There are dozens of ways to cut watermelons. Next, we will consider the most popular and simple methods.
Traditional way
Most often, watermelons are cut as follows:
- cut off both “butts” of the berry;
- place the watermelon on a plate vertically;
- cut it into not too wide slices.
In this case, a very sweet, seedless center remains in the center of the watermelon. It is most often given to children. This cutting method is considered traditional and is characterized by maximum simplicity. However, eating such watermelon slices, unfortunately, is not very convenient. In this case, during eating, watermelon juice often begins to flow down the chin and hands. In any case, for serving, for example, a holiday table, this cutting method is, of course, completely unsuitable.
Cut the watermelon beautifully into cubes
To make eating the pulp of this sweet berry convenient, you should try cutting it into cubes. This method is considered the simplest and fastest. In this case, the watermelon is cut like this:
- the peel is removed from the pulp (like potatoes);
- The watermelon is cut into two parts.
Next, one of the halves needs to be placed on a plate and first cut into strips lengthwise. Then each strip should also be cut lengthwise into two or three parts. Next, the pulp is simply divided into cubes. The same should be done with the other half of the watermelon. The resulting cubes need to be placed on a plate. You can eat them with either a fork or a spoon.
Watermelon slices on a crust
Now let's see how to properly cut a watermelon using this method. This is a less simple, but at the same time more beautiful way of slicing. To serve watermelon on the crust:
- cut it into four equal parts;
- cut each quarter into two more pieces;
- Carefully separate the rinds from the pulp, being careful not to break them;
- cut the pulp into strips of equal width (along each piece).
Now place the cut pieces back into the peels, arrange them in a checkerboard pattern and serve the watermelon.
How to cut a watermelon correctly: triangles
This is also a very easy way to cut. In this case, the watermelon is first cut crosswise and then simply cut into traditional slices. The result is delicious triangles. With this method, you need to try to cut the watermelon into the thinnest possible slices of absolutely the same thickness. In this case, the triangles will look very beautiful on the table.
Watermelon ice cream
This method is very suitable for a large company. To make “ice cream” from a watermelon, you must first cut it into two halves. Next, each half:
- peel;
- lay on the board with the flat side down;
- cut into several strips lengthwise and crosswise.
The result will be long watermelon columns. To make “ice cream” out of them, cover the half of the watermelon cut in this way with a large cup (you should try to choose a container with a diameter equal to the diameter of the half) and turn it over. This way the columns will be inside the plate. Now you just need to stick a thin stick into each of them.
Watermelon without peel in balls
You can cut watermelon in this beautiful way using a special spoon. The berry itself should first be divided into two parts. Instead of a nauset, you can also use ordinary baking molds. With their help, it will be easy to cut a watermelon into stars, hearts, etc.
What to do if you don't have a knife?
Sometimes it happens that you have a watermelon at hand, but you don’t have a knife. Of course, such a situation cannot be considered too common. But you never know what happens in life. So, how to cut a watermelon without a knife? In this case, you can simply use, for example, a clean clove. With these simple “tools,” you simply cut the rind down the center of the diameter of the watermelon. Next, hit the berry hard with your palm. As a result, it will split into two equal parts. You can eat a watermelon “cut” in this way with a spoon.
Oud invite your guests: the original way
So, we found out how to properly cut a watermelon. Finally, let's look at another - very original - cutting technique. In order to surprise guests, in this case you will need not one, but two watermelons.
One of the berries should be cut into two halves. Next, you need to remove the pulp from each half. It can be cut into cubes and set aside.
You need to carefully cut off the rind from the second watermelon. At the end of this procedure, the pulp should be rubbed with the hard side of a new dishwashing sponge. This is necessary in order to remove knife marks. Next, the pulp is simply placed in one of the peels from the first watermelon and covered with the second.
Ripe, juicy watermelon is always perfect as a dessert. And if it is beautifully, neatly cut and decorated, it also becomes a decoration for any table. Some craftsmen create amazing figures from this berry. But you can cut a watermelon beautifully at home, without special skills or special kitchen appliances. Master class on cutting and several options for serving watermelon.
Take:
- sharp long knife – 1 piece;
- watermelon – 1 piece;
- mint sprigs, fresh berries, coconut flakes (optional, for additional decoration).
Place the watermelon on its side so that it is convenient for you to cut it. Take a knife and cut off the “lids” evenly on both sides.
Then cut it in half lengthwise. Do the same with the resulting halves. 
Separate the pulp from the crusts of each resulting quarter. To do this, carefully run a knife in the place where the flesh begins to lighten, along the entire crust. 
