1. Preparing the Watermelon
Before you start cutting, it's important to prepare the watermelon. Begin by rinsing the watermelon under cool water to remove any dirt or residue. Then pat it dry with a clean towel. Next, use a sharp kitchen knife, such as the SolBlade Santoku Knife, to trim off both ends of the watermelon where the "belly button" is located. This creates a stable & flat surface, making it easier to handle. Stand the watermelon upright on one of the flat ends. Carefully run the kitchen knife along the inside of the rind, turning the watermelon after each cut to remove all the rind. After the rind is completely removed, cut the watermelon in half. Lay each half flat on the cutting board. You can now choose which way to cut your watermelon.
2. Cutting Techniques for Different Shapes
a. Cutting into Cubes
To cut a watermelon into cubes, start by slicing the melon in half. Place one half cut-side down on a cutting board. Make vertical cuts from top to bottom, then rotate the melon and make perpendicular cuts. The result is perfect cubes that are ready to be enjoyed in various recipes.
b. Cutting into Wedges
For watermelon wedges, begin by halving the melon. Place the cut side down and slice it in half again to create quarters. Cut each quarter into wedges by making even slices from the top to the rind. This technique is great for serving at picnics or barbecues, keeping you cool on these hot summer days.
c. Cutting into Slices
To cut watermelon into slices, start by halving the melon. Place one half cut-side down and slice it into rounds of your desired thickness. This method is quick and efficient, making it ideal for fruit salads, smoothies, and more. The slices can be further made into sticks or even rindless triangles, depending on your preference.
Whichever method you choose, having the right kitchen tools is important for safety and ease. A good chef's knife will do the trick. For more intricate cuts, you can use a sharp paring knife.
3. Using and Storing Cut Watermelon
Once you have your watermelon cut into pieces, it's good to know how to store it properly to maintain its freshness. For immediate consumption, keep half of the watermelon in the refrigerator. That way you have cool, fresh watermelon ready for snacking. For longer storage, consider freezing the other half. Place the pieces in a zip-loc bag and store them in the freezer. You can make a creamy watermelon smoothie later on.
a. Proper Storage Methods
Uncut watermelon can be stored at room temperature. However, once it's cut, it's crucial to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Large pieces should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. This prevents the watermelon from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
b. Creative Uses for Leftovers
Leftover watermelon can be quite versatile, just like the SolBlade Chef's Knife. Besides snacking, you can use it in various recipes. For instance, frozen watermelon pieces are excellent for smoothies. You can also incorporate watermelon into salads, salsas, or even grill it for a unique twist.
Happy 4th of July!!
