How to Cut a Watermelon into Perfect Sticks
Cutting watermelon into sticks is a clever hack that looks just as good as it tastes. Impress your guests with a beautiful platter of perfectly portioned watermelon that’s both practical and refreshing.
Equipment
- sharp knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 Watermelon
Instructions
- Place the washed watermelon on a large cutting board, then slice off both ends (the top and bottom) to create flat surfaces.
- Start from the top and carefully slice downward following the curve of the fruit to remove the rind and the white flesh beneath it. Rotate the watermelon as you go until all the rind is removed.
- Stand the watermelon upright on one of the flat ends. Cut it straight down the middle to create two large halves.
- With the watermelon half still flat on the board, cut it into even slices about ½ inch thick.
- Turn the watermelon 90°. Slice again, this time about 1 inch apart, to create long stick-like pieces.
- Repeat with the second half of the watermelon. You’ll have uniform, juicy sticks that are easy to grab and eat!
Notes
Choose the right watermelon: Look for a ripe watermelon that is uniformly round or slightly oval for even sticks.
Wash before cutting: Even though you don’t eat the rind, it is best to wash it to prevent transferring dirt or bacteria to the fruit when cutting.
Chill before you cut: Pop your watermelon in the fridge for a few hours before slicing. A cold watermelon not only cuts more cleanly but also makes each piece extra refreshing.
Stabilize the watermelon: Cut a thin slice off both ends first so it sits flat on the cutting board. This prevents rolling and makes slicing safer.
Use a sharp knife: A large, sharp chef’s knife makes clean cuts through the thick rind and juicy flesh. A dull knife can slip and crush the fruit.
Remove the rind carefully: Stand the watermelon on its flat end and cut down along the curve to remove the rind in strips. Try to follow the natural curve to minimize waste.
Slice evenly: Cut the watermelon flesh into slabs about 1–1½ inches thick. Then cut each slab into sticks of the same width so they look uniform and are easy to grab.
Seed removal: If your watermelon has seeds, you can remove them while cutting the slabs. Seedless watermelons are simpler for sticks.