Turn the watermelon pieces with the long side facing you and cut the flesh crosswise into slices. Choose the size of the slices according to your desire. 
Place the slices on the watermelon rind in a checkerboard pattern so that each one moves slightly to the side. 
Then follow your imagination. Decorate with fresh berries, fruits, or sprinkle with coconut flakes. Mint sprigs work very well as a garnish for serving. 
If you have a special round recess for vegetables and fruits, then you can organize serving in portions, in vases or glasses. 
To do this, cut the watermelon crosswise and carefully remove the pulp in the form of balls from each half. 
An empty watermelon half is perfect for serving as long as it is not damaged. Cut the edges in the form of beautiful teeth or come up with a pattern yourself. 
Even watermelon drinks look original. Great idea for a party. 
Watermelon is a berry whose pulp contains useful substances such as glucose, sucrose and a little fructose. Watermelon is grown in ninety-eight countries around the world. Usually it is eaten only fresh and in the hot season, as this berry quenches thirst well.
Serving watermelon
Many of us have wondered how to properly cut a watermelon? We will try to briefly highlight the answer to this question in this article. There are many ways to serve and cut watermelon, it all depends on the event at which this berry will be used.
How watermelon is cut in different countries
How to cut a watermelon correctly? Let's find out how they do it in Moldova. Before eating this berry, be sure to wash it. In the future, everything is simple: cut the watermelon in half into two equal halves. Next, take one half of our berry and divide it into slices. The watermelon is cut, and you can start the meal. And this is where the problem arises. The fact is that the slices turn out to be too large, and when you bite into it, your whole face gets dirty with juice, which you will have to wipe off with napkins or simply rinse with water.
People in Ukraine know well how to cut a watermelon correctly. This method is even easier than the first. We cut off the round layers of the watermelon and then cut these circles into sectors. One circle is usually cut into four sectors. Each sector fits easily into the oral cavity.
How to properly cut a watermelon “Caucasian style”? It is divided into four quarters. Take each quarter of the watermelon separately. Using a knife, separate the pulp from the rind and cut it into even slices directly into the watermelon rind. This cutting method is also convenient because if you take this watermelon with you outdoors, you don’t need any additional utensils to decorate it. The pulp will hold perfectly in its own peel.
How to serve watermelon? Let us suggest one of the methods used by bartenders of leading restaurants in our country. This method is used at parties and wedding events. In this case, we need a very sharp knife. Cut off the tops of the watermelon - the so-called lids. Next, place the fruit vertically and peel it off. We divide the peeled berries into two equal parts and cut each half into equal slices.
Chef's secret
Absolutely every person, not only in our country, but throughout the world, would probably like to know how to beautifully cut a watermelon. Many people know how to do this with a regular sharp knife. Chefs use the Carving master class set (a set of knives for cutting figures from vegetables and fruits). With this kit you can make anything - from swans to castles. There are many ways to serve watermelon. Let's look at the most common ones.
How to cut a watermelon beautifully? Photos and short descriptions will help you cope with this without difficulty.
The first method is "Basket"
For this option you will need an ice cream scoop and a sharp knife. Cut the watermelon from the center into two equal halves. Using an ice cream scoop, we make beautiful, even balls from the pulp of our berries. You will need all the watermelon pulp. From the remaining crust we make something like a basket. After you and I have cut a basket out of the peel, you fill it with the previously cut balls. Everything is easy and quite simple. In addition to balls, such baskets can be filled with triangles or cubes of pulp - as you like.
You can also make a hedgehog out of a watermelon, the technology is the same as for the basket, only you turn the rind over and cut the pulp into cubes. They need to be pinned onto toothpicks or skewers, and the result will be a prickly but harmless hedgehog. Not only watermelon pulp, but also other berries and fruits can be pricked onto the thorns.
The second method is “Watermelon ice cream”
The recipe is very simple. The watermelon is peeled from the dense green rind and cut into uniform triangles. Next, our slices are pierced with popsicle sticks and served, usually to children. Most often, the “watermelon ice cream” is topped with melted chocolate and sprinkled with nuts, then placed in the freezer for fifteen to twenty minutes.
The third method is "Hot Red Guard"
The secret of the name lies not only in the interesting method of preparation, but also in the color of the berry itself. Watermelon has a green rind combined with red flesh, which is similar in color to a soldier's uniform. And the “hot Red Guard” is prepared as follows. The watermelon is cut into equal slices, preferably in a triangular shape, sprinkled with spices and coated with honey. The slices are then grilled for a few minutes, after which the slices are removed from the heat and placed in the refrigerator until completely cooled.
