Watermelons are big and bulky, and the idea of cutting into one can be intimidating. But we made the process so simple, you’ll be snacking on chic watermelon cubes or enjoying our sweetest watermelon recipes in no time!
First, prepare a work station
You might be tempted to cut the watermelon in half and get things going, but it’s easier to start by cutting off the top and bottom of the watermelon. That creates a flat side so the watermelon doesn’t roll away, giving you nice, neat slices while also protecting your fingers!
(Psst: If you didn’t already know, watermelons are definitely a food you should be washing first.)
Quarter the watermelon
Starting with a quartered watermelon is our go-to way to create slices and melon balls. To get there, stand 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.
Slice your quartered watermelon
If you’re looking for snack-sized slices, simply place the quartered pieces flesh-side down on your cutting board. Slice the melon into 1-inch thick triangles. Add a sprinkle of salt to bring out the sweet flavors, or toss them on the grill for an unusual way to eat watermelon.
Use a melon baller
Once the watermelon is quartered, you can also ball the fruit. Place a melon quarter flesh-side up on the cutting board. Insert a melon baller like this into the flesh and twist your wrist, rotating the baller toward you.
Serve the balls in your favorite salad, on a skewer or soaked in alcohol for a boozy treat.
Remove the rind before cubing
It’s 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 to make watermelon rind pickles later.
If you missed some of the white parts during the first pass, don’t worry; you can always go back over the watermelon and remove them.
Cut peeled watermelon into cubes
Once 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 sticks as-is, or turn them on their sides and slice them into smaller cubes.
Make watermelon juice
Don’t feel like you have to eat the watermelon whole! Cut the peeled watermelon into manageable pieces and toss ’em into the blender. Use the juice to make a few of these extra-refreshing watermelon drinks, like watermelon slush or margaritas.
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The post How to Cut Watermelon (The Easy Way!) appeared first on Taste of Home.
Lindsay D. Mattison