Watermelon Cutting Hacks: How to Pick, Prep & Serve Watermelon This Summer

Enjoy Juicy, Sweet Watermelon All Summer Long With These Clever Hacks

When the weather heats up, few things are more refreshing than a cold, sweet slice of watermelon. Not only is watermelon delicious, it's also good for you. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and electrolytes, watermelon is the perfect way to stay hydrated and satisfy your sweet tooth during the hot summer months.

But while we all love eating watermelon, prepping and cutting a fresh watermelon can be a messy, tricky affair. With its tough rind and juicy red flesh, it's easy to make a mess and lose out on those tasty flesh cubes we crave. Fortunately, there are some clever hacks and tips that make cutting, prepping and serving watermelon a total breeze.

Picking the Perfect Watermelon

The first step to watermelon success starts at the store. You want to make sure you pick a ripe, sweet melon every time. Here are some tips for selecting the best watermelon:

• Look for a firm, symmetrical watermelon that feels heavy for its size.
• Avoid melons with bruises, dents or soft spots.
• Turn it over - the underside should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
• Give it a tap - a hollow sound means an underripe melon, while a deep thud signals its ripe and juicy.

The Best Way to Cut Watermelon

Once you've got the perfect melon, it's time to cut it open. But what's the best way to cut a watermelon? Here are three popular methods:

1. Quarter Cuts

Cutting a watermelon into quarters is quick and easy. Simply slice off both ends to create flat surfaces. Stand the melon upright and slice down the center, then across the middle to make four even wedges.

2. Cubes

For party snacks or fruit salads, cubing a watermelon is handy. Again, slice off the ends and stand it tall. Make parallel slices down the melon, then turn it sideways and make perpendicular slices across the width. Finally, cut across the slices to make cubes.

3. Balls

Using a melon baller is the best way to make watermelon into bite-size spheres. Press the baller into the flesh, rotate and lift to remove the balls. It takes some time, but the result is impressive and fun for kids.

Dealing with the Rind

One tricky part about prepping watermelon is dealing with the thick rind. Here are some ideas for putting that rind to use:

• Pickle it for a tangy snack.
• Blend it into a hydrating juice or smoothie.
• Cand it by boiling slices in a sugar syrup solution.
• Cook it down and stir into jam.

Keep Cut Watermelon Fresh

Once your watermelon is cut, you want to store it properly so it stays fresh and tasty. Here are some storage tips:

• Keep slices, cubes and balls chilled in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Wrap cut sides with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• If eating within a day, store on the counter in a watermelon keeper container.
• Freeze slices or puree for later - it retains texture and flavor well.

Fun Ways to Serve Watermelon

Of course, the classic way to eat watermelon is by itself - straight from the rind if you dare! But there are lots of fun and creative ways to serve watermelon too:

• Watermelon "poke" bowls with fruit and yogurt.
• Skewers with feta and basil.
• Fruit salsa with onions, lime and mint.
• Summer rolls with rice paper, veggies and shrimp.
• Infused water with watermelon, cucumber and lemon.
• Salad with arugula, pistachios and balsamic.

Cut, Store and Serve Watermelon Like a Pro

With its sweet, refreshing taste and stellar nutritional profile, watermelon is truly the perfect summer treat. These handy hacks will have you prepping watermelon like a seasoned pro for maximum enjoyment all season long. Get ready for juicy, flavorful watermelon - grab the knife and give these tips a try!

FAQs

How can you tell if a watermelon is ripe?

Look for a firm, symmetrical watermelon that feels heavy for its size. Avoid melons with bruises, dents or soft spots. A ripe melon will have a creamy yellow spot on the bottom from sitting in the sun, and sound hollow when tapped.

What's the best way to cut a watermelon?

Cutting a watermelon into quarters or cubes works well. You can also use a melon baller to make small bite-sized balls. Just slice off the ends, stand it upright, and make vertical and horizontal slices to get even pieces.

Can you eat a watermelon rind?

Yes, watermelon rinds are edible and nutritious. You can pickle them, blend them into juice/smoothies, candy them by boiling in sugar syrup, or cook them down to make jam.

How do you keep cut watermelon fresh?

Store cut watermelon chilled in an airtight container, and wrap cut sides with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Keeping it on the counter in a sealed watermelon keeper also works for a day. You can also freeze slices or puree.

What are some fun ways to serve watermelon?

Get creative with watermelon poke bowls, fruit salsas, skewers, summer rolls, infused water, and more! You can also add it to salads, smoothies, juices, and jam. Watermelon goes with both sweet and savory ingredients.