Summer is finally here, and nothing screams summer more than a refreshing slice of juicy watermelon. Not only is watermelon delicious, but it is also incredibly nutritious, making it the perfect snack for hot summer days. However, cutting, storing, and serving watermelon can be tricky, leading to a lot of wasted fruit. In this ultimate guide to watermelons, we will be sharing how to cut them, store them, and some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that you get the most out of your watermelon this summer. At the end, you will find a bonus recipe for watermelon dog treats.
When it comes to summertime snacks, nothing beats a fresh, juicy watermelon. Not only is it incredibly delicious and refreshing, but it’s also highly nutritious – making it the perfect snack for hot summer days. But when you have family over or are looking to serve watermelon at a party, cutting the fruit can be tricky. That’s why in this guide I’ll be sharing my favorite way of slicing a watermelon when the family is over along with helpful tips and tricks on how to store your melon so that you get the most out of your fruit this summer.
Cutting Watermelon:
There are so many different ways to cut a watermelon and everyone’s preference is different. Whether you like your slices thick or thin, in cubes or wedges, it’s important to choose the right method for cutting to ensure that you get the most out of your fruit. Here is my go-to, quick and easily slicing method for an outdoor party with kids …and bees!
Begin by washing the watermelon and placing it on a stable cutting board. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise. You can cut off both ends to create a flat surface on both sides and stand it upright to slice it in half from top to bottom- I prefer having it lying down on the board like pictured. Now take one half and place is fruit side down on the board. Slice into 3 aiming the knife toward the middle to form wedges. Slice each wedge to desired thickness. Insert a wooden popsicle stick into the green part of the watermelon and serve. This method has always been a quick and consistent solution for parties. Check out some other fun ways to slice and dice.
Storing Watermelon:
Storing watermelon properly can make a huge difference in how long it stays juicy and fresh. If you’ve cut your watermelon and want to store the remaining unused fruit, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It should stay good for up to three days. An alternative storage solution is to cut the watermelon slices into smaller pieces and store them in an airtight container before putting them in the fridge.
Helpful Tips and Tricks:
Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your watermelons:
Choose a ripe and juicy watermelon. The best way to tell whether a watermelon is ripe is to look for a yellow spot on the bottom. If it’s uniform and yellow, it’s ready to eat.
Experiment with different ways of serving watermelon. Instead of just slicing it up, try cutting it into fun shapes or using a melon baller to make it into bite-sized pieces.
If you have a lot of watermelon on your hands and don’t want it to go to waste, consider freezing it. Cut the watermelon into small pieces and freeze it for a delicious and healthy summer snack.
Watermelon Dog Treat Recipe:
If you’re looking for a fun and healthy treat to make for your furry friend, try out this watermelon dog treat recipe.
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh watermelon
1 tsp. honey
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions:
Blend the watermelon in a blender until smooth.
Add honey and Greek yogurt and blend again until combined.
Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray.
Sprinkle fresh mint leaves on top of each cube.
Freeze for 2-3 hours until solid.
Pop the treats out of the ice cube tray and let your dog enjoy!
Now that you know how to cut, store, and serve watermelon properly, you can enjoy this refreshing summer fruit to the fullest. From experimenting with different shapes and serving suggestions, to freezing it and making it into delicious dog treats, there are so many fun and creative ways to enjoy watermelons.
And before we wrap up, here’s a fun fact and a joke about watermelons:
Did you know that watermelons are over 90% water?
Why did the watermelon go to the doctor? Because it was feeling a little seedy.
Happy summer, folks!