Watermelon using Carving master class technique
This method should be given special attention, since carving fruits and vegetables is an ancient tradition, but it came to us quite recently and has taken a fairly strong position. But in fact, those masterpieces that are obtained in the hands of a master deserve deep respect. Sculptures carved from watermelon and other fruits can decorate any celebration. They invariably attract people's attention, and their silhouettes remain in the memory for a long time, making the celebration truly unforgettable. You can endlessly carve sculptures from watermelon. Its rind is easy to cut, and the craftsman can create intricate patterns without any extra effort. The fruit combines colors such as red, white and green, which ultimately adds contrast to the sculpture. This activity will appeal not only to you, but also to your children, as it brings people closer together and perfectly develops their imagination.
Watermelon is a summer sweet treat that is loved by both adults and children. The main thing is that the watermelon is ripe and sweet. Let's talk about how to choose it and cut it correctly.
Time to buy watermelons
When determining when to buy watermelons, you should take into account where they came from. Typically this sweet product is delivered:
- Winter and spring– from Southeast Asia
- Spring and early summer– from Israel, Greece and Turkey
- July August– from China and Central Asia
- Late August – early September– watermelons from the Astrakhan and Volgograd regions, Krasnodar region
The most delicious watermelons in winter are those brought from Thailand. It is considered safe to buy ripe watermelon from Israel and Turkey; they do not use any means for the growth and ripening of these fruits. The Astrakhan watermelons, beloved by many, appear on sale later than everyone else. Watermelons ripened in the Astrakhan steppes will only be available for sale in late August - early September. In the Astrakhan region, trial harvesting of watermelons occurs in early August, selective harvesting of these fruits occurs in the middle of the month, and sales begins around August 25th. Yes, exactly in early September the buyer has every chance to buy a real delicacy from the Astrakhan region.
If at an earlier date you are assured that there are real ripe Astrakhan watermelons on the counter, then they are either deceiving you about the place where the watermelon was grown, or, what is much worse, the watermelon is stuffed with drugs to accelerate ripening. This product is harmful to health.
Rules for choosing watermelons
How to choose a watermelon? Of course, it must be safe for health and have excellent taste.
Watermelon selling place– a supermarket or a specially designated place for sale (market, market place). It is strictly forbidden to buy watermelons along the roads; poisoning by toxic substances is possible. The product must have a certificate indicating the place where the watermelon was grown.
Watermelon weight. It is believed that the best weight for a watermelon is five to seven kilograms. This is evidence that nitrate fertilizers were not used when growing watermelon. However, the weight of a watermelon is determined by its variety and place of growth. The best Astrakhan watermelons, which are sold at the appropriate time for their ripening, are watermelons weighing 7-11 kg.
Appearance of a watermelon. How to choose the right ripe and sweet watermelon? Make sure the watermelon is not damaged. Numerous harmful microorganisms can enter through a damaged crust. Under no circumstances should you buy watermelon in pieces! Sliced watermelon spoils very quickly, especially if stored outside the refrigerator. Watermelon should have a glossy surface. To select Astrakhan watermelons, the contrast of light and dark stripes is important.
The watermelon has a dry and yellow tail. This is a sign of its ripeness. A green tail indicates the immaturity of this berry. You should not buy a watermelon where the tail has been cut off; this may be an indication that the quality of the watermelon is being hidden from the buyer.
Presence of a yellow or orange spot on the side of the watermelon, in the place where the watermelon came into contact with the ground, also indicates that the watermelon is ripe. An immature one will have a white spot.
Watermelon shape. According to it, watermelons are divided into so-called “boys” - they are elongated, and “girls” - these are flattened and round. Experts believe that “girl” watermelons are sweeter.
Sound when tapping and pressing on a watermelon. This sound should be clear and clear. And if you press on a juicy and ripe (not overripe) watermelon, you can hear a crunch.
How to quickly cut a watermelon
Types of cutting watermelon:
Slicing
- Cut across. Simply cut the watermelon crosswise and eat the flesh with a spoon.
- The usual (classic) method. Cut the watermelon lengthwise. After cutting off the tops, cut it into 1-2 cm slices.
- Cake method. The tops of the watermelon are cut off and it is cut in half. The halves are cut like pieces of cake.
- For serving to guests. As usual, the tops are cut off and the watermelon is cut into 4 pieces lengthwise. Using a long flexible knife, the pulp is separated from the crust; it is not removed from the slices, but is cut and served on the crust as if on a plate.
- For the salad. In this case, the watermelon is cut into cubes. The watermelon is cut in half, the rind is removed from half of the watermelon, and it is placed with the flesh side down. Holding the knife parallel, cut circles, they are then cut into sticks, which are turned into cubes by cutting crosswise.
