Most people don’t know that there are different types of watermelon – quite a few, in fact – and that each is distinctly different, either in shape, color, size or sweetness.
Types of Watermelon
The most popular types of watermelon include seedless watermelon, picnic watermelon, icebox watermelon, and yellow/orange watermelon. Each of these larger categories also includes more specific named types. In total, there are over 500 varieties of watermelon in the world!
Seedless Watermelon
These watermelons were first introduced into the market in the 1990s, as a customized modification of fruits and vegetables became popular. Seedless watermelons do actually possess underdeveloped seeds, contrary to the name, but they are edible. Typically growing from 10-20 pounds and taking just under three months to mature, some of the most common varieties of seedless watermelon include Millionaire, Nova, Crimson, and Queen of Hearts watermelons.
Add cubed yellow watermelon to your salads to make them colorful. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Picnic Watermelon
A picnic watermelon is a traditional watermelon you think of at a summer barbecue, with a green, striped rind, and a reddish-pink interior with plenty of sweet juice. The weight of these watermelons ranges from 14-45 pounds and mature in just under three months. Some of the most common varieties of picnic watermelon you will find include Allsweet, Charleston, Jubilee, and Black Diamond. [1]
Icebox Watermelon
These much smaller watermelons normally range from 5-15 pounds, and are intended for personal consumption, or shared between a few friends. The dark green rind and dense fruit are unmistakable, and they also mature in a shorter time – about 75 days. Two popular types of icebox watermelon are Tiger Baby and Sugar Baby watermelons. [2]
Yellow/Orange Watermelon
These watermelons have a surprising interior color, although their exterior may look like a picnic watermelon. Inside, the yellow and orange color are due to a difference in antioxidant content – orange and yellow varieties have more beta-carotene than lycopene. These watermelons tend to take about 75 days to mature and come in both seedless and seeded varieties. Common types of these watermelons include Yellow Baby and Desert Gold watermelons. [3]
