen watermelon chunks
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- Dash of cinnamon
Tropical Watermelon Smoothie
- 1 1/2 cups frozen watermelon
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut
Get creative with your own favorite fruits, veggies, juices and mix-ins!
Tips for Smoothies with Frozen Watermelon
Here are some handy tips for using frozen watermelon in smoothies:
- Start with 1 to 1 1/2 cups frozen watermelon per serving
- Add extra liquid if too thick
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy
- Use ripe bananas and avocado for creaminess
- Include spinach or kale for nutrients
- Mix in chia seeds, yogurt or nut butter for protein
- Sweeten if needed with honey, maple syrup, dates, etc
- Garnish with fresh fruit, coconut, mint, etc
Experiment to come up with your perfect frozen watermelon smoothie combo!
Storing and Re-Freezing Frozen Watermelon
To maintain quality, frozen watermelon should stay frozen until ready to use. Here are some storage tips:
- Keep frozen watermelon chunks in original airtight packaging
- Avoid temperature fluctuations – don’t thaw and re-freeze
- If thawed, use within 2-3 days
- Do not refreeze previously thawed watermelon
- When freezing for longer storage, double wrap bags
With proper consistent freezing, frozen watermelon keeps excellently for smoothies and other uses for many months.
Conclusion
Freezing watermelon is an easy way to enjoy its delicious flavor and nutrition in smoothies year-round. Simply prepare fresh ripe watermelon, freeze in a single layer before transferring to airtight bags, and store at 0°F or below. Frozen properly, watermelon will last for up to a year in the freezer. Thaw what you need for smoothies, combining with other fruits, veggies, liquids and boosters for a refreshing chilled treat anytime. With these simple tips, you can reap the benefits of fresh watermelon conveniently almost any season.