:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/watermelon-hacks-GettyImages-1386202461-be31784cd6f64edd80b6f87814f47063.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "Watermelon Lovers Swear by These 7 Smart Hacks for Slicing, Storing, and Serving the Fruit")
You know it’s officially summer when the giant bins of watermelons show up at the front of the grocery store. Watermelons are truly the fruit of the season—sweet, refreshing, and practically designed for hot afternoons and backyard gatherings. But let’s be honest: buying a whole one can feel like a commitment. They’re huge, heavy, and once you get them home, you’re faced with the intimidating task of actually slicing into the thing. One wrong move and you’ve got juice everywhere, and a sticky unwanted mess.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be such a sticky struggle. These days, there are tons of smart, no-fuss hacks that make prepping and serving watermelon way easier than it used to be. Whether you’re looking for a neater way to slice it, a smarter way to store leftovers, or a creative twist on how to serve it, there’s a trick that takes the hassle out of the whole operation. Some of these tips I’ve picked up from friends, others I’ve found while trying to avoid turning my kitchen into a juice-slicked mess—but they’ve all made watermelon feel like less of a project, and more like the effortless summer snack it should be.
Here are my favorite watermelon hacks that make the most of the delicious fruit!
Cut Watermelon Into Sticks for Less Mess
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Forget those standard watermelon wedges. Slicing your watermelon into sticks (just crisscross cuts through a quartered melon) makes for cleaner, handheld pieces that are perfect for kids, crowds, and anyone who doesn’t want juice running down their arms.
Stabilize a Watermelon with a Trimmed Base
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Before you start cutting, slice a thin layer off one end so the melon sits flat on your cutting board. You’ll get more control, fewer rolling melons, and less risk of slipping mid-slice.
Use a Colander to Keep Watermelon Crisp
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Storing cut watermelon? Set a colander inside a bowl before adding your chunks. This keeps the pieces from sitting in juice, which means they stay fresher and firmer for a longer period of time. I like to use the leftover watermelon juice in cocktails or mocktails, but you can also just drink it on its own.
Use Cookie Cutters to Slice Watermelon Into Fun Shapes
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Use metal cookie cutters to stamp out stars, hearts, or circles from thick watermelon slices. This trick is fun, easy, and turns a basic fruit platter into something a little more festive—no fancy garnish required. You can even get the kids involved for an engaging summertime activity.
Freeze Extra Watermelon
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If you can’t finish a whole melon (understandable), freeze leftover cubes for smoothies, blended drinks, or flavored ice cubes. Just freeze the watermelon pieces on a tray or baking sheet first so they don’t stick together.
Add Salt or Tajín to Watermelon to Enhance Flavor
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A light sprinkle of salt or chili-lime seasoning like Tajín brings out watermelon’s sweetness and gives it a little edge—especially if your melon hasn’t reached peak ripeness. For something a bit more mild and familiar (but just as delicious!) sprinkle some lime zest over watermelon slices instead.
Freeze and Grate Watermelon for an Easy Granita
If you have leftover watermelon, freeze chunks and then use a box grater to shave the frozen fruit into fluffy, icy flakes. This quick homemade granita is a naturally sweet, refreshing treat that’s perfect for cooling off on a hot day—no ice cream maker needed. I recently made this as a late night sweet treat, and it did not disappoint!
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