We hate to break it to you. The Klondike Blue watermelon isn’t actually blue.
Known also as the Klondike blue ribbon watermelon, the “blue” in the name refers to the ribbon color awarded to first-place position in a competition.
While there are orange and yellow-hued watermelons that are named for their flesh color, don’t be disappointed. Although Klondike blues may be an average pinkish red, they’re above average in taste.
Keep reading to get all the juicy facts on the first-prize-worthy Klondike blue watermelon.
Appearance and Taste of the Klondike Blue
The Klondike Blue is a large, oblong watermelon. Topping out at a hulking 30 lbs, they’re huge. This watermelon’s size earns it a place in the category of picnic watermelons.
Aside from their oval shape and large size, they look like other watermelons. Their thick rind is colored by alternating dark and light green stripes, they have some seeds, and the fruit itself is light red.
The Klondike Blue is a particularly sweet watermelon variety with an exquisite sugary flavor profile. Seeds notwithstanding, the fruit is described as having a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Nutritional Information
All varieties of watermelons have roughly the same nutritional attributes, regardless of cultivar. One serving of watermelon has one to two grams of protein, no more than a half-gram of fat, and around 21 grams of carbs.
They’re also all rich in micronutrients such as vitamins A and C.
There is one nutritional difference to mention about the Klondike blue watermelon. In tests, this type of watermelon has a higher sugar content when compared to other watermelon cultivars.
Klondike Blues in the Kitchen
A Meal
Sweet & Sour Watermelon Rind Stir-Fry: Did you know that you can eat the entirety of a watermelon, including the rind?
We all love stir fry. It’s just so darn tasty. But with a little enhancement with the help of some watermelon rind, you can bring it to the next level. Try this recipe for Sweet & Sour Watermelon Rind Stir Fry.
Not only will you love it, but it’ll also give you the chance to make good use of the part of the watermelon that you’d normally throw away.
Snacks
Berry Watermelon Fruit Salad: You can never go wrong with a fruit salad as a snack or side dish. For a fresh take on this fruity fare, try this recipe for berry watermelon fruit salad.
Watermelon Smoothie: There are many delicious ways to use one of these melons. For another recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth and quench your thirst, try making a smoothie with this amazing watermelon juice recipe!
An Idea For the Kids
Rainbow Fruit Watermelon Pizza: Let’s be honest. It doesn’t take much coaxing to get your kids to enjoy watermelons. They’re guaranteed to have a blast eating rainbow fruit watermelon pizza.
Not only is it intensely colorful, but kids will love the novelty of eating a “pizza” made of watermelon!
Buying Klondike Blue Watermelons
If you want to try getting your hands on some of these abundantly sweet watermelons, here’s where to buy them.
Where to Buy the Melons
If you live in California, where this cultivar was originally created, you may have luck finding Klondike Blue watermelons at your grocery store.
However, no matter where you live, you can also check your local farmer’s market.
Where to Buy the Seeds
The seeds of the Klondike Blue watermelon are likely far easier to find than fully-grown melons. If they don’t have any in your local nursery or garden store, you can easily find them online.
One great online retailer where you purchase these seeds is True Leaf Market. You’ll find them listed under the name Striped Klondike Blue Ribbon.
Growing Your Own Klondike Blues
All watermelons love lots of sunshine. While many watermelons can withstand heat and sunburn, they’re vulnerable to the cold – especially when they’re young.
If you live in a cooler climate, it’s smart to start by starting your watermelons indoors.
This gives you a jump on the growing season and your plants are bigger and more robust when they’re transplanted outdoors.
When to Plant these Watermelons
Regardless of whether you’re transplanting your melon seedlings or direct-sowing seeds in the garden, do so in early spring, immediately after the last frost.
These melons are slow-growing, so you’ll want to take advantage of the full growing season.
Where to Plant these Watermelons
Watermelons require lots of sunshine, so select a location that gets at least 8 hours of full sun per day.
The ideal soil for planting watermelons is loamy, fast-draining, and neutral to slightly acidic in pH.
How to Grow Klondike Blues
Growing Klondike Blue watermelons is virtually the same as growing any other watermelon. Plant them about one inch deep with roughly two feet of space between plants to prevent overcrowding.
To know what to look for when either selecting or harvesting your Klondike Blue watermelons, check out our guide on how to tell when a watermelon is ripe.
Preventing Diseases and Pests
Your Klondike Blue watermelons can fall victim to insect pests and fungal infections, especially if they’re unprotected or if the conditions are present.
For example, extra moisture on the leaves of the plant can cause mildews to infect the plant.
So, we recommend you take the extra precaution of applying a fungicide like a copper fungicide or neem oil.
Big, Sweet, Klondike Blue Watermelons
Give the Klondike Blue Ribbon watermelon a shot. It beats out the competition for size and sweetness among watermelons.
Also, try getting creative with these melons in the kitchen. You can make use of every part in a plethora of dishes, letting nothing go to waste. Otherwise, you’ll absolutely love eating them as they are – delicious and sweet!
At Minneopa Orchards we’re passionate about all fruits, especially melons. For more reading, visit our Watermelon Plants page. You’ll find links to a variety of articles that go in-depth on every aspect of watermelons, from growing to harvesting to eating!