Frozen Watermelon: How to Freeze it and How to Use It

Get the info you need about freezing watermelon and learn how to use it, like in Watermelon Popsicles, the perfect refreshing healthy summer treat.

Can You Freeze Watermelon?

Yes, you can! Freezing watermelon is a great option so that none of this delicious fruit goes to waste. A large whole watermelon is often a lot to get through, especially if you have a small household. But it’s usually a much better deal than buying already cut melon at the store.

Once cut, you only want to keep fresh watermelon in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. If the flesh starts to get slimy or have an off smell, it’s time to toss it. But go ahead and buy that giant melon, then freeze part of it in the first couple days to enjoy a taste of summer later on in the year. 

Keep in mind though that because of the high water content (about 92%!), it won’t be the same after freezing if you were to thaw it. It will end up more of a pureed texture if thawed completely, which is fine if you’re throwing it into a smoothie, but not if you wanted a nice fruit salad. 

How To Freeze Watermelon

First, think ahead to how you’re going to be using it. That will determine how you cut the fresh watermelon. You can freeze the fruit in chunks, use a melon baller to create evenly sized balls, or simply cut them into wedges like I’ll show you for popsicles.

Whatever shape you decide on, you’ll want to remove the rind and any black seeds you find before they go in the freezer.

Start with a flash freeze to make sure your watermelon doesn’t end up a solid frozen chunk. To do this, lay out your watermelon pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lining the tray with parchment paper can be helpful so they don’t stick. Put in the freezer for 2-4 hours till they are partially frozen. 

At this point, remove the melon from the baking sheet and move them into freezer bags or a freezer-safe container for long term storage. The frozen watermelon will last in the freezer for about 8 months.

Video: Create An Easy Water Vacuum Sealed Bag

Uses For Frozen Watermelon

There are lots of great options! You can partially thaw your melon in the fridge for easy snacking, but it won’t have the same texture as when fresh. You can also partially thaw your watermelon if you are just throwing it in the blender to enjoy as watermelon juice.

If you cut your melon into balls or small cubes, you can add them still frozen to a drink to act as delicious fruity ice cubes.

One of my favorite options is to blend frozen watermelon chunks into a refreshing watermelon smoothie or frozen cocktail. Try this Watermelon Slushie that has options to add alcohol or maybe watermelon mint margaritas. 

You could also turn the melon into a dessert like a sorbet or watermelon granita.

And of course, there’s watermelon popsicles which I explain below.

How To Make Watermelon Popsicles

If you’re like me, you want something healthy, easy, and satisfying for snacks for the kids. I came up with frozen watermelon on a popsicle stick. While there are popsicle molds available to make frozen treats of any flavor, this makes it even simpler for you.

Cut watermelon into slices, trim off the rind, insert stick, and freeze. No sugar or anything else added (except the popsicle stick, of course).

I hesitate to actually give a recipe since that’s all there is to it. But in case you want really explicit instructions on how to cut the watermelon, the recipe is below.

This post originally appeared in May 2012 and was revised and republished in August 2022.