3 Simple Methods for Cutting a Watermelon

Nothing says summer like a refreshing slice of watermelon. But are you unsure about how to buy and slice one? Sure, you can opt for pre-cut watermelon at the store, but it’s usually pricier than picking up a whole melon. Ready to start saving by doing it yourself? We’ve got you covered!

How to Choose the Perfect Ripe Watermelon

When faced with a mountain of watermelons at the store, it’s helpful to know what to look for to ensure you pick a ripe one. For a more detailed guide, check out this article, but here are a few quick tips:

First, examine the watermelon closely. The skin should be smooth and free of cuts. Stay away from melons with dark or soft spots.

Next, look for a rich orange or yellow “field” spot. This indicates the watermelon ripened properly in the field and is likely sweet and ready to enjoy. Avoid melons with white or pale yellow spots, as they’re often under-ripe. If there’s a stem, choose one that’s dry, not green. A green stem suggests the melon is not fully ripe. Lastly, pick it up— it should feel heavy for its size.

Gather Your Tools:

Chef's Knife: A large, sharp knife is essential for cutting watermelon. Ensure the blade is sharp to make the job safer and easier.

Cutting Board & Damp Paper Towel: A large cutting board is necessary for this task since watermelons (unless mini) are quite large. Place a damp paper towel underneath the board to prevent it from slipping on your surface. No sliding allowed!

Before You Begin Cutting

Cutting a big round watermelon can feel intimidating, especially if you're not used to wielding a large knife. We understand! But don’t worry—if you follow the steps below, you’ll be just fine. Take it slow and don’t stress about making perfect cuts—no one’s grading your technique. Keep practicing, and remember, as the Watermelon Board says, “There’s no wrong way to cut a watermelon!”

How to Slice a Watermelon

Always Begin with These Steps:

Step 1: Rinse the watermelon under cool running water, then dry it off with a clean towel or paper towels.

Step 2: Place a damp paper towel on your work surface, then set your cutting board on top. This ensures a steady, slip-free cutting area.

How to Cut Watermelon into Slices or Wedges (with the Peel On)

Step 1: Use a sharp chef's knife to cut off both ends of the watermelon (the stem and blossom ends).

One hand holds the whole watermelon steady on a cutting board, while the other hand cuts off the sides with a sharp chef's knife.

Step 2: Place the watermelon on the cutting board, flat side down. Slice from top to bottom to divide it in half.

A top-down view of the watermelon on a cutting board, with both ends sliced off and one of the flat sides resting on the surface.

An overhead shot of someone holding a watermelon steady while a knife cuts through its center.

Step 3: Place each half flat-side down and carefully slice it lengthwise again, creating four long, wedge-shaped pieces.

A top-down view of a watermelon being cut in half after it has already been halved once.

Step 4: Slice across each of the four pieces to create wedges of your desired thickness.

A top-down view of hands cutting two quarters of a watermelon into half-inch thick slices.

A bird's eye view of watermelon wedges arranged neatly on a cutting board.

How to cut into sticks (with peel on)

Step 1: Use a sharp chef's knife to cut off both ends of the watermelon, removing the stem and blossom ends.

One hand holding a whole watermelon steady on a cutting board while the other hand slices off the side with a chef's knife.

Step 2: Place the watermelon flat on the cutting board and cut it in half from top to bottom.

A top-down view of a watermelon on a cutting board, with slices removed from both ends, resting on one of the flat sides.

A bird's eye view of a watermelon being stabilized as a knife slices through its center.

Step 3: Lay each half flat on the cutting board. Cut them lengthwise into 1-inch slices, then slice crosswise about 1-inch apart to form sticks.

A view from above of hands cutting watermelon quarters into 1-inch wide slices.

A view from above of hands cutting watermelon quarters into 1-inch cubes, creating sticks from the top down.

A top-down view of half a watermelon cubed, with a hand pulling out a stick of watermelon with the rind still on top.

How to Cube (Peel Off)

Step 1: Cut off both ends (the stem and blossom ends) of the watermelon using a sharp chef's knife.

One hand holding a whole watermelon on a cutting board, while the other hand slices off the side with a chef's knife.

Step 2: Place the watermelon on the cutting board with one of its flat ends down. Use your knife to carefully remove the rind by slicing from top to bottom, following the curve of the fruit to avoid cutting too deep into the flesh. Continue around the melon until all the rind is removed. Discard or compost the rind.

An overhead shot of hands using a knife to peel the rind off a watermelon.

Step 3: Position the watermelon on its flattest side and slice it into 1-inch thick rounds. Stack a few rounds together, then make 1-inch vertical cuts, followed by horizontal cuts of the same size to create cubes.

A top-down view of hands slicing a peeled watermelon into 1-inch thick rounds.

An overhead shot of hands turning the round slices of watermelon to cut them into sticks.

A top-down view of hands cutting the watermelon into cubes by rotating the previously cut sticks.

An overhead view of roughly 1-inch cubes of watermelon arranged on a cutting board.

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