1. Look the watermelon over.
   You are looking for a firm, symmetrical watermelon
   that is free from bruises, cuts or dents.
   
   
2. Lift it up.
   The watermelon should be heavy for its size.
   Watermelon is 92% water, most of the weight is water.
   
   
3. Turn it over.
   The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy
   yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
   
   
4. Cut a small, thin, flat piece from the bottom of the
   watermelon before carving. This will make a flat base,
   making the watermelon more stable when carving.
   
   

De-seeding a watermelon:

Cut watermelon in half, then in quarters


Cut through the flesh of the melon along the seed line with a pairing knife. Now,
lift off the piece you just cut out.


Using a fork, scrape the seeds from the piece you just removed and from the
remaining flesh on the rind.

Handle your whole watermelon gently, to avoid internal bruising.

Wash hands.

Wash your watermelon in running water, rinse well and pat dry.

Cut the flesh from the rind, and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Place in covered container and refrigerate immediately.

Keep cut watermelon refrigerated until consumed, up to 3-4 days.

The flesh of the watermelon should appear dense and firm.

Refrigerate to preserve maximum freshness.

Cover the cut surface of a melon with plastic wrap to prevent the flesh from becoming mushy.

Store chunks of watermelon in covered plastic containers.

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Carved watermelons are fun for parties or anytime!

Easy Wartermelon Carving Tips

Following These Tips Will Make Carving Easier, Safer and
Give You More Professional Results

Have the whole watermelon at room temperature when
you carve. The cuts will be easier to make when the
watermelon is not cold. You can chill the watermelon
in the refrigerator after cutting and before serving.


Cut a small, thin, flat piece from the bottom of the
watermelon before carving. This will make a flat base,
making the watermelon more stable when carving.


Draw the design on the watermelon rind with a fine/medium point waterproof marker or a sharp pencil before you cut.


After you've drawn the design on the rind, insert toothpicks in key places to use as
guides for your cuts.


Use a sharp knife with a pointed tip * the sharper the knife, the easier and cleaner
the cuts will be. Be careful!


Consider using a channel knife for certain cuts and to hollow
out larger areas.


For better grip and to help protect your hands, use a fresh,
new thick pair of gardening gloves with gripper palms.


Choose a flat working surface on a solid base.


For more detailed designs, draw a template first on a sheet of white paper with a marker or pencil. When finished, transfer the image to the watermelon surface by taping the paper to the melon and tracing along the design's lines with a pencil, making the design right on the watermelon surface.


When attaching cut pieces on the watermelon to make your design, use round toothpicks or skewers. Flat toothpicks will often break due to weight of the piece or the thickness of the rind.


Be creative and have fun!