How to Cut a Watermelon

Here’s how to cut a watermelon: both triangles and cubes! This safe method is the easiest way to slice up this summer fruit.

Got a big juicy watermelon, and not sure how to cut it? Watermelon is notoriously daunting: it’s oversized and there’s a safety risk of the knife slipping. So how to cut a watermelon into slices or cubes…without slicing off some fingers in the process? There are a few ways to chop up a melon. We’ve experimented with them all and picked the one that’s the easiest and safest!

How to cut a watermelon: step by step

Step 1: Slice in half through the middle, then cut into slices.

First, slice the watermelon in half through the middle with a large Chef’s knife (don’t cut it lengthwise). Flip it over onto the flat base, then cut it into slices.

• How to cut a watermelon into triangles? Simply cut the large slices into wedges. You’re done!
• How to cut a watermelon into cubes? Go to Step 2.

Step 2: Use a paring knife to remove the rind of each slice.

Switch to using a small paring knife and slice off the rind of each slice. Using a smaller knife gives you more control.

Step 3: Make a grid pattern to cut the flesh into cubes.

Switch back to your Chef’s knife. Then make a grid pattern to cut the watermelon into cubes.

How long does watermelon last?

Uncut watermelon lasts 7 to 10 days at room temperature. That’s right: the best way to store uncut melon is not refrigerated! Once you cut a watermelon, you’ll want to store it in the refrigerator.

How long does cut watermelon last? About 3 days refrigerated. Store a half cut watermelon wrapped in plastic wrap or in foil. Place watermelon cut into cubes in a sealed container: it will give off quite a bit of liquid as it sits, and it tastes best as fresh as possible (so eat try to it quickly!).

Watermelon recipes

Once you’ve mastered how to cut watermelon, there are many ways to use it in recipes! Here are some top watermelon recipes:

• Salad: Try Watermelon Salad with Mint or Watermelon Feta Salad
• Salsa: Make a batch of Watermelon Salsa
• Skewers: Opt for Tequila Watermelon Skewers
• Drinks: Go for Watermelon Lemonade, Watermelon Water, Watermelon Juice, Watermelon Slushie, Watermelon Smoothie or Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie
• Sorbet: Impress everyone with a batch of Watermelon Sorbet
• Cocktails: Try Watermelon Margarita, Watermelon Mojito, Watermelon Smash, Watermelon Sangria, Watermelon Gin Cocktail, Watermelon Martini or Watermelon Vodka Cocktail
• Pickles: Use the rind up in Pickled Watermelon Rind

Best chef knife & cutting boards

A good knife can drastically improve your time in the kitchen! We’ve had our chef knives for 10 plus years and they still work great. Here are some of the knives we recommend, non-slip cutting boards, and the best knife sharpener. These recommendations are perfect for outfitting your own kitchen, or great gifts for a wedding registry or someone who loves to cook:

• 7″ Chef’s Knife — our best knife recommendation
• 10″ Chef’s Knife — our favorite large knife
• 8″ Chef’s Knife — our favorite affordable knife
• Paring Knife
• Serrated Knife / Bread Knife
• Non-Slip Wood Cutting Board (used in the video!) or Non-Slip Bamboo Cutting Board
• Non-Slip Plastic Cutting Board
• Knife Sharpener
• Drawer Knife Organizer — this is how we store our knives, and it’s even slicker than a knife block

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