Easy Ways to Cut a Watermelon

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It is summer, and the watermelon is fresh; here are my easy ways to cut a watermelon, no matter if you want to cut the watermelon into cubes, triangles, or even strips.

Watermelon is probably one of my favorite summer treats. If you find cutting a watermelon intimidating, you're not alone. I mean, they do sell already cut-up watermelon at the store for a reason. Don't be intimidated, though; I'm giving you my favorite ways to know how to pick a good watermelon and my easy ways to cut a watermelon. You'll be a watermelon pro before you know it.

How do you know if a watermelon is bad or ripe?

Knowing how to know if melons are ripe can be a little bit of a guessing game, but there are some clues melons give us to help us provide a little bit more of an educated guess.

• Look for a matte rind. If the rind is shiny, the watermelon tends to be overgrown.
• Select a watermelon that does not have any noticeable bumps or holes in the watermelon. This can mean that the watermelon had watering issues or issues with bugs.
• A heavy watermelon is a juicy watermelon. Pick a watermelon that feels heavier than it should for its size.
• A ripe watermelon should have what is called a field spot. This is the spot on the watermelon that is usually light, almost white or darker yellow. You want to look for a darker yellow color, which helps indicate a longer ripening time in the field.
• You should also look for veining or webbing on the rind. This is a sign of pollination and can indicate a sweeter watermelon.
• A ripe watermelon should sound hollow when you tap on the rind.
• Once you cut into the watermelon, you should ensure the flesh does not have dark spots or is slimy. You also want to make sure that the watermelon is not putting off any sour smell, indicating that the watermelon is bad.

Does the shape of the watermelon matter?

It really doesn't matter if your watermelon is more oval or round. What does matter is that the watermelon is uniform in shape. If a watermelon has irregular bumps or shapes, it means it did not get consistent water or sun while growing and is likely not the best watermelon to eat.

What is the best way to cut a watermelon?

It doesn't matter if you want to cut a watermelon for a party or you want to cut a watermelon for a fruit salad or to enjoy it by itself. Cutting watermelon is not as intimidating as it seems. Here are my easy ways to cut a watermelon.

How to cut a watermelon into triangles.

1. Rinse and dry the watermelon.
2. Turn the watermelon and cut it in half lengthwise.
3. Separate the halves.
4. Place one of the halves, cut side down.
5. Cut the half into thirds or quarters to make wedges.
6. Once you have the size wedges you want, rotate the watermelon and slice the wedges into about one-inch slices crosswise.
7. Pull the watermelon sliced into triangles apart and enjoy.

How to cut a watermelon into sticks.

If you just want a quick and easy way to cut a watermelon for a party that your guest can grab and go, cutting a watermelon into sticks with the rind still attached is the way to go. If you want sticks without the rind, see below for cutting watermelon into cubes and see how to get strips of watermelon without the rind.

1. Rinse and dry the watermelon.
2. Cut the watermelon in half crosswise.
3. Place the cut side of the watermelon on your cutting board.
4. Slice the watermelon into strips about one inch wide.
5. Rotate the melon ninety degrees and repeat step four, cutting the watermelon again into one-inch slices.
6. Pull up on a piece and enjoy your watermelon sticks.

How to cut a watermelon into cubes.

1. Rinse and dry the watermelon.
2. Trim the ends of the watermelon.
3. Cut the melon in half, crosswise. You want two more circular halves instead of oblong.
4. Lay the half of the watermelon flesh side down on a cutting board with the outer edge facing up.
5. Carefully remove the rind from the watermelon.
6. Once the rind is removed, cut the flesh into slices.
7. Cut the slices of watermelon into strips.
8. Now that you have watermelon strips you can cut them into cubes.

I like to cut cubes into about one-inch pieces but you can cut your watermelon into whatever size cubes you prefer.

How do you make watermelon last?

What to do with a watermelon that has a gritty or soft flesh?

A gritty or soft flesh inside a watermelon can indicate that it is overripe. While this doesn't make the best watermelon for eating, it's not going to make you sick if you do. If you don't want to eat it fresh this way, don't throw it out. I like to cut it up and freeze it to make some of my kids' favorite berry melon popsicles and even a pitcher of watermelon margaritas for the older crowd. I even like to add some blended pieces into a fresh batch of my homemade lemonade for an added twist on a summer classic.

How do you freeze watermelon?

1. Cut the watermelon into equal-sized pieces with the rind removed.
2. Place the cut watermelon in a single layer onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Freeze the watermelon for several hours, until it's sold.
4. Transfer the frozen watermelon to a freezer-safe bag to store for longer.
5. Use the frozen watermelon how you like without having to defrost it.

More gluten-free bbq recipes to enjoy this summer with your watermelon.

Gluten-free Pulled Pork

Gluten-free Coleslaw

Gluten-free Slow-cooked Baked Beans

Gluten-free Potato Salad

The best Hamburger Patties

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don't forget to tag a photo #grainfreetable or @grainfreetable on Instagram. I'd love to see what you come up with!