The Surprising Effects of Adding Salt to Watermelon

The Surprising Effects of Adding Salt to Watermelon


Finding the Southern Key to More Sugary Watermelon

A little known trick that’s winning hearts all throughout the South is salting watermelon. So why is this method becoming more and more well-liked?

Sometimes watermelon has hints of tartness and bitterness, especially when it’s a little underripe or doesn’t taste very strong. With a dash of salt, these acrid flavors are mellowed and the sweetness of the watermelon takes center stage with every bite.


This holds true for more than simply watermelons. A lot of naturally bitter veggies, like kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts, can be made better by adding salt, which balances their sharpness and brings out the desired qualities. Fruits that are more bitter than sweet, like cranberries and grapefruit, also benefit from a little salt to enhance their sugary flavor.

In addition, a light dusting of salt improves the texture and flavor of watermelon. This fruit is water-dense, so salt brings out the moisture to make every mouthful incredibly juicy and sweet. To get the best flavor, some experts suggest salting the slices and letting them sit for a few minutes before eating, so the magic can work.