{"id":1681893,"date":"2021-07-30T08:06:43","date_gmt":"2021-07-30T08:06:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1681893"},"modified":"2023-05-16T12:43:48","modified_gmt":"2023-05-16T17:43:48","slug":"how-to-cut-a-watermelon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-cut-a-watermelon\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Cut a Watermelon into Slices, Cubes or Sticks"},"content":{"rendered":"[dam-video dam-id=\"45809\" type_of_player=\"jw\" \/]\r\n
Watermelons are big and bulky, and the idea of cutting into one can be intimidating. But we made the process so simple, you\u2019ll be snacking on chic watermelon cubes<\/span><\/a> or enjoying sweet watermelon recipes<\/span><\/a> in no time!<\/p>\r\n Learn how to cut a watermelon four ways: slices, melon balls, cubes and sticks. And if you need an even faster solution, you can't go wrong with this watermelon slicer tool<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n \t\t\tTools You'll Need<\/h2>\r\n[embed_section]\r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1793513\" title=\"Melon Baller\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/OXO-Grips-Double-Sided-Melon-Baller\/dp\/B00004OCM4\/\" newtab=\"true\" \/]\r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1793318\" title=\"Cutting Board with Juice Groove\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hiware-Bamboo-Cutting-Kitchen-Organic\/dp\/B08LCXZ3WD\" newtab=\"true\" \/]\r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1793322\" title=\"Melon Knife\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Kuhn-Rikon-Original-Melon-Knife\/dp\/B00WRIK1F2\/\" newtab=\"true\" \/]\r\n\r\n[embed-content imageid=\"1793323\" title=\"Bamboo Skewers\" buybutton=\"Shop Now\" linkurl=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Good-Cook-12-inch-Bamboo-Skewers\/dp\/B0028LRKJI\" newtab=\"true\" \/]\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n[\/embed_section]\r\n
How to Cut a Watermelon into Slices<\/h2>\r\n
Step 1: Prepare a workstation<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\r\nYou might be tempted to cut the watermelon in half to get things going, but it\u2019s easier to start by <\/span><\/span>cutting off the top and bottom of the watermelon<\/span><\/span><\/a>. That creates a flat\u00a0<\/span>side<\/span> so the watermelon doesn\u2019t roll away, giving you nice, neat slices while also protecting your fingers! <\/span><\/span>\r\n
Step 2: Quarter the watermelon<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\r\nS<\/span>tand the watermelon on one of the cut ends and slice it in half down the middle, creating two large halves. Then, lay each piece flesh-side down and slice in half lengthwise so the whole watermelon is now quartered.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
Step 3: Slice your quartered watermelon<\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re looking for snack-sized slices, simply place the quartered pieces flesh-side down on your cutting board. Slice the melon into\u00a0<\/span>1-inch thick<\/span>\u00a0triangles. Add a sprinkle of salt to bring out the sweet\u00a0<\/span>flavors, or<\/span>\u00a0toss them on the grill for an unusual way to eat watermelon.<\/span><\/span> Don't be afraid to try out more savory watermelon recipes<\/a>!<\/span>\r\n
How to Ball Watermelon<\/h2>\r\n
\r\n\r\nOnce the watermelon is quartered, you can also ball the fruit. Place a melon quarter flesh-side up on the cutting board. Insert\u00a0<\/span><\/span>a\u00a0<\/span>melon baller<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>into the flesh and twist your wrist, rotating the baller toward you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Serve the balls\u00a0<\/span><\/span>in your favorite <\/span><\/span>watermelon salad<\/span><\/span><\/a>, on a skewer or soaked in alcohol for a boozy treat.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
How to Cut a Watermelon into Cubes<\/h2>\r\n
Step 1: Remove the rind before cubing<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\r\nWhile starting with a quartered watermelon is our go-to way to create slices and melon balls, i<\/span>t\u2019s safer (and easier) to cut watermelon cubes when you start with a whole, peeled watermelon. Instead of quartering it, stand the melon on one of the cut ends. Using a sharp knife, remove the green peels, saving them\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to make watermelon rind pickles<\/a> later<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIf you missed some of the white parts during the first pass, don\u2019t worry; you can always go back over the watermelon and remove them.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
Step 2: Cut peeled watermelon into cubes<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\r\nOnce the watermelon is peeled, cut it in half widthwise. Place the halves flesh-side down and slice the melon into 1-inch slices. Then, turn the board 90-degrees and slice the melon again into 1-inch slices. You can serve the watermelon pieces as-<\/span>is, or<\/span>\u00a0turn them on their sides and slice them into smaller cubes.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
How to Cut a Watermelon into Sticks<\/h2>\r\n
\r\n\r\nFor watermelon sticks, cut the watermelon in half around its equator. Place one half of the melon cut side down, then make cuts up and down and from side to side. You should end up with a watermelon rind handle on each stick.\r\n
Tips<\/span> for Picking and Storing a Watermelon<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\r\n
\r\n
How to pick a watermelon<\/h3>\r\nLook for watermelons that have a dark green rind and a yellow belly (which happens because watermelons grow resting on the ground). Make sure it's yellow, because a white or pale yellow spot isn't ripe enough yet.\r\n\r\nAfter you've eyed up a few contenders, pick them up and compare their weights to each other. Most likely, the heaviest will be the juiciest! <\/span><\/span>Find more wa<\/span>ys to tell if a watermelon is ripe<\/a>.<\/span><\/span>\r\n
For less mess, refrigerate the watermelon first<\/h3>\r\nWe generally recommend storing a whole, uncut watermelon at room temperature. However, refrigerating a melon right before you cut into it can help it hold its shape better as you slice. You won't have as much juice spilling out onto your cutting board; plus, you\u2019ll have a cold, refreshing treat to enjoy right away!<\/span><\/span>\r\n\r\nEditor's Tip:<\/em> Don\u2019t feel like you have to eat the watermelon whole. Toss cubed watermelon into the blender to make watermelon juice to use in one of these refreshing watermelon drinks<\/a>, like watermelon slush or watermelon margaritas<\/a>.\r\n
How to store watermelon<\/h3>\r\nStoring an uncut watermelon<\/span><\/span>\u00a0is simple<\/span>\u2014<\/span>keep it on the counter.\u00a0 There\u2019s no need to make space for it in the fridge <\/span>until after<\/span>\u00a0you slice it up. But once you do,\u00a0<\/span>wrap\u00a0<\/span>slices<\/span>\u00a0in plastic wrap before you toss it back into the fridge<\/span>. Keep<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>watermelon cubes<\/span> in an airtight container in the refrigerator. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
How to freeze watermelon<\/h3>\r\nIt's easy to freeze watermelon once you've sliced it into cubes. Just put it on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for a few hours. After that, you can take it and store it in a freezer-safe container. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n