How to Cut a Watermelon

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Okay, who among us hasn’t lugged one of these delicious juicy, red giants into our kitchens and then thought “Wow, where do I start?” It’s kinda nice to have a plan before you start wielding a knife around that rolly, wobbly, seriously-so-giant summer treat, you know? And there is so much possibility beyond your standard cube situation!

We’re not saying you have to, like, carve a shark into it or anything (although please trust us, SOMEONE HAS DONE THIS), but you could go for snack-sticks, fun shapes, or our favorite: turning that big ol’ melon into your own little juice keg to the absolute marvel of all your party guests. So scroll on, friends, for all things watermelon!

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How To Cut a Watermelon Like a Pro

There are five main ways we love to cut a watermelon.

1. Cubes (your standard cubed situation – great for easy snacking, fruit bowls, smoothies, and salads)
2. Triangles (your cutie watermelon wedge – this one has a built-in rind handle for easy eating and has been voted “Most Likely to Be Spotted at a BBQ”)
3. Sticks (your grab-and-go melon friend – an unconventional method but, honestly, just a really fun way to eat watermelon)
4. Fancy (your extra-special fruit cut – just a quick way to make watermelon look like the superstar it truly is)
5. Party Trick (your melon-turned-drink-vessel – pop a spigot on the front and instant watermelon juice)

The Basic Cube Cut

Step 1: Cut the ends off of the watermelon to make flat sides. This will help keep things stable when cutting, so your watermelon doesn’t roll right off the counter.

Step 2: Follow the shape of the melon with your knife to cut off the outside rind, including the white inner layer.

Step 3: Make 1-inch slices vertically, then 1-inch slices horizontally to form watermelon cubes.

The Triangle Cut

Step 1: Cut ends off of the watermelon.

Step 2: Cut in half lengthwise, then cut each half lengthwise once more.

Step 3: Make cuts 1-inch apart to create watermelon wedges. Repeat with the other halves of the watermelon.

The Stick Cut

Step 1: Cut ends off of the watermelon, then cut watermelon in half.

Step 2: Put watermelon cut side down. Make cuts 1-2 inches wide.

Step 3: Rotate the watermelon and make another set of cuts to form sticks. Repeat with the other half of the watermelon.

Step 4: Pull watermelon sticks out and enjoy!

The Fancy Cut

Step 1: Cut watermelon in half.

Step 2: Continuing width-wise, make cuts 1-inch apart to create watermelon circles.

Step 3: Use a cookie cutter to cut out different shapes of melon. Stars are our favorite and just so fun!

The Party Trick

Step 1: Cut a tiny sliver off the end of the watermelon so it has a flat bottom to stand up straight.

Step 2: Cut the remainder of the watermelon 1/4 of the way from the top.

Step 3: Scoop out most of the melon from the inside and blitz everything up in a blender until it becomes like a melon puree. This will probably take a few rounds with all the melon scooped out. Put the fruit puree in the fridge for a bit to chill it.

Step 4: Using a knife, cut a little slit in the front where your spigot will go. Push the spigot into the melon and plop your melon in a bowl for stability and serving. Here’s the spigot we used*!

Step 5: Pour the fruit puree back into the whole watermelon and serve cold.

Is It Better To Cut a Watermelon Warm Or Cold?

It’s best to cut watermelon cold since it retains the juices are less likely to spill out from the fruit and it can hold its shape a bit better. Plus, it tastes a bit more refreshing when it’s cold, cold, cold!

How Long After You Buy a Watermelon Should You Cut It?

If you’re storing your watermelon on the counter at room temperature, we’d recommend cutting it up within a week or so. If you’re storing it in the fridge (whoa, this fruit baby takes up space), you have a bit more time and can cut it within 2-3 weeks.

How Long Is Cut Watermelon Good For?

After watermelon is cut, store it in the fridge in a sealed container. It tastes the best if it’s eaten within 3-5 days.

How To Pick Out a Good, Juicy Watermelon

• Find a hefty melon. It should feel heavy for its size. That’s a good indicator that it has a lot of water and you’ve found a juicy one.
• Give it a lil’ thwap. It should sound hollow inside and you should hear a deep thunk.
• Your watermelon shouldn’t be totally green. You’ll want one that has a yellow-ish spot on one side.

How Do I Know When a Watermelon Is Ripe?

• The sound will be a good indicator. If it sounds hollow, that means it’s juicy and ready for eating. If it sounds dull after tapping it, it needs a bit more time to ripen.
• That spot on the bottom of the watermelon can also be a good indicator. If the spot is white, give it a little bit more time before cutting it open and wait until you see the yellow spot.

Can You Eat Watermelon Seeds?

The seeds are totally fine to eat. If you prefer though, you can always buy a seedless watermelon.

Favorite Watermelon Recipes We Love

• World’s Best Watermelon Smoothie
• Balsamic Watermelon Chicken Salad
• Watermelon-Mint Agua Fresca from Epicurious
• Watermelon Popsicles from New York Times Cooking
• Watermelon Salsa from Delish
• Easy Watermelon Skewers with Prosciutto from Recipes from a Pantry

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We need to know! Do you have a favorite cut? Maybe a way to chop up that big melon that we didn’t cover? Let’s hear it!