One of the most popular fruits of the summer is watermelon; this "queen" of fruit is fresh, sweet and also very healthy. The flavor and quality are best when you buy it whole and cut it yourself. You can slice it into discs, wedges, slices, cubes and even extract the pulp with a melon digger.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Sliced
Step 1. Wash the outer skin
Use a fruit cleaner, if you have one, or rinse the watermelon under running tap water to get rid of soil, germs and pesticides. This phase is important because everything that the blade touches on the outside of the fruit is then transferred to the pulp.
Step 2. Remove the ends at the base and top of the fruit
Use a serrated knife because it can better penetrate foods that have a hard skin and a soft heart, such as tomatoes, melons and bread. the blade must be longer than the size of the watermelon.
Step 3. Cut the watermelon in half
Place it on one of the bases you cut before dividing it lengthwise into two parts.
Remember that if you cut the watermelon along the dark bands of the rind, the seeds of the pulp will be visible on the outside of each slice making it easier to remove
Step 4. Break each half into sections
Cut it into two, three or four pieces depending on the size you want for the slices.
Step 5. Remove the pulp from the zest
Hold a section in one hand as you slowly slide the blade along the edge of the peel.
Step 6. Cut the slice from top to bottom
Make uniform triangles, about 5-7 cm thick. Repeat this sequence for all the sections you have prepared.
Method 2 of 5: Discs
Step 1. Slice the watermelon lengthwise
You can turn the fruit into circular slices by cutting it crosswise at 2-3 cm intervals.
Step 2. Remove the zest
Carefully slide the blade along the outer edge of the pulp to remove the peel on the circumference; at this stage you should also extract the seeds.
Step 3. Divide the watermelon into pieces
You can turn each disc into sticks, triangles or even use a cookie cutter and make fun shapes, like stars.
Method 3 of 5: in wedges
Step 1. Cut the watermelon in half
Find the midline of the fruit and divide it into two pieces.
Step 2. Repeat the process for each half
Place them both on the cutting board with the rind facing up and the pulp down and make four pieces.
Step 3. Cut the fruit into wedges
Take each quarter and divide it into 1 cm thick triangles. Repeat the process for the other three watermelon pieces.
Method 4 of 5: in Small Pieces
Step 1. Divide the watermelon into four parts
Carefully cut it in half, then place each piece back on the cutting board with the rind facing up. Divide each half again and make four quarters.
Step 2. Slice it into wedges
Cut it into slices 3-5 cm thick by sliding the blade up to the rind, but without cutting it.
Step 3. Cut the slices lengthwise
It starts on one side of the fruit, about 2-3 cm from the central crest; make longitudinal incisions, so that the tip of the blade runs along the rind.
Step 4. Continue slicing
Make a cut 3-5 cm from the first without going through the rind; turn the quarter of a watermelon and repeat the process on the other side.
Step 5. Remove the pulp from the peel
Use the knife to cut the fruit along the edge of the rind in a waving motion; you can put the various pieces in a plate or bowl.
Method 5 of 5: with a melon digger
Step 1. Cut the watermelon into four parts
Find the midline of the fruit and divide it into two halves. Place each part on the cutting board, with the zest facing up, and cut them in half again lengthwise or widthwise.
Step 2. Remove the pulp
Use a melon digger or ice cream scoop and remove the pulp from the fruit; place each ball in a bowl or in a Tupperware-type container.
Seedless watermelon lends itself best to this method, to prevent the balls from being full of seeds; alternatively, you can remove them before stripping the fruit
Step 3. Serve it cold
Cold balls are a perfect refreshing treat enjoyed by the whole family.
Advice
- Watermelon has a sweet, delicate flavor and is perfect for "cleaning" the palate after meals.
- Blend it with a food processor or blender (after removing the seeds and zest) to make a fantastic summer drink!
- Some people like to add a splash of citrus juice (such as lime or lemon juice) to watermelon slices to turn them into a refreshing snack.
- Seeded and seedless varieties are grown; when buying watermelon be careful to choose the type you want.
- You can use the zest for cooking, for example for preserves and pickles.
- Purchase "mini watermelons" to cut them easily and have greater portion control.
