Buzz
Watermelon is one of the most beloved summer fruits. This sweet and refreshing "king" of fruits is also highly beneficial for your health. Watermelons are freshest when you buy them whole and slice them yourself. You can cut them into round slices, triangular wedges, thin slices, or even cube them. Alternatively, use a melon baller to create bite-sized spheres.
Steps
Slicing
Wash the watermelon's rind. Use fruit wash if available, or rinse it under running water to remove dirt, germs, and pesticides from the surface. Washing is crucial because anything on the rind that the knife touches can transfer to the inner flesh when you slice the watermelon.
Trim both ends of the watermelon. A serrated knife works best for cutting through soft interiors and tough exteriors, such as those of watermelons, tomatoes, and bread. Ensure the knife's blade is longer than the width of the watermelon you're cutting.
Slice the watermelon in half. Stand the watermelon upright before cutting it vertically down the middle.
- Note that if you cut along the darker stripes on the rind, the seeds will align on the outer edges of the slices, making them easier to remove.
Cut each half into smaller sections. Depending on your preference, you can divide each half into two, three, or four parts to create larger or smaller slices.
Separate the flesh from the rind. Hold a watermelon slice with one hand and carefully slide the knife between the flesh and the rind to detach them.
Slice the watermelon into even pieces. Cut the flesh into uniform slices, each about 5-7.5 cm thick. Repeat this process for the remaining sections.
Cutting Round Slices
Slice the watermelon horizontally. You can create round slices by cutting the watermelon crosswise into sections approximately 2.5 cm thick.
Remove the rind. Carefully guide the knife along the edge of the flesh to separate it from the rind. At this stage, you can also remove the seeds if desired.
Cut the watermelon into smaller pieces. You can slice the round sections into sticks, triangles, or even use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like stars.
Cutting Triangular Slices
Cut the watermelon in half. Locate the center of the watermelon and slice it vertically.
Halve the two watermelon halves. Place one half on the cutting board with the rind facing up and the flesh facing down, then cut each half into two equal parts.
Slice the watermelon into triangular wedges. Take a quarter of the watermelon and cut it into triangular slices about 1.3 cm thick. Repeat this process until the entire watermelon is sliced.
Cutting Small Pieces
Quarter the watermelon. Carefully cut the watermelon in half, then place each half flesh-side down and cut them in half again.
Slice the watermelon into triangular pieces. Cut each slice about 2.5-5 cm thick, stopping just before reaching the rind without cutting through it.
Cut the watermelon into lengthwise slices. Start on one side of the watermelon piece, about 2.5 cm below the top. Slice the watermelon lengthwise, guiding the knife along the rind.
Continue slicing the watermelon. Make a vertical cut about 2.5-5 cm below the first cut, ensuring not to slice through the rind. Rotate the watermelon and repeat the process on the other side.
Separate the flesh from the rind. Use the knife to make a sweeping motion along the underside of the rind. You can then transfer the watermelon pieces to a bowl or serving plate.
Using a Melon Baller
Quarter the watermelon. Locate the center of the watermelon and slice it vertically to halve it. Place each half on the cutting board with the rind facing up and the flesh facing down. Cut each half into quarters either vertically or horizontally.
Scoop the watermelon. Use a melon baller or an ice cream scoop to create round balls of watermelon flesh. Transfer the watermelon balls into a bowl or Tupperware container.
- This method works best with seedless watermelons, as the balls will be free of seeds. However, you can also remove seeds while scooping.
Serve chilled. Chilled watermelon balls are a refreshing treat that your entire family is sure to enjoy.
Tips
- Watermelon, with its light sweetness, can serve as a palate cleanser during meals.
- Blend watermelon (without seeds and rind) in a blender or food processor for a fantastic summer drink!
- Many people enjoy squeezing a bit of lemon juice over watermelon slices for a refreshing snack!
- Opt for smaller watermelons for easier cutting and portion control.
- Watermelon rinds can be used in cooking, such as making jam or pickles.
- Watermelons come in seeded and seedless varieties. Choose carefully to ensure you get the type you prefer.
Warnings
- Using a dull knife requires more force and increases the risk of slipping, so a sharp knife is safer for cutting.
