How to Cut and Store Watermelon

Watermelon has a sweet taste and with its high water content, it provides a light texture that makes eating fun.
Image Credit: arinahabich/iStock/GettyImages

Watermelon has a sweet taste and with its high water content, it provides a light texture that makes eating fun. Cutting watermelon is messy but not difficult once you get past the outer rind. The best way to store watermelon depends on whether you store it whole or cut up.

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Watermelon is a nutritious food that provides several vitamins. One serving per day provides Vitamin A, C and B6, as explained by the National Watermelon Promotion Board.

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Watermelon has certainly earned its name — according to the USDA, it is 92 percent water. It also provides a low calorie snack — 46 calories for 1 cup of diced melon — that can provide a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Read more: Benefits of Watermelon for Men

Cut Into Wedges

Step 1: Wipe It Off

Set the watermelon under cold running water and wipe the outside to remove any dirt or residue clinging to the outside rind. Pat with a clean, dry towel or paper towels.

Step 2: Remove the Ends

Slice off both ends using a sharp knife in back-and-forth sawing motion.

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Step 3: Slice in Half

Cut the watermelon in half, lengthwise, again using a back-and-forth sawing motion.

Step 4: Cut Each Piece

Lay each half with the flat, or cut side down and cut each half in half by making another lengthwise cut. You now have four watermelon halves.

Step 5: Make Wedge-Shaped Pieces

Cut each half into slices about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick to create wedge-shaped pieces.

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Cut Into Cubes

Step 1: Prep the Melon

Wash the watermelon and slice off both ends.

Step 2: Remove the Rind

Stand the watermelon up on one cut end. Starting at the top and working your way to the bottom, cut the rind away using a sawing motion with your knife.

Give the watermelon a quarter turn and repeat the process. Continue turning and slicing until you remove the entire rind.

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Step 3: Cut Up the Halves

Lay the rindless watermelon lengthwise and cut it in half. Then, cut each half into three to four pieces.

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Step 4: Cube the Melon

Cut each piece, one at a time, into slices 1- to 2-inches thick. Then turn the slices and make another series of 1- to 2-inch thick slices to make watermelon cubes. Remove seeds using the tip of your knife.

Best Way to Store Watermelon

Step 1: Store Watermelon in Fridge

Set an uncut watermelon in a dark, cool location for no longer than about four days. If you need to store for a longer period, transfer the watermelon to your refrigerator.

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Step 2: Wrap in Plastic Wrap

Wrap a cut watermelon half tightly with plastic wrap and store in your refrigerator.

Watermelon storage temperature should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, as recommended by the FDA.

Step 3: Place Watermelon in Storage Container

Store cut pieces in an airtight watermelon storage container in your refrigerator. The sooner you eat it, the better.

Read more: Can Watermelon Stop You From Losing Weight?

Things You'll Need

  • Wash cloth

  • Towel

  • Roll of paper towels

  • Cutting board

  • Serrated or bread knife

  • Plastic wrap

  • Refrigerator containers, airtight

  • Plastic food bag

Tip

Keep a roll of paper towels close by as cutting watermelon is a juicy, messy process.

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