Watermelon is a sweet and juicy fruit, perfect for eating in the summertime. In fact, there’s nothing quite like biting into a fresh watermelon slice to provide instant hydration and nourishment on a hot summer day.
Watermelon also provides numerous health benefits. It’s packed with nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins A and C. It helps you stay hydrated due to its high water content and low-calorie density. In fact, watermelon is made up of around 92% water! Plus, it contains several plant compounds, including lycopene and cucurbitacin E, that have been associated with a lower risk of certain cancers. Watermelon is a powerhouse that’s delicious and refreshing. Here’s how to cut it into perfect slices to enjoy.
How to Tell if a Watermelon is Ripe
Before you begin to cut your watermelon, you want to ensure it’s ripe. To do this, tap on the ring with your hand like you would knock on a door. A ripe watermelon will have a deep hollow sound. An unripe watermelon will sound higher-pitched, whereas an overripe melon will sound more like a thud. Another way to tell if a watermelon is ripe is to look at its field spot. This is the underside of the melon that rests on the field as it grows. A yellow spot indicates that the watermelon ripened on the vine and indicates that it will taste sweeter. Look for a yellow field spot that’s the shade of butter for the best results. On the other hand, a less ripe melon will typically have a white field spot.
You can also consider the weight of the melon. Heavier watermelons are more likely to be ripe, while unripe watermelons will feel lighter and less sturdy. Overripe melons, on the other hand, feel too heavy and dense.
For more watermelon treats just in time for summer, consider our Sweet Summer Daisy bouquet. It’s packed with sun-shaped pineapple, kiwi, mango, strawberries, watermelon, and blueberries. Or, check out our Summer Fruit And Cheesecake Platter made with strawberries, kiwi, watermelon, blueberries, mango, and an assortment of cheesecakes.
How to Cut a Watermelon into Slices
The easiest way to enjoy watermelon is by cutting it into triangle-shaped slices, as you can bite into the top and eat down until you hit the rind. Here’s how to cut a watermelon into slices in six easy steps:
1. First, rinse off your watermelon completely. Then, cut off the ends of the watermelon to create flat sides that make the rest of the cutting process easier. Ensure you’re using a sharp enough knife that won’t slip on the watermelon’s slick surface and cause you to cut yourself.
2. Once you’ve cut off the ends, you can stand the watermelon upright on one of the flat sides. Carefully cut the watermelon in half lengthwise.
3. Lay each half of the watermelon on its cut side. Cut each half in half again lengthwise.
4. Finally, you can cut the melon into slices. Take one of the watermelon quarters and begin slicing across the side to create triangle-shaped slices. Slices can be thick or thin, depending on your needs. Typically, each slice should be between 1/2-inch to 1-inch wide. Repeat for each of the watermelon quarters.
From here, you can go on to remove the rind and cut the melon into cubes. However, eating it in slices is the easiest way. You can eat right up to the white part of the rind and throw the remainder away (or use in compost) when you’ve finished the slice.
How to Store Watermelon After it is Cut
Once cut, watermelon should always be stored in the fridge. Place cut slices in an airtight container or wrap with plastic wrap. Storing the melon in an airtight container helps prevent the melon from picking up any odors from other foods in the fridge while keeping the flesh moist. If stored correctly, cut watermelon can last up to a week in the fridge. You can even freeze watermelon to extend its shelf life further. Remove the rind, cut the watermelon into pieces, and then flash freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet until solid. Then, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to six months.
Watermelon is a delicious and tasty fruit perfect for hot summer days and beyond. Luckily, watermelon isn’t too difficult to cut into slices and enjoy. With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying delicious fresh watermelon this summer. Plus, you won’t have to cheat with the pre-cut (and overpriced) fruit at the grocery store.
