Are you wondering how to cut a watermelon? This simple tutorial with step-by-step photos and a video makes it easy! Plus, you'll learn how to pick a melon, store it, use it in recipes, and so much more!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I don't know about you, but I LOVE watermelon. There isn't a more summery fruit. Anytime I take a bite, I feel like I'm being transported back to my childhood ... probably with that sweet juice dripping down my chin!
Dealing with a whole watermelon can be intimidating though. First, you need to pick the right one, then you have to cut it ... and what to do with all the leftovers?
After eating a lot of watermelon this summer, I have tons of easy tips to share with you. I'm breaking them all down below. Plus, I created a video, so you can see exactly how to peel a watermelon and cut into into four different shapes.
Ready to dive into all things watermelon? Then, keep reading for all the juicy details!
Watermelon 101
This guide covers everything you could possible want know about this favorite fruit. To read everything and become a watermelon expert, just keep scrolling. Otherwise, you can use the following links to navigate:
Jump to:
- Watermelon 101
- How to Pick a Watermelon
- Peeling Watermelon (The Easy Way)
- Best Way to Cut Watermelon
- How to Cut into Cubes
- How to Cut into Triangles (Wedges)
- How to Cut into Sticks
- How to Make Balls
- How to Cut Stars, Hearts, and More
- How to Make a Watermelon Basket (+ Other Carving Ideas)
- How to Store Watermelon
- Watermelon Recipes
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How to Cut a Watermelon
How to Pick a Watermelon
Watermelon is in season during summer. Peak season varies depending on where you live, but look for it in stores and at farmers markets from May through September. Try these simple tips for choosing the best watermelon the next time you go shopping:
- Don't rush the season. Can you find watermelon year round? Sometimes, but it's never going to taste the best. Save it for summer!
- Pick it up. A juicy melon should feel quite heavy for its size.
- Find the field spot. This is the spot where it rested on the ground in the field. A creamy, yellow spot (versus a pale, white one) is a sign that it was allowed to fully ripen before picking.
- Check the rind. The best melons will have a smooth, firm rind. Dry webbing and a few blemishes are okay, but you should avoid fruit with cracks, mushy spots, and bruises, as well as melons with irregular shapes and bumps.
- Look for a dried out stem. If the stem is attached, it should be dry, not green. This indicates that it was allowed to ripen on the vine and wasn't picked too early.
- Give it a thump. The surface should be firm, and a juicy watermelon should have a deep hollow sound. If it sounds dull, it may be mushy inside.
The most popular types of melon in the U.S. are seeded, seedless, and mini. If you shop at specialty stores or farmers market, you may be able to find melons with yellow or orange flesh, too. If you want to grow your own watermelon, grab some seeds. You can even buy special molds to shape them into hearts or squares!
Personally, I prefer to buy seedless melons. In my experience, they taste just as sweet as the seeded kind, and they're much easier to use in recipes.
Peeling Watermelon (The Easy Way)
There are different ways to peel a watermelon, including the crazy hacks that you might have seen on YouTube, Pinterest, and Tik Tok. However, this is the easiest and safest method:
- Wash the melon under running water, then blot dry.
- Cut a thin slice off both ends.
- Slice the watermelon in half crosswise, through the middle. If your melon is longer than your knife, carefully rotate the melon as you cut it. Tip: If you're melon is small, you can skip this step.
- Place one of the halves, cut side down, on the cutting board.
- Cut around the melon, slicing off the peel in strips.
- Repeat with the other half.
Best Way to Cut Watermelon
Now that you know how to peel a watermelon, let's talk about how to cut it. You'll find four easy methods below for cutting cubes, triangles / wedges, sticks, and balls. Plus, I'm sharing tips for cutting shapes (like stars) and making a basket.
Cutting Tools: Do you need a special cutter, slicer, or knife?
If you ever search Amazon for watermelon cutting tools, you'll find tons of unique gadgets, everything from special knives to drink taps! Truthfully though, a sharp knife (such as a chef's knife) is the most important tool.
If you're planning to make a basket or would like to make balls though, this cutting tool set would come in handy. Love gadgets? Two tools that get positive reviews are this round watermelon slicer and this windmill cutter, which I have to admit, looks very fun to use!
How to Cut into Cubes
Cubes are the most versatile shape! You can eat them in snacks or use them in recipes. To cut a watermelon into cubes, follow these steps:
- Cut the melon into slices.
- Stack slices, then make a series of cuts parallel to each other.
- Cut perpendicular to the first cuts you made to create the cubes.
How to Cut into Triangles (Wedges)
Watermelon triangles (wedges) are the classic party shape that's so much fun to eat! To slice watermelon, follow these steps:
- Starting with a whole melon, cut it in half crosswise. Then, cut the halves in half. You should have four quarters at this point.
- Place one of the quarters cut side down on your cutting board, then cut it into slices.
- Cut the slices into triangle-shaped wedges.
How to Cut into Sticks
Sticks are a fun alternative to wedges, and they're equally great for parties and snacking! Plus, they take minutes to cut. Here's how to do it:
- Cut watermelon into slices. Tip: You can leave the rind on if prefer.
- Keeping slices intact, turn the melon, then cut perpendicular to original cuts.
