I crave watermelon this time of year. (No, I'm not pregnant!) Cold from the fridge, a cup of watermelon is my favorite August treat. Its sweet, refreshing juiciness quenches thirst, and it makes a superb post-workout snack, replenishing fluids and nutrients. Here's the best way I've found quickly and easily cut a watermelon into neat, even cubes for snacks and salads.
Of course this method doesn't apply if you just want to enjoy your watermelon in big, face-swallowing wedges. But I find that pleasure best reserved for picnics and outdoor affairs. This method gives you a neat bowlful of watermelon that stores easily in the fridge. Simple to dish up, and simple to eat.
- Place the watermelon on a cutting board with deep grooves to catch the juice, like this turkey carving board. Cut the watermelon in half with a big, heavy chef's knife. It should split easily.
- Turn one half face down and make sure it is firm and secure on the cutting board. Carefully shave off the rind, taking as little of the red flesh as possible.
- You should be left with a watermelon cone, like the one pictured above. Lop off the last bit of rind on the end.
- Now you have a block of watermelon you can carve up into slices, then into even cubes.
- Toss all the cubes into a bowl, refrigerate, and enjoy! Repeat with other half, if you wish.
Is this how you cut up a watermelon? Or do you have a better method? Do share!
See all that juice? That's why it's helpful to use a deep, grooved cutting board.This same method, demonstrated on a cantaloupe: Tip: Peel Summer Melons Like Winter Squash
(Images: Faith Durand)
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While not ideal for salads or appetizers where you want things to look pretty, a melon baller is ideal for making snacks! You only need to slice the melon in half so you don't need to use an "oversize" cutting board, just a regular easy-to-rinse-in-the-sink size.
That's how I do it (and cantaloupe, too), but my mom insists that it's easier to hack it in half and use the old melon baller. :)
I cut up a watermelon exactly like this on Friday! But now I have so much cubed watermelon left over, because it was intended for a drink at a party, and the drink was terrible... How long will it stay good cut up like this in a ziplock in the fridge?
@Caralovesyou you can always blend it in a juicer and drink it straight. But I do find it stays pretty good in the fridge for several days. Maybe a week? I've been eating watermelon I cut up last Saturday.
I like this but I find it a challenge to cut the rind off from that angle. I also wind up cutting off too much flesh. I tend to quarter the watermelon first and then flesh side up, I cut the rind off then cube. I find it's easier and I manage to cut off less of that delicious flesh! Good post!
Don't forget to use a different cutting board than the one you use to cut onions, or cover your cutting board with parchment paper before cutting up you watermelon so that it doesn't end up tasting like onions!
I cut it into wedges, then run the knife between the rind and melon. Then I cut downward toward the rind and drop the chunks into a bowl.
You can dismantle a watermelon VERY quickly this way.
I cut most melons the way Twowheeler mentioned. Super easy and not messy. It takes me likke 5 minutes to dismantle a good sized cantelope in this fashion.
I use an ice cream scoop as a giant melon baller.
@caralovesyou we have a hard time finishing whole watermellons too - they make GREAT popsicles. i just blend up whats left with a little lime juice and maybe a skinned slice or two of cucumber. They are super refreshing and delicious without any added sugar or anything.
chunks of watermelon can be frozen and then tossed in the blender to make a smoothie or margarita. it still tastes great! and i've made watermelon popsicles too - delicious!
I saw somewhere you can freeze watermelon cubes as "ice cubes" for drinks.
but what's the best way to remove the seeds? I usually buy seedless, but I've heard that seeded melons are sweeter. True?
I cut a watermelon in half, the cut the halves into quarters (eight pieces -- turn the half so the flesh is against the cutting board, bisect from stem end to flesh, turn knife 90 degrees, repeat). I switch to a paring knife and run it around the inside of the rind to remove the flesh. Then I slice and chop. It's fast, and has the advantage of not requiring me to slice through the rind at a changing angle.
Watch this video to cut the watermelon, is perfect!
http://www.gastronomiaycia.com/2012/08/11/como-cortar-sandia-en-cubos/
Very creative @gastronomiaycia.
I cut it in half and eat it with a spoon. Just like this guy.
No, no, no, I'm sorry but you have it all wrong. I'll just leave this tutorial on how to properly eat a watermelon on here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gUKZpgVfMo
I hang mine from a tree and take the rind off like I am gutting a deer
I started doing it this way last year. I toss the rinds into my compost bin.
Thanks @thesmilequeen !!
My hubby-to-be is a health inspector. He is always telling me that watermelon (and all melons) are potentially hazardous food, and the outside could contain e.coli etc. so to thoroughly wash the outside before cutting it. Because your knife touches the outside first, then touches the inside - and since you eat it raw, you could get sick.