Nothing says sunshine on a plate quite like a slice of golden, juicy melon. Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew might be the stars you know best—but they’re only the beginning. Yellow melons bring a whole new level of sweetness, crispness, and flavor variety to the table, and they’re as gorgeous as they are refreshing. From bright lemon-colored rinds to golden-fleshed gems, here are 15 yellow melon types worth adding to your fruit bucket list.
1. Canary Melon
Bright and sunny, the Canary melon gets its name from its vivid yellow skin, smooth and waxy to the touch. When sliced open, it reveals pale green or white flesh that’s soft, creamy, and pleasantly sweet with tropical hints of banana and pineapple. This oval-shaped melon is enjoyed in spring and summer, offering a refreshing bite that’s both juicy and fragrant—a treat that feels as exotic as its name.
2. Casaba Melon
Casaba melons stand out with their wrinkled golden-yellow rinds, often showing a hint of green near the stem. Shaped like a squat pumpkin with a pointed end, these melons are firm on the outside but tender within. Their pale, creamy flesh has a mellow sweetness, less sugary than cantaloupe but refreshing and thirst-quenching. Casaba melons ripen late in the season and store well, making them a valuable melon for extending summer flavors into fall.
3. Amarillo Melon
The Amarillo Melon is a golden heirloom variety, producing large, oblong fruits that can weigh up to 15 pounds. Its skin glows with a deep yellow hue, while inside lies crisp, juicy flesh that ranges from pale yellow to light green. Known for its refreshing sweetness, the Amarillo is versatile, delicious fresh, and prized for its abundant yields. A classic European melon dating back before 1870, it remains a sunny, old-world favorite today.
4. Korean Yellow Melon
Small but striking, the Korean Yellow Melon—or chamoe—wears a bright yellow jacket marked with clean white stripes. Its flesh is crisp, almost pear-like, with a subtle sweetness that’s light and refreshing rather than intense. Unlike many melons, its seeds are edible and add to the experience. Selected for high sugar levels, only the sweetest make it to market. This little melon is enjoyed fresh and whole, celebrated in Korea as a summertime snack.
5. Persian Melon (Garmak)
The Persian melon, known locally as Garmak, is a beloved summer fruit in Iran. As it ripens, its skin shifts toward yellow-orange tones, giving way to fragrant, juicy orange flesh inside. Its sweetness is bold and unmistakable, often enjoyed fresh, paired with lime, or even alongside bread and cheese. Medium-sized and round to oblong, Garmak is more than a melon—it’s part of Iranian hospitality, offered generously to guests during the heat of summer.
6. Galia Melon
A hybrid of cantaloupe and honeydew, the Galia melon is easily recognized by its netted rind that turns golden yellow at peak ripeness. Inside, its pale green flesh is dripping with juice and perfume-like sweetness, combining the musky aroma of cantaloupe with the honeyed flavor of honeydew. Originally bred in Israel, Galia melons have spread worldwide, enjoyed in fruit salads, smoothies, or eaten straight from the rind as a fragrant, refreshing indulgence.
7. Yellow Honeydew Melon
Golden honeydew melons shine with a rich yellow skin that signals ripeness and sweetness. When ready to eat, they give off a floral aroma near the stem and feel slightly springy at the blossom end. Slice one open, and you’ll find smooth, pale flesh that’s juicy and mellow with a honey-like finish. Known for their delicate flavor and satisfying texture, golden honeydews are a luxurious twist on the more common green honeydew.
8. Hami Melon
The Hami melon, originally from Xinjiang, China, has become one of the most popular muskmelons worldwide. Oblong in shape with skin that can range from creamy white to golden yellow, this melon carries a crisp, juicy sweetness that rivals cantaloupe but with its own delicate flair. Cultivated across Asia, Mexico, and the Western United States, Hami melons thrive in sunny climates and are cherished for their refreshing flavor and cooling bite during hot summers.
9. Yellow Doll Watermelon
Perfectly sized for smaller households, the Yellow Doll watermelon is a compact variety weighing just 5 to 7 pounds. Its thin, striped rind hides a brilliant yellow flesh that’s both sweet and dense. Unlike traditional red watermelons, the Yellow Doll adds a fun burst of color to fruit platters and salads. Early to ripen and easy to grow, this little melon is a garden favorite for anyone who wants summer sweetness without the bulk.
10. Desert King Melon
Built for heat and drought, the Desert King watermelon is a Texas-bred variety with a reputation for toughness. Its pale green rind withstands sun and stress, while inside lies a glowing yellow flesh that’s sweet and old-fashioned in flavor. Typically weighing between 20 to 30 pounds, Desert King melons store well and travel even better. For gardeners in hot, dry regions, this melon is a true champion, producing juicy fruits even in challenging conditions.
11. Lemon Drop Melon
The Lemon Drop melon is a modern hybrid with a tangy twist. Developed in Arizona in 2013, it combines the sweetness of Galia melon with a refreshing citrus-like brightness. Its sunny yellow rind hides a juicy flesh that balances sugar and acidity in a way few melons do. Exclusive to Matori Farms, this melon has quickly gained fans nationwide for its zesty flavor, making it a unique addition to salads, desserts, or eaten fresh.
12. Banana Melon
Long and slender, the Banana melon lives up to its name with its yellow, banana-like skin and even a faint banana aroma. Inside, the flesh turns a striking salmon color, offering a sweet and slightly spicy flavor that sets it apart from other melons. This heirloom variety has been a favorite for over a century, loved by specialty markets and home growers alike for its unusual shape, fragrance, and reliable sugary taste.
13. Mountain Sweet Yellow Watermelon
Mountain Sweet Yellow is an heirloom watermelon that impresses with its large, oblong fruits weighing up to 10 kilograms. Beneath its striped rind lies dark yellow flesh that’s both juicy and richly sweet. Its firm texture and old-time flavor make it a treasured variety among gardeners and seed savers. With striking black seeds and a reputation for abundant harvests, this melon delivers both nostalgia and refreshment on hot summer days.
14. Ananas Melon
The Ananas melon, whose name means “pineapple” in several languages, is an heirloom variety prized for its fragrant, tropical flavor. Its golden-yellow rind sometimes blushes with orange as it ripens, while the flesh inside is pale, juicy, and aromatic. Originally cultivated in the Middle East and Israel, Ananas melons are celebrated for their honeyed sweetness and pineapple-like notes. They’re best eaten fresh and chilled, making them a luxurious melon to enjoy in the heat of summer.
15. Tropical Apollo Melon
Tropical Apollo is a melon that dazzles with its contrast of colors. Round to blocky in shape, it has a bold yellow rind that conceals an unexpected deep red flesh inside. Crisp, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this unique variety offers a refreshing eating experience with every bite. Known for its striking appearance and sweet taste, the Tropical Apollo melon is both eye-catching and delicious, perfect for adventurous melon lovers.