How to cut watermelon into cubes

Watermelon is a refreshing and healthy fruit that can be enjoyed during hot summer days or whenever you need something light and hydrating. Watermelon cubes are one of the best ways to serve this fruit because they are easy to eat and share. If you have never handled big fruits, it might seem like cutting a watermelon down into small cubes is rather challenging. However, if you use the right approach and follow some simple steps, your watermelon will be in pieces.

The guide below takes you through the process of selecting the right watermelon to create good-looking cubes with clean cuts.

Step 1: Picking Out The Correct Watermelon

Let’s not start by discussing the cutting process but rather how to choose a perfect melon. Look out for a melon that:

• Firm and Symmetrical: Touching should reveal firmness while its shape should always remain in one way.
• Heavy for Its Size: When ripened, there occurs an increase in its weight as it accumulates more water; therefore, you may pick different ones just to get an understanding. The heaviest is probably the juiciest one.
• Look under the watermelon for a yellow spot known as a field spot. It shows that this fruit ripened in the field.
• Tap on the watermelon using your knuckles. A ripe watermelon will produce a hollow sound; a good indication of its ripeness.

Now, you can start cutting after selecting your watermelon.

Step 2: Prepare The Watermelon For Cutting

1. Wash The Watermelon: Even though you are going to cut away the rind, it is important to wash the watermelon properly to get rid of any dirt or bacteria on its surface.
2. Put It On A Stable Surface: Make sure your cutting board is big and firm enough. If necessary, put a wet towel under the board so that it does not slide when being used.

Step 3: Cut Off The Ends

• Cut The Top And Bottom: Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice off about half an inch from both the top and bottom of the watermelon carefully. This will create flat surfaces allowing you to stand up this fruit without rolling over while making it much easier for you when cutting.

Step 4: Remove Rinds

With one of its flat ends positioned on the ground, now it is time to take off rinds from the melon.

1. Slice the Rind Lengthways: Start from the upper section and slice down using your knife, following the watermelon’s curve. You should cut deep enough to eliminate both the green outer skin and the white inner layer without cutting too far into the red flesh.
2. Work Around Melon: Keep cutting around until there is no more rind remaining on this watermelon; only its red flesh will be left. If you can see white patches still present, trim them away using a knife.

Step 5: Splitting The Watermelon In Two

While still standing on one side, divide it lengthwise in half after removing the rind. It will then be simpler to cut it into cubes.

Step 6: Cut The Watermelon Into Four

Take each half of a watermelon and split it further down by another two so that four large quarters are created. Such manageable pieces will help you achieve cubes of equal size.

Step 7: Slice The Watermelon In Sticks

1. Lay One of the Quarters Flat: Place one of these quarters flat on your chopping board for stability in this stage.
2. Make Watermelon Strips: Slice a watermelon quarter into strips that are about 1 to 1½ inches in width. If you want the cubes smaller, you can make the strips narrower.

Step 8: Cutting the Watermelon into Cubes

Now that you have slices of melon, it is time to convert them into small cubes.

1. Turn the Strips Horizontally: Turn your slivers of melon sideways so they intersect with your knife’s blade.
2. Cut Crosswise: Cut through the slices of melon diagonally forming some squares. The thickness of each slice will be similar to that of each strip for even blocks.
3. Repeat with the Other Quarters: Use this method on all other parts till all watermelons have been cut into dice.

Step 9: Storing the Watermelon Cubes

After cutting up your watermelon pieces as described earlier, you can either serve it straightaway or store it for later use.

• Serving: They are ideal for fruit salads, snacks, or a refreshing side dish; sprinkle on some sea salt, squeeze lime juice over them, or mix with fresh mint leaves for more flavoring.
• If you do not eat them immediately, store the cubes in a tightly sealed container, and place it in a refrigerator. Freshly cut watermelon can last for about three to four days if properly stored. Make sure you put it in the fridge right away to retain its freshness and prevent dehydration.

Watermelon Cutting Safety Tips

• Use a Sharp Knife: It is essential to have a sharp knife when slicing watermelons. A blunt knife may skid over the hard rind which enhances the chances of accidental injuries.
• Cut Slowly and Carefully: Watermelon may be slippery, so take your time while cutting ensuring that you maintain a firm hold on both the fruit and the knife.
• Watch Your Fingers: Cut with fingers under the hand curving inwards at knuckles as a guide for the blade. This reduces the chance of finger cuts.

Reasons Why You Should Eat Watermelons

Other than being tasty and refreshing, watermelon is packed full of nutrients. It is an excellent source of hydration due to its high water content (about 92 percent), plus it contains vitamins A and C which are vital for immunity as well as good skin health. Furthermore, this fruit has high levels of antioxidants such as lycopene which has been shown to keep heart disease at bay and reduce inflammation.

As a way to be hydrated and enjoy a naturally sweet, low-calorie snack, watermelon can be an excellent alternative. Watermelon is a versatile fruit you can eat as it is, or put in salads or blend for smoothies.

Conclusion

At first glance, cutting up a watermelon into cubes may appear difficult; however, by following the steps given, you will find that it becomes extremely easy. All you need to do is get the correct type of watermelon, employ the right tools while being cautious, and present ideally sized cubes that are ready to be consumed. Whether you’re making a refreshing treat for yourself or catering for more people, knowing how to cut watermelon into cubes is useful. So take your knife let us follow the steps below and enjoy your sweet juicy results!