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How to Cut Watermelon To Cool This Summer

May 19th 2022 - Monica Cunanan

How to Cut Watermelon To Cool This Summer

It's getting hot this summer! There’s nothing quite like a cool, refreshing watermelon as a delicious snack on a hot summer day. This healthy snack also comes with health benefits.

So what are you waiting for? Beat the summer heat and cool yourself down with our tips on how to slice and present your juicy watermelons. First things first, How do you actually choose the perfect watermelon?

How to pick the Perfect Fresh Watermelon

It can be overwhelming to choose the best ripe melon among all the watermelons. Here are some tips on how to check for a ripe watermelon:

  • Look for a dull, hard rind and a heavyweight feeling. Too light = Not ripe!
  • A ripe watermelon is matte, not shiny. Shiny watermelons indicate an overgrown watermelon.
  • Avoid selecting one with any visible bumps, as this may indicate an issue with watering or bugs.
  • The bottom of the watermelon is referred to as the “field spot”. This spot should be yellow for a ripe watermelon.
  • A ripe watermelon should make a hollow sound when you tap or knock on its rind.
  • Avoid picking watermelon with big patches of dark spots or brown spots (Dark-colored spots may indicate spoilage).

Before we proceed with the cutting process of cutting a juicy watermelon, remember to wash excess dirt, and pat dry the rind. You can do this in advance so the melon has time to dry. Once that's done, we can now proceed to our cutting guide!

Prepare the following:

1. Clean cutting board

2. Paring knife (or any knife of your choice)

3. Clean towel

4. Airtight storage container

Slice into watermelon wedges

A fresh watermelon wedge is the most go-to when it's really hot out there. It's the simplest way to cut a watermelon.

  • Clean your watermelon using a damp towel and proceed to cut off the stem end
  • Slice it in half crosswise (you’ll end up with two circular, oblong pieces).
  • Put the watermelon down on a cutting board.
  • Hold your knife at an angle and slice off the rind and white part of the melon. After making the cuts, you should see the dark pink inside of the watermelon.
  • Continue cutting until all the rind has been removed.
  • Cut the watermelon into thirds, making wedges

Use Cookie Cutters for Watermelons.

Do you feel tired of the same perpendicular slices? Up your watermelon presentation using a cookie cutter!

  • Use a sharp knife to slice the skin of your ripe melons first.
  • The watermelon flesh is soft and you can cut shapes out of watermelon pieces or your watermelon slices using cookie cutters
  • You can make heart pieces or circle pieces out of your favorite fruit.

It would also be an ideal activity to do on a sunny day or a special occasion, for example. With just one ingredient and endless creative possibilities, this simple watermelon project is fun for all ages.

"Care for a Colorful Watermelon Bowl?"

 If you're also looking for a way to present your watermelons creatively then you can try mixing different kinds of watermelons in your bowl. This creative method can make use of watermelon pieces of common shape or other shapes.

  • First, run the entire watermelon under cool running water before cutting it.
  • Proceed to do the same with other kinds of watermelons 

Watermelon Juice

It’s easy to extract watermelon juice. All you need is a blender to make juice or smoothies.

Fun Watermelon Fact: Some of the benefits of watermelon include having different vitamins and anti-cancer properties. (see more: The Top 9 Health Benefits of Watermelon).

  • Slice your watermelon into pieces.
  • Scoop the watermelon pieces into the blender and add ice.
  • Blend for about 30-45 seconds, and there's your watermelon juice.
  • Give it a little whirl with a spoon if the drink separates

Optional: If you’re thinking about adding a splash of tequila or white rum… I can verify that that is indeed a good idea. You can also make a smoothie if you’re up for it.

If your watermelon has seeds in it or if you want your juice to have fewer pulp particles, pour it through a mesh strainer into a pitcher

Dice it up!

An alternative method to making a quick afternoon snack is by cutting your pieces of watermelon circle into cubes. Use your knife and cut straight 1-inch slices perpendicularly to create the cubes. This is a perfect appetizer for summer parties too. You can put the left-overs in an airtight freezer-safe storage container 

(See more: 35 Party Appetizer Recipes Your Guests Will Love)

Ready to Show off Your New Culinary Skills?

Impress your family and friends with your UPGRADED skills! Here at Culinary Depot, we provide the tools of the culinary trade for professionals and home cooks. Stop by and get all your watermelon cutting and presentation essentials here.