How To Cut A Watermelon (Wedges, Sticks, or Cubes!)

With summer in full swing, there’s one fruit that always stands tall above the rest! You guessed it, watermelons are sweet, juicy, and unbelievably refreshing. Learn how to cut a watermelon into wedges, cubes, and even sticks that are perfect for summer cookouts, beach days, or backyard picnics.

 

Watermelons are the quintessential summer fruit if there ever was one! They’re thirst-quenching, perfectly crunchy, and sweet. What more could you ever need or want?

This fruit comes from the Cucurbitaceae family and is characterized by its vibrant pink flesh and dark and light green rind. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and lycopene, a nutrient known for reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Sounds pretty great, right?!

Knowing how to cut a watermelon isn’t just about aesthetics either. It will help keep the waste to a minimum and reduce the risk of knife mishaps.

Selecting a Watermelon

Before you get into the cutting process, you’ll first need to start by picking the perfect watermelon. Look for these qualities for an almost guaranteed delicious fruit:

• Shape: It should be uniformly round, indicating a well-ripened melon.
• Color: Check the melon for a creamy yellow field spot. In addition, the skin should appear dull. Shiny skin may indicate an underripe watermelon.
• Weight: The watermelon should feel heavy for its size.
• Sound: Give that melon a tap, and listen for a hollow sound to indicate ripeness.

How to Cut a Watermelon

Before starting, make sure your watermelon is clean. Rinse it under running water and pat it dry to eliminate any dirt or potential bacteria on the skin.

Wedges

1. Halve: Place the watermelon on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the watermelon in half crosswise.
2. Quarter it: Rotate one watermelon half to its flat end and cut it down the middle. Rotate and cut it again down the middle to create four quarters.
3. Make slices: Set two quarters aside, and lay the other two down. Slice them into 1 or 1 ½-inch slices (or your preferred thickness). Repeat with the remaining quarters.

Sticks

1. Halve it: Slice the watermelon crosswise into two halves. Set one half aside while you work with the other.
2. Create a Grid: With the cut side facing down, slice 1-inch wide pieces all the way across the watermelon half. Rotate it 90 degrees and repeat the slices in the other direction. This is my favorite hack for easily cutting watermelon!

Cubes

1. Remove the Rind: First, trim both ends of the watermelon and cut it in half crosswise. Stand one half upright and carefully slice off the rind in strips from top to bottom. Follow the curve of the fruit to minimize wastage. You can come back to remove any white sections in more detail since they can taste bitter.
2. Cut slices: Once you’ve removed the rind, keep the cut side facing down and make 1-inch slices across the watermelon.
3. Cube it: Lay a few slices down on top of one another and cut them into 1 or 2-inch strips. Rotate the strips 90 degrees and make crosswise cuts to form 1 or 2-inch cubes. Adjust the cube size according to your liking or recipe.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife makes cutting much easier and reduces the chance of accidents, especially with watermelons. Here’s our guide to the best types of knives!
• Cutting board: Ensure your cutting board is stable. A damp cloth or paper towel underneath can help prevent slipping.
• Flat surface: Cut on a flat surface to avoid any mishaps. And remember to always cut away from your body.
• Go slow: Don’t rush the process! Take your time to achieve the perfect cuts of melon.

Storing Cut Watermelon

Let’s face it, watermelons can be clunky and hard to store. But, don’t worry! If you need to store the rest of your watermelon, just follow these simple tips:

• Fridge: Cut pieces can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For a longer storage option, freeze the pieces on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen watermelon cubes make a great smoothie addition or a base for slushies (or Watermelon Daiquiris).

Watermelon Recipes

Now that you’re a pro when it comes to knowing how to cut watermelon, you can try it in some fresh, juicy recipes like these:

• Watermelon Gazpacho
• Watermelon Pizza 
• Watermelon Sorbet
• Grilled Watermelon Salad
• Watermelon Steak
• Watermelon Granitas

FAQs About Cutting Watermelon