If you want to properly cut a fresh and thirst-quenching watermelon, you have plenty of options. From salads to soups, this fruit is the perfect snack for any summer outdoor occasion. Whether your watermelon is large or small, here are some creative ways to slice and dice the fruit in a variety of ways for more summer fun. There are also a few helpful tips for safety in the kitchen. So follow a few simple steps to make the task much less challenging.
Before you learn how to cut a watermelon properly
Before you start cutting, it is best to wash the melon with soap and waterto remove bacteria, which could be transferred to the pulp when cutting. In addition, sharp knives make the process easier and even reduce the risk of injury.
A sturdy serrated bread or kitchen knife can also make cutting through a very large watermelon easier. On a clean cutting board, cut melons using a trickle to catch all the juice. You can also use your carving tool to cut decorative shapes into the peel or flesh.
The juicy fruit is known for its sugary, bright red flesh and bright green, striped skin. It tastes best served chilled, especially on hot summer days. Seedless watermelons are even easier to eat because you can make quick work of them without worrying about ending up with hard, black seeds in your fruit salad.
Pre-cut watermelon is available in many grocery stores these days, but whenever you can, buy a whole one and chop it yourself. For starters, it's fresher and has a better texture because the watermelon softens and releases juice after cutting. Plus, you can cut the fruit to any size and shape you want. One serving has the same sugar content as an apple, provides 25 percent of the daily vitamin C, 30 percent vitamin A and the antioxidant lycopene.
How to cut watermelon wedges
First, cut off one of the ends of the bark. Place the watermelon long side down on a cutting board and, using a sharp chef's knife, cut about 1/2 inch off one end. Now your watermelon has a short, flat surface. Next, cut the watermelon in half. Stand the watermelon on its flat side and cut it in half. Then divide the fruit in half lengthwise and set one of the halves aside. Place the other half of the watermelon, cut side down, on the cutting board and cut in half lengthwise.
Then cut each half crosswise into 10-inch wedges. Repeat the process with the remaining watermelon. For the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to slice the wedges just before eating, as they will lose more juice the longer they sit. If you make ahead or have a few pieces leftover, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container or on a plate covered with plastic wrap. Enjoy the fruit within 2-3 days.
Cut watermelon cubes correctly
This is the absolute best way to cut a watermelon into pieces. You can also use it to make cubes of any size. Place the watermelon long side down on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut 1/2 inch off each end. Now your watermelon has two short, flat surfaces. Next you need to remove the bark. Stand the watermelon on one of its cut sides. If you look at the whole thing, you should see a red circle surrounded by a white/green bark. Place your knife somewhere on the border between red and white.
Cut down to remove a wide strip of watermelon rind. Repeat this process, working your way around the circumference of the watermelon until no rind remains. Now you can dice watermelon. Place the uncut pulp, long side down, on the cutting board and cut crosswise. Cut each piece in a grid pattern to form even cubes. Enjoy the diced watermelon immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make balls from watermelon pulp
You can use this method to prepare watermelon for a summer fruit salad. The balls look fun and are easy to create. First, cut off one of the ends of the watermelon. Then place the fruit long side down on a cutting board and use a sharp chef's knife to cut off one of the ends. Now your watermelon has a short, flat surface. Next, you can cut the watermelon in half. Stand the watermelon on its flat side and cut it in half. Divide the fruit in half lengthwise.
Finally, form the balls. For this step you will need an ice cream scoop. Press the spoon into the cut pulp and gently twist to form a ball. Then you can repeat the process with the remaining watermelon as desired. At a certain point, scooping perfect balls becomes difficult. Then dice the rest for snacking or dig in with a regular tablespoon.
Make stars or hearts from the pulp
Lay the watermelon on its side and carefully cut it crosswise into large round pieces. For simple eating, you can cut simple circles into triangles with the bark attached. In addition, you can cut the pulp into shapes. Topped with fruit or yogurt, you can even make the slices look like pizza.
To create fun shapes after cutting your watermelon into rounds about 1 inch wide, use cookie cutters. Use the rounds to create stars or hearts that are sure to shine at a summer party in the garden.
If you want to use watermelon cutting trick, you can save any small leftovers to make watermelon-strawberry lemonade, for example. To make bite-sized pieces, cut the watermelon into 1-inch slices and use a round cookie cutter, cookie cutter, or heart or ring mold to cut circles into the flesh. These balls fit better on your plate and are perfect for preparing various finger foods with shrimp or salmon.
Make a fruit bowl out of watermelon
A watermelon fruit bowl can be a creative way to use the full fruit in a delicious and decorative way. For best results, use a watermelon with a thick rind. Draw a line around the outside of the melon and use this as a cutting guide to cut the watermelon in half crosswise or lengthwise.
You can then remove the pulp and set it aside. Turn each half over and cut a piece off the bottom to create a flat surface for the bowl to stand on. Be careful not to cut off too much or you will cut into the hollow of the bowl. Now you can serve fruit salad or watermelon soup in it.
