How to Cut a Watermelon (in different ways!)

Knowing how to cut a watermelon is a must in the kitchen! Did you know there are multiple ways you can do it? Follow along step by step to learn how to prepare your watermelon 3 different ways!

Everyone loves watermelon and it makes for the perfect summertime snack! The only downside to this fruit is that it is annoying to cut if you don’t know how to properly prepare it. This step by step tutorial will make you a pro at cutting watermelon and with practice, you will be able to do it quicker than ever! I like to cut my watermelon in different shapes depending on who it’s for. Follow along and I will teach you my 3 favorite ways!

Looking to improve on some more of your kitchen skills? Try these:

• How to Mince Garlic
• How to Zest a Lemon (or any citrus)
• The Right Way to Cut an Onion
• How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
• How to Cut an Avocado

Steps to Cut a Watermelon 3 Ways

#1 Wedges

• This option is great for kids and adults who don’t want to get their hands dirty while eating. It leaves a crust on the outside to hold onto as you eat and leaves you with no mess! 
  1. First, hold your watermelon vertically and cut all the way down the middle starting from to top.
  2. Next, cut the halves into quarters.
  3. Finally, take the quarters and slice the sides into wedges. You can make them as thick or thin as you want!

#2 Cubes

• Cubes are perfect for making the most out of your watermelon because unlike wedges, you can eat the whole thing at once. This is my personal favorite and it is super simple!
  1. To make perfect cubes, the trick is to cut slits horizontally into quartered wedges. So the first steps would be to cut the watermelon in half and then into quarters like we just did in steps 1 & 2 for the wedges.
  2. Next, cut 2 slits (not all the way through) horizontally on both sides of the quarters.
  3. Make vertical cuts on top with 1 inch between.
  4. Lastly, take your knife and round it under the pieces to take out all the newly make cubes!

#3 Balls

• This is my favorite way to cut a watermelon when I am bringing it to a party or get together because it comes out looking fancy. You do need to own a melon baller, cookie scoop, or a small ice cream scooper for this option.
  1. This one is easy! Cut the watermelon in half.
  2. Take your melon baller (or any other tool) and start scooping it out into little balls.
  3. Place them in a bowl and enjoy!

How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon

Before you can test your skills in cutting a watermelon you need to pick out the perfect one at the store. Keep in mind these signs next time you shop for one!

What you want:

• Give it a knock and make sure it sounds hollow and deep
• It is heavy for its size
• Feels hard on the outside
• Has a yellowish spot on it from where it sat
• It is oval shaped
• You are buying it within watermelon season (May-September)

What you DON’T want:

• A light watermelon (the best watermelon’s hold the most water and are heavy!)
• White or large green spot
• Surface to be mushy
• Make a dull thud when you knock
• Odd bumps on the watermelon

How to Store Watermelon

If you are planning on saving your watermelon to eat another day it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days before it will no longer be good to cut. Once you cut your watermelon it can be stored in an air tight container for about 3 days. Watermelon in general doesn’t last long so I recommend planning ahead of time to make sure you get the best part of it to eat!

Are you looking for yummy recipes to pair with your watermelon? Check out my cookbook!