Effortless Watermelon Cutting & Bento Box Ideas
Slice Thin-Skinned Watermelons Neatly! Two Easy Methods for Perfectly Cut Watermelon (with Homemade Watermelon Bento Box Tips)
Hello everyone! Summer is here, and what better way to cool down than with a refreshing slice of watermelon? However, cutting a watermelon can sometimes be a bit tricky. In this post, I’ll share two simple and elegant ways to cut watermelon, making it perfect for eating and visually appealing. We’ll cover techniques for even thin-skinned watermelons, along with tips for creating your own delightful watermelon bento box!
Ingredients
- 1 whole watermelon
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s start by thoroughly washing the watermelon. This one is a convenient size, making it easy to handle in the sink. After washing, gently pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Now, we’re ready to begin slicing this delicious fruit!
Step 2
Watermelon is full of juice, so it’s essential to place it on a large tray or a cutting board with a groove to catch any overflow. This will help keep your kitchen counter clean and tidy as you cut.
Step 3
Trim off both ends of the watermelon – the stem and the blossom end. Cutting these flat surfaces will provide a stable base for the next steps.
Step 4
Stand the watermelon upright on one of the cut flat ends. Now, imagine cutting it into quarters, similar to how you might cut a large squash. Slice it lengthwise into four equal sections.
Step 5
Take each quartered section and carefully cut away the rind. Following the natural curve of the watermelon, slice downwards to remove the green peel. Try to cut as thinly as possible to preserve maximum fruit, like you’re peeling an apple.
Step 6
Now, let’s cut the watermelon flesh into bite-sized pieces. Take a quartered section and cut it lengthwise into long strips. Then, turn the strips and cut them crosswise to create cubes. This method is great for smoothies or salads.
Step 7
For smaller, neater pieces, try this variation. Lay the long strips flat and cut them lengthwise again into multiple smaller strips. This creates smaller, manageable pieces perfect for snacking.
Step 8
When transferring the cut watermelon pieces to a container, gently slide your knife underneath each piece to lift and move it without crushing. Carefully place them into your chosen container.
Step 9
Here’s a fun tip for making watermelon bento boxes! Arrange the watermelon pieces Tetris-style within the container. Fitting them snugly and aesthetically can make your bento box look incredibly appealing.
Step 10
Let’s move on to the second method, especially useful for watermelons with thinner rinds. Similar to peeling an apple, you can gently slice off the rind by holding the knife almost parallel to the fruit. This minimizes fruit loss.
Step 11
If your watermelon is irregularly shaped or round, making perfect cubes can be difficult. In such cases, simply cut the watermelon into larger, manageable chunks, much like you would cut daikon radish. This is a quick and easy way to cut any watermelon shape, and large chunks are easy for kids to hold and eat.
Step 12
Store these larger chunks in a container, stacking them neatly like you would store kimchi or daikon radish cubes. This keeps them fresh and readily accessible for a quick snack.
Step 13
We’ve now explored two effective methods for cutting watermelon neatly and a great tip for making watermelon bento boxes. Enjoy this sweet and refreshing fruit throughout the summer!
