How To Cut a Watermelon

Not sure where to start when cutting a whole watermelon? Here’s how you can quickly and easily cut a whole watermelon into wedges, cubes, and sticks for easy eating!

Watermelon 101

Cutting a watermelon can seem intimidating at first! At first glance, watermelons are quite large and trying to figure out how to start may seem tricky but I’ve nailed down a simple and quick way to cut a watermelon into cubes, sticks, and wedges in minutes.

Is Watermelon Healthy?

Did you know that watermelon is great for keeping hydrated as they’re 92% water? However, just because they’re water based, doesn’t mean watermelons aren’t packed with nutritions! Here’s what’s in a watermelon:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B6 
• Vitamin C
• Lycopene
• Antioxidants 
• Amino acids
• Potassium

Types of Watermelon

Seeded Watermelon

These round or oval watermelons are usually between 15 and 45 pounds with black seeds inside them. 

Seedless Watermelon

The same shape as the seeded watermelon, seedless watermelon are bred to have small white edible seeds inside and are around 15 pounds.

Miniature Watermelon

Miniature watermelons such as the Sugar Baby or Tiger Baby are small round watermelons that are around 6 to 10 pounds. 

How To Pick A Ripe Watermelon

• The heavier the better! After picking up a couple watermelons, you’ll get a feel of which watermelon is heavy for its size. You want a heavier one.
• Look for a yellow spot. As watermelons grow and ripen, they develop a yellow area, called a field spot. 
• Avoid any watermelon that doesn't feel firm or have insert holes in it.
• Knock on it! If it sounds hollow, skip it.

How To Cut A Watermelon

Watermelon Triangle Wedges

• Cut the watermelon in half, widthwise.

• Cut the watermelon in half again lengthwise.

• Now cut each of those halves into wedges, as thick or as thin as you’d like

Watermelon Sticks

• Cut the watermelon in half, widthwise.

• Place the half cut-side down and cut a grid (horizontally and vertically).

Watermelon Cubes

• Cut the watermelon in half, widthwise.
• Place the half cut-side down and cut a grid (horizontally and vertically).
• Take out the watermelon sticks and cut them into cubes.

How to Store Cut Watermelon

If you don’t eat the watermelon immediately, store any cut watermelon into airtight containers in the fridge. If you have half a watermelon or a quarter of a watermelon, wrap the cut side with plastic wrap and place the watermelon into the fridge.

How to Store a Whole Watermelon

If your watermelon was sold at room temperature, store it at room temperature and use within a week. If your watermelon was sold cool, store it in the fridge when bringing it home.

Can You Freeze Watermelon?

Yes! Freeze your watermelon cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer before transferring them into a freezer friendly airtight plastic bag like a ziploc or container. Store in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. Once frozen, it’s best to use them frozen as it doesn’t defrost well due to a change in its texture.

When is Watermelon in Season?

Watermelon is usually in season from May to September and tends to be cheapest during the summer months!

How Many Cups of Watermelon are in a Pound?

One pound of watermelon is equal to around 1.5 cups of cubed watermelon!

Ways to Use Watermelon

One watermelon tends to yield quite a lot! Here are some ways to use up watermelon other than just by eating it plain:

• Watermelon salsa
• Watermelon slushie
• Watermelon smoothie
• Watermelon salad
• Fruit trays
• Watermelon sorbet

What’s The Best Knife to Cut a Watermelon With

A large chef’s knife or a serrated knife (the one you use for bread!) is great for cutting watermelon.