How to Cut a Watermelon: Mastering Seido's Best Techniques
Cutting through the tough rind of a watermelon to reach its fruit requires skill. However, if you have an excellent Seido knife, like our Gyuto Executive Chef Knife, you can cut a watermelon just right. Read on to learn more about the easiest way to cut a watermelon.
HOW TO PICK A PERFECTLY RIPE WATERMELON
Before you cut a watermelon, it's important to pick a perfectly ripe one. Here is a helpful guide:
- Shape: A ripe watermelon should have a consistent shape without any strange bumps or dents.
- Field spot: The field spot is where the watermelon rested on the ground. This area should be a buttery yellow color. If it's white or green, the watermelon isn't quite ripe.
- Sound: A ripe watermelon will have a hollow, deep sound when you tap it.
- The rind: The rind of a ripe watermelon is typically green and dull. It shouldn't be glossy. A glossy rind means the watermelon isn't ripe yet.
- Weight: Pick up the watermelon and compare its weight to others. A ripe watermelon feels heavier than it looks.
- Sugar spots and webbing: Sugar spots are rough, small, dark patches on the watermelon, whereas brown webbing is vein-like lines. A ripe watermelon should have some spots and lines showing where the sugar has seeped out from the watermelon.
- Bruises or soft spots: If the watermelon has soft spots or bruises, these are signs that it's overripe.
Cut Watermelon Like a Pro With Seido Knives!
BEST WAY TO SLICE A WATERMELON: TOOLS NEEDED
CHEF'S KNIFE/SERRATED KNIFE
When you cut a watermelon, you'll need specific tools. Pick a chef's knife or a serrated knife from our Hanikamu VG10 Damascus Chef Knife Set to get started. A sharp chef's knife can cut through the thick, tough rind.
CUTTING BOARD
You will also need a sturdy cutting board, like our Gourmet Acacia, End Grain Cutting Board. This provides a stable surface when you're cutting.
PAPER TOWELS
Finally, keep paper towels handy to wipe up any watermelon juice that spills on your hands, cutting board, or counter.
HOW TO SLICE A WATERMELON
Here is the best way to cut a watermelon:
STEP 1: GATHER YOUR TOOLS
The first step is to grab three tools: a sharp chef's knife or serrated knife, a large cutting board, and some paper towels.
STEP 2: CUT OFF BOTH ENDS
Next, cut off a small piece from each end of the watermelon so you have flat surfaces.
STEP 3: SLICE THE WATERMELON
Stand the watermelon up on one end and cut it in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half in half again to have four pieces total.
STEP 4: CHOOSE YOUR WATERMELON CUT
Choosing your watermelon cut will depend on your preferences and the occasion. Some people like to hold the watermelon by the rinds. Others prefer cubes.
STEP 4A: HOW TO CUT A WATERMELON INTO CUBES
If you want to cut watermelon cubes, cut the watermelon into quarters as described above. Then, place one of the quarters on its side and cut one-inch-wide strips. Rotate the watermelon and make perpendicular cuts so you have a grid. Finally, slice along the rind to remove the cubes.
STEP 4B: HOW TO CUT WATERMELON STICKS
If you prefer to cut your watermelon into stick shapes, cut the watermelon in half and then place each half cut-side down. Slice one-inch-thick rounds in each half. Then, cut each side vertically and horizontally.
HOW TO STORE WATERMELON
If you haven't sliced into the watermelon, store it at room temperature, out of direct sunlight. If you have cut the watermelon, place the cut pieces in an airtight container. Then, store the container in the fridge. You can also freeze the cubes. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them individually. Then, transfer the frozen cubes into a freezer bag.
BONUS TIPS
Here are some bonus tips to help you cut watermelon. You can also refer to our ultimate guide to Japanese cutting techniques.
- Refrigerate your watermelon for a few hours before you cut it. This makes the interior firmer.
- When storing watermelon pieces, use shallow, airtight containers. This prevents excess moisture from building up.
- Sprinkle lime juice on your cut watermelon pieces before storing it to add zest.
SLICE INTO SUMMER WITH THESE ESSENTIAL TIPS
Whether trying to figure out how to cut watermelon wedges or sticks, these watermelon cutting hacks can help you get it right—from picking the right watermelon to serving up a platter of perfectly cut sticks for your guests.
