It seems like everywhere is having a heat wave this week, so I thought I’d share a simple guide to how to cut a watermelon…aka summer’s most refreshing fruit. Pre-cut watermelon is readily available in many grocery stores these days, but whenever you can, buy one whole, and chop it up yourself. For starters, it’ll be fresher, and it’ll have a better texture, as watermelon starts to soften and release juice once it’s chopped. Plus, you can cut it to whatever size and shape you like. Wedges? Cubes? Balls? You got it. You’ll find my method for how to cut a watermelon into each of these shapes below. Whichever one you pick, I hope it helps keep you cool on these hot summer days.
How to a Cut a Watermelon into Wedges
First up: wedges! I use this method for how to cut a watermelon when I plan to eat it as a snack or serve it as a picnic side dish. Leaving the rind on the watermelon wedges makes them a perfect finger food. I love that I can just grab one and enjoy – no utensils required. (P.S. They’re great for grilling, too!) Here’s the easiest way to cut a watermelon into wedges: First, trim off one of the ends. Lay the watermelon long-side-down on a cutting board, and use a sharp chef’s knife to slice 1/4-inch off one of the ends. Now, your watermelon will have one short, flat surface. Next, slice the watermelon in half. Stand the watermelon on its flat side and slice down through its center, splitting it in half lengthwise. Set one of the watermelon halves aside.
Place the other watermelon half on the cutting board cut side-down. Slice it in half lengthwise…
…and then slice each half crosswise into 1-inch wedges. Repeat with the remaining watermelon.
For the best texture and flavor, I recommend slicing the watermelon wedges right before you eat them, as they lose more juice the longer they sit. If you do work ahead, or if you happen to have some wedges leftover, store them in the fridge in an airtight container or on a platter covered with plastic wrap or foil. Enjoy within 2-3 days.
How to Cut a Watermelon into Cubes
Next up: cubes! I use this method for how to cut a watermelon whenever I’m adding it to a salad, like a simple fruit salad, this watermelon salad with feta and mint, or this vegan poke bowl. I also cut watermelon into cubes whenever I’m going to puree it, like I do in this margarita recipe and this gazpacho. Here’s how to cut a watermelon into cubes: First, slice off the ends. Lay the watermelon long-side-down on a cutting board, and use a sharp knife to slice 1/4-inch off both of the ends. Now, your watermelon will have two short, flat surfaces.
Next, remove the rind. Stand the watermelon on one of its cut sides. Looking at it, you should see a red circle bordered by white/green rind. Place your knife anywhere on the border between the red and white. Slice downward to remove a wide strip of watermelon rind. Repeat this process, working your way around the perimeter of the watermelon, until no rind remains.
Then, cube the watermelon. Lay the watermelon flesh long-side-down on the cutting board, and cut it crosswise into 1-inch planks. Cut each plank in a grid pattern to form even cubes.
That’s it! Enjoy the cubed watermelon right away, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Cut a Watermelon into Balls
Finally: balls! To be honest, I don’t use this method for how to cut a watermelon very often, but my mom always uses it to prepare watermelon for a summer fruit salad. I can’t blame her – it has such a fun look, and it’s secretly super easy. Here’s how it goes: First, trim off one of the ends. Lay the watermelon long-side-down on a cutting board, and use a sharp chef’s knife to slice 1/4-inch off one of the ends. Now, your watermelon will have one short, flat surface. Next, slice the watermelon in half. Stand the watermelon on its flat side and slice down through its center, splitting it in half lengthwise. Finally, make the balls. For this step, you’ll need a melon baller or a small cookie scoop. Press the scoop into the cut watermelon flesh, and carefully rotate it to form a ball. Repeat as desired with the remaining watermelon. (At a certain point, it’ll be hard to scoop perfect balls. Then, I usually dice up the rest for snacking or dig in with a spoon. 🙂 )
More Fruit and Veggie Guides
If you loved learning how to cut a watermelon, check out one of these step-by-step produce guides next:
How to Cut a Pomegranate How to Cut a Mango What are Leeks? (And How to Cook Them) How to Julienne Carrots What is Fennel? (And How to Cook It) How to Cook Artichokes How to Make Zucchini Noodles