Types of cutting and decorating watermelon for the festive table
Watermelon is the perfect product to demonstrate your design skills. You can offer various cutting options for the holiday.
Slicing into balls. Scooping out the watermelon pulp in the form of balls can be done with an ordinary spoon with sharp edges, but it is more convenient to do this with a noisette spoon. The balls can simply be placed in a vase. Or you can use half the rind of the same watermelon in the form of a vase-basket for them. You can also make a vase-ship from the peel by inserting skewers with “sails” pinned on them from the same peel.
Figured cutting. It's easy to make using a variety of cookie cutters. To do this, you need to cut the watermelon into pieces and cut out figures from them. These sweet and juicy figures can be served with cream or dessert sauces.
Ice cream triangles. To do this, watermelon is cut into triangular pieces into which ice cream sticks are stuck. The result is a bright, calorie-free “seal.” You can top this “ice cream” with chocolate glaze, sprinkle with nuts, etc.
You can give watermelon cubes and bars the appearance of original cakes or sushi by decorating them with other fruits, herbs and cream.
Special skills and tools (at least the presence of Thai and carving knives) will be required carving(artistic cutting) of watermelon. Using this method you can get beautiful and elegant watermelon bouquets.
Time and methods of storing watermelon
A whole good watermelon can be stored in a cool, ventilated area for a very long time (2-3 months). How long does a cut watermelon last in the refrigerator? Shelf life is very short - no more than a day and only at a temperature of 2-5 degrees C and air humidity of 85-87%. Watermelons should not be stored next to other fruits and vegetables; storing them near melons, tomatoes and bananas is strictly not recommended.
How to cut a watermelon - video
Cutting watermelon into cubes
Cutting watermelon into triangles
- Try the watermelon milkshake! It sounds strange, but it is incredibly tasty. You will need watermelon puree and vanilla ice cream. The proportions are as follows: one third watermelon and two thirds ice cream - the ratio may vary depending on how rich the watermelon flavor you want. Place the watermelon in a good blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Place this in a separate container and in a blender, blend the vanilla ice cream until you get the desired consistency. Then add watermelon to the ice cream and whisk everything together. Pour into a glass and serve.
- During a meal, watermelon with its sweet and subtle taste will help to “zero” the taste of the previous dish in order to fully enjoy the aromas and shades of the next dish.
- To quickly and easily clean up after cutting a watermelon, place the cutting board in a large plastic trash bag. Add some paper towels or newspaper - they will absorb moisture that could leak if holes are suddenly found in the bag. When you have finished cutting up the watermelon, remove the board from the bag, place the peel in it, tie the bag and throw it in the appropriate trash area. Or better yet, use the peel for compost and the bag for real trash.
- Some people prefer to drizzle watermelon slices with citrus juice (like lime) for an especially refreshing treat.
- Grind the watermelon in a blender or food processor (without the peel and seeds) and you will make a wonderful summer drink!
- A delicious summer lunch can be made from watermelon with salt, cottage cheese, feta and/or lettuce. If you want to try something different, add a few drops of hot sauce.
- Instead of cutting the watermelon into slices, try cutting off the rind: 1) Cut one edge as described above, and then move the knife 7-10 cm to the middle of the watermelon and cut a large thick piece the entire width of the watermelon; 2) Place the piece on the cutting board and start cutting off the peel around the piece; 3) You should have a large thick piece of clean pulp without peel; 4) Now make parallel cuts 2.5 - 3.5 cm wide across the watermelon; 5) Rotate 90 degrees and make similar cuts again to create separate pieces; 6) Repeat steps 2.4-5, making 7-10 cm pieces along the rest of the watermelon; 7) Now you can quickly cut the entire watermelon into equal pieces without making any curved cuts.
- Inexperienced people say that most injuries occur when you push the knife away from you and suddenly lose control. Any movement of the knife must be done with great care. The cutting method you see in the picture is not safe. Remember that no sane cook would ever use this method. If there is no other option, you should at least protect your other hand with a steel-wire glove or thick towel to prevent injury. To assess the risks, imagine that the knife moves along the cutting plane not in the watermelon, but freely in the air. If the movement of the blade ends anywhere near an unprotected part of the body, then this method of cutting the fruit is definitely dangerous.
- A good cutting method is one in which the skin remains intact and you can hold the piece gently with your hands.
- A convenient, no-fuss method: Divide the watermelon into two parts and scoop out the pulp with an ice cream scoop. Store in a bowl in the refrigerator. Enjoy a great instant sweet snack!
