You’re standing there with a big, beautiful watermelon on your counter, excited to dig in. But before you grab a knife and go hacking away, stop! Cutting a watermelon the wrong way can be a huge, juicy mess. Luckily, there’s a super simple trick that helps cut a watermelon easier than ever. In just a few quick steps, you’ll have perfect watermelon wedges ready for eating, blending, or using in recipes. So grab a melon and get ready to learn the easiest way ever to cut up this summer favorite. With this method, you’ll be a watermelon slicing pro in no time.
Materials Needed to Cut a Watermelon
To cut a watermelon, you’ll only need a few basic supplies:
Cutting Board
A large cutting board gives you ample space to work with this juicy fruit. A wooden or plastic board will do the trick.
Sharp Knife
A serrated knife, bread knife, or chef’s knife with a blade at least 8 to 10 inches long works well for slicing through a watermelon. Make sure whichever knife you choose is sharp to easily cut through the rind.
Container
Have a large container, bowl, or platter nearby to catch the cut pieces as you slice the melon. A rimmed sheet pan, large shallow bowl, or platter are all good options.
Optional: Melon Baller or Spoon
If you want to make melon balls, you’ll also want to have a melon baller or spoon handy. Scoop out bite-sized balls for an extra special treat.
That’s really all you need. Keep your space clear and have some paper towels on hand in case of drips and splatters. Now you’re ready to slice into that refreshing, juicy watermelon! Cut it into wedges, cubes, or balls and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting a Watermelon
Gather your supplies
You’ll need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a bowl or platter to hold the cut fruit. A serrated knife works best for slicing watermelon.
Wash the outside
Rinse the watermelon under cool running water and pat dry with a towel. Place it on its side on the cutting board.
Slice it in half
Use your knife to slice the watermelon in half. Then slice each half into two equal portions, giving you four wedges total.
Remove the rind
Use your knife to slice off the hard, green rind from each wedge. Remove any white bits of rind remaining on the pink flesh.
###Cut into slices or cubes
Depending on how you like to eat your watermelon, slice each wedge into round slices or cube into bite-sized pieces. Slice off and discard the hard, white center core that contains the seeds.
Arrange and enjoy!
Arrange the watermelon slices or cubes on your platter or in a bowl and you’re ready to enjoy! The sweet, juicy fruit is perfect on its own, but you can also top it with a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice, a sprinkling of salt, or a dollop of plain yogurt.
Slicing a watermelon may seem difficult, but by following these easy steps you’ll be enjoying a refreshing watermelon in no time. The key is using a sharp knife and taking your time. Before you know it, you’ll be slicing into watermelons like a pro!
Tips for Selecting the Best Watermelon to Cut
- When selecting a watermelon for cutting and enjoying, remember the following tips for a ripe, juicy experience:
- Check the Underside: Look for a yellowish underside, which indicates the melon ripened fully on the vine. A white or pale green bottom suggests it was picked too early and may lack sweetness.
- Thump Test: Perform the “thump test” by tapping the melon. A ripe melon produces a deep, resonant sound, whereas an unripe one gives a hollow thunk.
- Inspect the Rind: Ensure the melon has a smooth rind without any dents or blemishes.
- Weight and Shake: The melon should feel heavy for its size, a sign of juicy flesh inside. Gently shaking it can also provide clues to its ripeness.
- Smell Test: Sniff near the stem end for a faint, sweet aroma, indicative of a ripe, flavorful melon. An overpowering smell could mean it’s overripe.
- Ask for a Sample: Don’t hesitate to ask for a taste if possible, especially at grocery stores or farmers markets. A ripe melon should taste sweet and fruity with a firm, juicy texture.
By following these guidelines, you’ll increase your chances of picking a watermelon that’s perfect for slicing and enjoying, ensuring a refreshing treat for the summer.
Creative Watermelon Cutting Ideas
Fruit Basket
Want an easy way to serve watermelon wedges at your next BBQ or picnic? Cut a small circle out of the top of the watermelon, then use a melon baller or small scoop to hollow out the inside. Fill it with bite-sized watermelon balls, cantaloupe, honeydew, berries and grapes. Your fruit basket centerpiece is ready to go!
Watermelon Pizza
Here’s a kid-friendly way to eat watermelon. Cut the melon in half, then into wedges. Remove the rind so you’re left with triangular “pizza slices.” Top them with yogurt or whipped cream for the “sauce,” and add your favorite toppings. Mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, crushed Oreos, gummy bears, fresh or frozen fruit are all tasty options.
Watermelon Kebabs
For a refreshing summer dessert, thread watermelon cubes onto skewers along with other fruits like strawberries, peaches and kiwi. You can also make sweeter kebabs by alternating the fruit with marshmallows. Chill the skewers in the fridge before serving. The fruit holds up well on the skewers, so they’re perfect for a barbecue or party.
Watermelon Margaritas
Adults will love this cocktail. Blend 3 cups seedless watermelon, 1/2 cup tequila, 1/3 cup Cointreau or triple sec and the juice of 1 lime. Add a bit of simple syrup to taste if the mixture needs sweetening. Rim the glass with lime juice and salt, fill with ice and pour in the margarita. Garnish with a lime wheel for a refreshing summer drink. Salud!
With so many ways to slice, dice and serve watermelon, you’ll never get bored. Experiment with different shapes, mix-ins and recipes to find the perfect way to enjoy this juicy summer fruit. Let your creativity flow – you really can’t go wrong!
Common Questions About Cutting a Watermelon
When cutting into that juicy watermelon, a few questions may cross your mind. Here are some common ones and the answers:
Do I need any special tools?
The only tools you really need are a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a spoon or melon baller if you want to get fancy. A serrated knife works well for slicing watermelon, while a paring knife is good for dicing and cubing. Avoid any tools marketed specifically for cutting watermelon—they’re unnecessary and take up space.
Should I cut it in half first?
Cutting the watermelon in half first makes it easier to handle and allows you to see the inside to gauge ripeness. Place the watermelon on its side on a cutting board and cut it in half widthwise. Then you can slice each half into wedges, dice the flesh, or scoop out balls. For presentation, consider leaving one half of the rind intact.
How do I dice or cube the watermelon?
To dice or cube the watermelon, first cut it in half widthwise. Place each half cut-side down and slice lengthwise to make 3- to 4-inch strips. Turn the strips so they’re facing sideways and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch dice or 1-1/2-inch cubes. Use a spoon to scoop the diced or cubed fruit from the rind.
How long will cut watermelon last?
Cut watermelon will last 2 to 3 days when refrigerated. Keep it in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag and avoid stacking other heavy items on top, which can cause the fruit to get mushy. For best quality, eat the watermelon within 1 to 2 days. If you have more cut fruit than you can eat quickly, consider freezing some for smoothies or making watermelon juice.
The key to enjoying a perfect slice of watermelon is keeping these questions and answers in mind. Now grab your knife and slicing board—your refreshing watermelon awaits!
Conclusion
So there you have it – the quickest and easiest way to cut a watermelon! With just a few simple tools and a couple of quick cuts, you can have perfectly sliced watermelon ready to eat in no time. Just be sure to wash the melon thoroughly first and keep your fingers out of the way as you cut. Enjoy those refreshing, juicy watermelon slices on a hot summer day or use them to liven up a fruit salad. However you choose to eat it, watermelon cut this way makes for a delicious treat. Hope this little tutorial takes the hassle out of prepping watermelon. Now go grab a melon and give this method a try – your tastebuds will thank you!