How to Cut & Store Watermelon
Watermelon is a “vitamin” food. One serving per day provides a healthy dose of Vitamin A and C, a good helping of vitamin B6 and higher levels of the carotenoid lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable.
Watermelon is a "vitamin" food. One serving per day provides a healthy dose of Vitamin A and C, a good helping of vitamin B6 and higher levels of the carotenoid lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable. Besides its health benefits, watermelon has a sweet taste and with a water content of 92 percent, a light texture that makes eating fun. Cutting watermelon is messy but not difficult once you get past the outer rind. Storage methods and time frame depends on whether you store it whole or cut up.
Cut Wedges
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.
Slice off both ends using a sharp knife in back-and-forth sawing motion.
Cut the watermelon in half, lengthwise, again using a back-and-forth sawing motion.
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.
Cut each half into slices about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick to create wedge-shaped pieces.
Cut Cubes
Wash the watermelon and slice off both ends.
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.
Lay the rindless watermelon lengthwise and cut it in half. Then, cut each half into three to four pieces.
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.
Store Watermelon
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.
Wrap a cut watermelon half tightly with plastic wrap and store in your refrigerator for up to three days.
Store cut watermelon pieces in an airtight container in your refrigerator. The sooner you eat it, the better.
Tip
Keep a roll of paper towels close by as cutting watermelon is a juicy, messy process.