How to Cut Watermelon Stalks (with Video!)

Learn how to cut watermelon sticks – the best, cleanest way to serve watermelon and a hit with kids! I’ll show you how, with a video and step-by-step photos.

I have a secret trick for entertaining, especially when children are present: hold something back.

What I mean by that is, after you’ve talked and eaten, and the conversation pauses or the kids need a distraction, pick something you enjoy.

Spoiler Alert: it’s usually more food!

For example, gift the kids a tray of sugar cookies, frosting and fruit to assemble and eat, or a fresh appetizer to pair with a round of after-dinner cocktails for the adults.

Or a huge slab of it watermelon sticks. I can’t stress enough what a hit these no-fuss, easy-to-eat watermelon sticks are in bulk, and they slice up in no time!

How to cut watermelon stalks: VIDEO

Perfect for entertaining

Every time I serve sticks of watermelon to a crowd or guest, I inevitably get a “WOW!” That’s a nice feeling, let’s be honest. Watermelon cubes and slices are well known, so presenting them in a large bowl or plate with chopsticks is a fun surprise.

The method of cutting watermelon stalks is not only easy to perform but also makes the watermelon a little easier to eat. When was the last time you saw someone devour a slice of watermelon and still have some dignity left over? 😉

Kids LOVE to eat watermelon stalks, too, and as a mom, I guess they’re a little less messy than watermelon wedges, which inevitably end in a sticky watermelon smile all over your ears.

How do you know if a watermelon is ripe?

The most important thing to do before slicing your watermelon into sticks is to make sure you choose a good watermelon. Unlike other melons such as cantaloupe melons, watermelon does not continue to ripen after harvest. So if you pick a good melon from the start, you’re on the right track to success.

How to pick a ripe watermelon:

1. Field location: Look for a watermelon with a large, yellow-orange field spot that indicates it has been sun-ripened for some time. A light yellow, white, or green field spot means the plant was picked early and is probably not yet ripe.
2. Weight: Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, which means it’s very juicy.
3. webbing: Usually, imperfections in fruits and berries are negative, but webbed watermelons are usually sweeter than non-webbed ones.
4. dullness: Likewise, a dark and dull watermelon indicates that it has been sun-ripened longer than a smooth and shiny watermelon.
5. No bumps: While webbing and a matte finish are preferable, watermelons with dents, lumps, and bruises should be avoided.

Expert tips for cutting

I understand that slicing a whole watermelon in general can be a little intimidating. So here are my top tips for dealing with it:

1. Wash the melon. It’s important to wash and dry your watermelon before slicing it. Not only can it come into the house with dirt from the field, but think of all those other hands that may have examined it at the store using the criteria listed above!
2. Stabilize the cutting board. Dampen a paper towel, wring it out, and place it under your cutting board to keep it from shifting and moving. I also like to keep a kitchen towel nearby to soak up the watermelon juice.
3. Choose a large cutting board. Choose the largest cutting board you have so you have room to work!
4. Choose the right knife. I recommend a long chef’s knife instead of a smaller paring knife or even a serrated knife. A sharp knife is crucial to avoid accident or injury.
5. Where to cut. For watermelon sticks, you should cut the watermelon in half widthwise rather than lengthwise or stem to stem.

Alright, let’s get started!

How to cut watermelon stalks: step by step

If you learn visually, I highly recommend checking out the video above!

Step 1: Wash and dry the watermelon.

For removing loose dirt from the outside.

Step 2: Cut it in half.

Cut the watermelon in half lengthways to form two circular halves, stem to stem and lengthwise. Place one watermelon half, cut-side down, on a large cutting board and set the other half aside.

Step 3. Create a square.

Using a sharp knife, cut off four sides of the watermelon rind, leaving the top of the rind intact.

Step 4: Slice the watermelon.

Cut the watermelon square into 1-inch slices.

Step 5: Cut in the other direction.

Either flip all of the watermelon slices or rotate the cutting board 180 degrees and then cut 1-inch slices the other way to create a lattice pattern.

Voila – watermelon sticks! I’m telling you, this is the easiest way to slice watermelon for snacking or serving in front of a crowd!

How to store and freeze it

In a large serving bowl or plate, arrange the watermelon stalks, cover with gladware or plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead of time. You can let your watermelon cool before slicing so it’s not room temperature.

• What to do with leftovers: Dice any leftover watermelon stalks and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add to lettuce, fruit salads, juices, smoothies or cocktails.
• How to freeze: Dice any leftover watermelon stalks, then place in a single layer, without touching them, on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze (don’t omit the parchment paper or the watermelon will freeze in the baking pan). Transfer the frozen cubes to a ziplock bag and freeze flat.

If you freeze watermelon cubes, you MUST come back to this post and tell me what you think. Frozen watermelon cubes look SO bizarre!

Whether you’re slicing watermelon sticks to serve to your family, your next party or gathering, I hope this watermelon stick slicing tutorial has been helpful!

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Photos by Ashley McLaughlin