How to Sweeten Your Watermelon

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Discovering a watermelon isn’t sweet can be a bit of a bummer. While it may seem counterintuitive, you can add salt to watermelon to help bring out the sweet flavor. Or, you can use different sugars, herbs, and condiments to add a more complex flavor and bring out the natural sweetness of the watermelon.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Adding Salt

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    Place the whole watermelon on a large cutting board. Cut the watermelon in half (lengthwise), then slice it into large half-moon or triangular pieces about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. [1]
    • Have some paper towels handy to wipe up some of the juice.
    • If this is how you’d like to serve the watermelon, skip the next step.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Sweeten Your Watermelon
    Place the blade of the knife right at the point where the ruby red flesh meets the white-greenish rind. Then, move the knife back and forth or, if the watermelon is ripe enough, glide the blade along the rind to separate it from the flesh. Repeat this step for each slice of watermelon. [2]
    • Discard the rinds in a compost bin or save them for pickling if you like.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Sweeten Your Watermelon
    Use a knife to slice or dice the watermelon into cubes or rectangles. Feel free to slice it into smaller or larger chunks depending on how you plan to use the watermelon. [3]
    • For example, if you’re adding it to a salad, you might want to have smaller chunks or slivers. And if you’re eating it by itself, larger cubes or rectangles might be more appropriate.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Sweeten Your Watermelon
    Use your fingers or a salt shaker to sprinkle salt onto the flesh of the watermelon. Use as much or as little as you like. The salt will contrast with the natural sugars in the watermelon, making the sweet flavor more robust. [4]
    • For a bowl of small watermelon chunks, a quick sprinkle with a salt shaker over the entire dish should do the trick.
    • If you’ve added too much salt for your taste, simply scrape it off with your finger or rinse the watermelon piece under running water and try again.
    • Use any type of salt you like: rock salt, pink salt, shaved salt, or regular table salt!
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Other Ingredients

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    Use your fingers to grab a pinch of sugar and distribute it evenly on top of each cube or triangular chunk. Using brown sugar will give the watermelon hints of molasses and caramel while regular white sugar will add a rich sweetness. [5]
    • You can also use powdered sugar, but it may create a chalky texture when it comes in contact with the moisture of the melon.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Sweeten Your Watermelon
    After you slice up the watermelon, place it into an airtight container. Then, place equal parts of water and sugar into a mixing bowl and stir it together with a whisk. Pour the sugar water over the watermelon when most or all of the sugar has dissolved. Place the lid on the container and refrigerate the melon chunks for about 3 hours so the sugar water can soak in. [6]
    • Use enough sugar water to cover all or most of the watermelon chunks. For example, if you have 3 cups (681 grams) of watermelon cubes, you’ll need about 3 cups (710 mL) of water and 3 cups (681 grams) of sugar. Use less sugar if you don’t want to make it super sweet.
    • Serve the watermelon with some mint or basil leaves to add a refreshing or sweet flavor element.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Sweeten Your Watermelon
    Purchase premade balsamic glaze or make your own balsamic reduction over the stove. The sweet-tart flavor of the balsamic reduction will elevate the taste of the watermelon. [7]
    • Add a fresh herbs like basil leaf or rosemary for an earthy-sweet flavor.
    • Place the watermelon chunks on top of some fresh spring greens for a sweet and refreshing salad.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Sweeten Your Watermelon
    Use a knife to slice a lemon or lime in half and squeeze about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of juice over sliced or cubed watermelon. Some people find that a boost of acidity makes the melon taste sweeter. [8]
    • Try adding salt and pepper to round out the flavor. Or, if you like spicy foods, add some cayenne or hot sauce!
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Sweeten Your Watermelon
    To make a quick sweet cream, simply stir together 1/2 cup (64 grams) of light sour cream and 3 tablespoons (43 g) of packed brown sugar. Then, Place a dollop on top of a bowl of watermelon cubes or smear a spoonful onto each triangular chunk.
    • Feel free to drizzle some honey or chocolate syrup on top for a decadent finish!
    • You can also purchase premade sweet cream at any grocery store.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    It seems like most of the fruit I've been buying lately has not been very sweet - grapes (green, red, black), watermelon, berries. What gives?
    Becca Atwood
    Community Answer
    If you are purchasing from a large corporate chain store, it is most likely due to the out-of-season/all year growing, and growing methods that are used to mass produce. For best flavor, purchase from a local market or farm during the peak of each fruit or vegetable's growing season. It may require a bit more effort, but the flavor will be worth it.
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  • Question
    Are the little "icebox" watermelons any sweeter than regular melons?
    Community Answer
    Nope! Icebox watermelons were just genetically modified to be smaller than ordinary ones, and taste the same.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    Why don't we use sugar?
    Community Answer
    The article explains why salt is a good option. However, you're free to try using sugar if you want to.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Ask someone in the produce section of the grocery store if they can slice open the watermelon to make sure it’s ripe.
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      Warnings

      • If you have a dog, keep watermelon seeds and rinds out of reach because they can cause gastrointestinal problems.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.delish.com/cooking/a48074/watermelon-hack/
      2. ↑ https://www.delish.com/cooking/a48074/watermelon-hack/
      3. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a35754/summer-watermelon-tricks/
      4. ↑ https://www.delish.com/cooking/a48074/watermelon-hack/
      5. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/2015/12/faq-difference-brown-white-granulated-sugar-baking-cookies.html
      6. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-89277
      7. ↑ https://www.justataste.com/watermelon-salad-balsamic-syrup-recipe/
      8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/eat-fresh-watermelon-with-salt-pepper-and-lime-juice-233861

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      A good watermelon is already bursting with sweetness, but sometimes you get a flavorless or overly tart melon that needs a little help. One surprising way to bring out the melon’s natural sweetness is to sprinkle it with salt. Cut the melon out of the rind, dice it into cubes, and sprinkle about a quarter of a teaspoon of salt over the cubes. If you’re not a fan of the sweet and salty combination, try coating your watermelon pieces with a small amount of brown or white sugar instead. Alternatively, mix up a little sugar water and soak some watermelon cubes in it for 3 hours in the fridge. For more tips, like how to perk up your watermelon with a tart balsamic glaze, read on!

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        Sep 21, 2020

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