With the sun shining and the weather warming up, watermelon comes to mind! Watermelon is a great summertime treat, but also good year round. Watermelon is packed with water and nutrients, contains very few calories, and is exceptionally refreshing making it a perfect snack food. Below are two quick and easy methods to turn watermelon into easy snacks or finger foods. Always begin by carefully washing the melon and your hands with clear running water and make sure the work space is also clean to avoid introducing contaminants into the melon flesh.
Watermelon Sticks
Cutting a watermelon into sticks leaves a bit of the watermelon rind on the outside of the slice, thus keeping your hands from becoming too sticky. Here’s a step-by-step how to:
Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise. Place the cut side of one half of the melon down and cut slices from stem end to blossom end roughly an inch apart.
Next cut slices perpendicular the first slices, also about an inch apart.
Voila! Watermelon sticks that are easy to serve and eat.
Watermelon Cubes
Start with a quarter of a watermelon. Using a large knife simply cut between the melon flesh and the rind. Start on one side and then move to the other side. The object is to free all the melon flesh from the rind. Do not worry that you will not get every bit of usable melon. You can add that to your cubes when you are finished.
Cut slices from blossom to stem end about an inch apart. Do this on the flat side. Flip to the other flat side and repeat the process.
Slice down through the melon from top edge to rind. Turn the melon quarter over and dump out the cubes. Feel free to clean up the rind if you find you have left more melon there than you like.
Cubes to enjoy!
Once watermelon has been cut, it should be stored in the fridge, tightly wrapped or in an air-tight container. It will keep well for 3-4 days; after that time it begins to lose its freshness as the liquid and sweetness slowly seep out of the flesh. Over time, it also begins to ferment.
Melon that cannot be eaten within five days to a week, can be frozen. Remove the rind, cut into pieces, and freeze in a single layer on a tray or baking sheet until firm. Place in an airtight container or bag and freeze up to six months. The flesh will become soft when thawed so frozen watermelon makes great drinks, smoothies, or ice pops. Frozen watermelon can also be served as pieces if some ice crystals remain in it to help keep its form and a less mushy texture.
For more ways to enjoy watermelon, check out watermelon.org to get recipes, carving ideas, and nutrition facts.