How to Make Balls
Watermelon balls are the perfect shape for all your summer fruit salads! They also make colorful, delicious ice cubes for drinks when frozen. Best of all, they're so easy to make:
- You will need a melon baller or a rounded teaspoon, like I'm using below.
- Press the melon baller down into the surface of the watermelon.
- Turn the baller, then scoop out the melon ball.
Don't worry if your balls aren't 100% round. One side will always be a little flat, but no one will notice.
How to Cut Stars, Hearts, and More
Want to cut your watermelon into shapes, like stars or hearts? It's very easy, and your kids will enjoy helping you out.
Simply cut a slice of melon, then press the cutter into it. You can find all sorts of fun shapes, like this set of eight cutters or these cute popsicles (check them out below). Another option is this fruit and vegetable cutter kit, which can even be used to make fruit bouquets!
When cutting shapes, the only thing you need to avoid is slicing the melon too thick ... if you do, the cutter won't go all the way through the slice. Experiment with one slice before committing to the whole fruit.
How to Make a Watermelon Basket (+ Other Carving Ideas)
Baskets look impressive, and they're perfect for holding fruit salad for parties. Plus, they're a great way to use the whole melon with no waste.
- For a Basket without a Handle: Cut the watermelon in half vertically, then scoop out the fruit (use a melon baller for balls). Remove a thin slice from the bottom to keep the basket from rolling around. Chop up the melon, and add it back into the basket for serving.
- For a Basket with a Handle: You need to leave part of the center intact for the handle. Check out this watermelon basket tutorial which has lots of helpful photos and tips.
How to Store Watermelon
How to store watermelon depends on whether it's whole or cut into shapes. You can even freeze it. Use these helpful tips for the best results:
- Whole Watermelon - A whole melon should keep for at least one week. I'd recommend refrigerating it. This will help it last longer, especially if you won't be using it within a day or two.
- Cut Watermelon - Once cut, watermelon will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container or zip top bag in your refrigerator.
- Freezing Watermelon - Cut the melon into chunks and remove the seeds, then place the pieces on a foil (or parchment) lined pan in a single layer and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the fruit to an airtight container or zip top bag and store in your freezer for up to one month. While the thawed fruit it won't be as crisp as fresh melon, you can use the chunks as ice cubes in drinks, blend it into smoothies, or use it to make juice.
Watermelon Recipes
Do you ever avoid buying watermelon, because you're not sure how to eat the whole thing? Same here. It's only my husband and I, so one melon is A LOT! Thankfully, there are tons of delicious ways to eat watermelon, besides just snacking on it:
- Appetizer - Make this tasty Watermelon Salsa, then serve with chips or on tacos.
- Drinks - Cool off on a hot day with a refreshing Watermelon Margarita, Watermelon Lemonade, Watermelon Mojito, Watermelon Juice, or Watermelon Punch!
- Meal Ideas - These Watermelon Gazpacho, Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint, and Watermelon Quinoa Salad recipes will help you explore the fruit's savory side.
- Dessert - Treat yourself to a yummy Watermelon Popsicle or bowl of Watermelon Sorbet!
- Rind - Don't throw out the rind! Try pickling it, chopping it up for stir fries, or even using it in homemade kimchi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I hope you enjoyed reading all about this delicious summer fruit! If you still have questions, leave a comment below and I'll get back to you, or check out these FAQs.
Watermelon can be considered a fruit and a vegetable, according to the Watermelon Board. Botanically, watermelon is a fruit, however it's from the cucurbitaceae plant family of gourds, and it's related to the cucumber, squash, and pumpkin. It's typically treated as fruit here in the U.S., however it can be used in savory ways, too.
The easiest way to cut a watermelon is by removing a thin slice from either end, then slicing it in half through the middle (horizontally). Once you've done that, you can remove the peel and cut it into all kinds of shapes. Find more tips above.
Use a knife with a long, sharp blade to cut watermelon, such as a chef's knife. I'd also recommend sharpening the knife just before cutting, which will make it easier to cut through the thick rind.
Yes, you can freeze watermelon. Cut it into chunks, then place it on a foil or parchment lined pan in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer the chunks to an airtight container or zip top bag, then keep frozen until you're ready to eat it.
Watermelon is in season in summer, typically from May through September. You can often find it year round, but winter melons are imported and won't be as sweet.
Once cut, watermelon will keep for three to five days when stored in an airtight container.
A whole watermelon should keep for at least one week. Although not 100% necessary, I'd recommend refrigerating it to be on the safe side, especially if it was kept cold at the store.
Besides snacking, you can use watermelon in salsa, salads, drinks, desserts, and even soups. You can also use the rind. Check out the recipe section above for ideas and tips.
There are a few ways to sweeten watermelon if you buy one that's underripe. First, try sprinkling it with salt, which will enhance the flavor and bring out the sweetness. You could also make a fruit salad and mix it with a sweet dressing, like this honey-citrus dressing. Finally, try turning it into juice or sorbet, and add extra sugar to taste.
How to Cut a Watermelon
Ingredients
- 1 watermelon
- cutting board and sharp knife
Instructions
- Cut ends off watermelon, then cut in half through middle (crosswise).
- Working with one piece of melon, place cut side down on cutting board. Slice around edges of melon, removing peel.
- Cut melon into slices, then cut slices into a grid, creating cubes. Repeat with other melon half.
- Serve melon or immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
