How to Cut Watermelon into Perfect Cubes and Store It Fresh
Choosing the Best Watermelon, Cubing Technique, Refrigeration Tips, and Watermelon Rind Recycling Guide
We got our first watermelon of the season thanks to my daughters, who have been singing ‘Watermelon, Watermelon!’ all day. They devoured it, saying, ‘I missed watermelon so much~’ hahaha. In the past, I used to slice it into wedges or just cut it haphazardly. But this time, I tried cubing it neatly and storing it in the fridge, which felt so reassuring! To help you pick out a delicious watermelon, I’ll show you how to choose one, how to cut it into cubes, and how to store it to keep it fresh.
Ingredients
- 1 whole watermelon
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Nowadays, watermelons often come without their stems removed. This is because moisture can escape from the stem area, causing the watermelon to spoil more easily. If you’re buying a watermelon without a stem, look for one with a small ‘belly button’ (the blossom end) and clear, distinct stripes. The smaller the belly button, the fewer seeds and thinner the rind, resulting in a sweeter taste. Deep, vibrant stripes and a powdery white film on the surface often indicate a higher sugar content.
Step 2
Another great tip for choosing a watermelon is to tap it. If it sounds clear and resonant when tapped, it means the flesh is firm and the watermelon is delicious. A dull thud might indicate it’s overripe.
Step 3
How long can you keep cut watermelon fresh? Cut watermelon loses its flavor over time, so it’s best to consume it within 2-3 days, though it can be stored for up to 5 days. Since it’s difficult to eat a whole watermelon at once, proper storage is key. Storing cut watermelon directly wrapped in plastic wrap or in a plastic bag can lead to rapid bacterial growth. It’s much better to cut it into cubes and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Step 4
Before cutting the watermelon, it’s essential to wash its exterior thoroughly. This prevents any dirt or bacteria on the rind from contaminating the edible flesh. Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the watermelon’s surface, gently scrub with a soft sponge, and then rinse it thoroughly with water.
Step 5
Now, let’s get to cubing this delicious watermelon! First, cut the watermelon in half. This makes the subsequent steps much easier.
Step 6
Next, we’ll cut the watermelon to match the height of our storage container. Adjusting the height so the watermelon pieces fit snugly is important for stable storage.
Step 7
Cut the watermelon pieces about 0.5 cm shorter than the height of your container. This leaves a little space, so when you close the lid, the watermelon won’t be compressed, helping it stay fresher for longer. Be mindful of the watermelon’s shape and size as you cut.
Step 8
To make the watermelon pieces perfectly square, I trimmed the sides like playing Tetris, fitting them precisely to the container’s dimensions. This allows for a neat, gap-free arrangement in the container, making storage much tidier.
Step 9
By cutting the watermelon to fit the container as closely as possible, it becomes much easier to store and eat. It’s so convenient to just grab a piece whenever you want! I highly recommend this method!
Step 10
Once the watermelon is cut into nice, bite-sized cubes, arrange them attractively in a clean, airtight container. Now, chill and enjoy! Remember to dispose of the watermelon rinds according to your local recycling guidelines.
