Yield: 10
How to Cut a Watermelon
Prep Time
15 minutes
Total Time
15 minutes
Learn how to cut a watermelon with these pro tips and tricks. From choosing the best watermelon to slicing, serving and storing, our tutorial has everything you need to know to enjoy this delicious summer fruit!
Ingredients
- 1 whole watermelon
Instructions
How to Cut into Wedges
- Wash and dry the watermelon.
- Position the watermelon with the stem spot at one end, and cut the watermelon in half. You should have 2 equal-sized, round halves.
- Take one half of the watermelon and lay it, cut side down, on a cutting board.
- Cut it in half again. Place one half with the rind facing up. Set the other half aside.
- Cut 1-inch slices by pressing downward toward the cutting board. Repeat the steps with the rest of the watermelon.
How to Cut into Cubes
- Wash and dry the watermelon.
- Position the watermelon with the stem at one end, and cut the watermelon in half. You should have 2 equal-sized, round halves. Cut the ends off.
- Take one half of the watermelon and lay it on a cutting board, with the widest cut side down and the more narrow end at the top.
- Very carefully, cut the rind off the watermelon by cutting down toward the cutting board and away from you. There may be parts of pith or rind left and that’s ok. You can go back and trim more away after you have cut away most of the rind.
- Next, cut the watermelon into 1-inch round slices by cutting horizontally. If you find this too challenging, you can flip the watermelon and cut in a downward motion toward the cutting board to make the slices. Return the watermelon to the original position by stacking the circle layers vertically.
- Then, cut the watermelon into 1-inch slices by cutting down toward the cutting board.
- For the final step, turn the watermelon a quarter turn and cut the watermelon into 1-inch slices, creating a grid-like pattern. This will create cubes that are about 1-inch square.
- Repeat with the other half.
How to Cut into Spears (Sticks)
- Wash and dry the watermelon.
- Position the watermelon with the step spot at one end, and cut the watermelon in half. You should have 2 equal-sized, round halves.
- Take one half of the watermelon and lay it, cut side down, on a cutting board.
- Cut the watermelon into 1-inch slices by cutting down toward the cutting board.
- Turn the watermelon a quarter turn and cut the watermelon into 1-inch pieces, creating a grid-like pattern.
- Repeat with the other half.
Notes
- How to Pick a Watermelon: Look for a yellowish spot on the underside of the watermelon. This is the spot where the watermelon was resting in the field and ripened. If that spot is white, the watermelon is not ripe. Pick one that is fairly heavy for its size. This is a characteristic of a watermelon with a lot of juice. Give it a thump. It should sound hollow.
- Uncut watermelon will last for about 2 weeks at room temperature.
- Cut watermelon can be stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, for up to 5 days.
- Unless planning to use the watermelon for smoothies or pureed, we don’t suggest freezing it because it changes the texture.
- Wedges: A great way to serve watermelon as it has the rind attached and is handy for grabbing at a picnic or potluck.
- Cubes; Very easy to store in an airtight container. Wonderful way to prep and have a healthy summer snack ready at all times. This is also a great way to prep watermelon for party skewers, salads, or easy finger food.
- Spears: Also a great way to serve a crowd - has the rind attached at the end. This is the EASIEST way to cut a watermelon.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 9Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 0g
*Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.