Stop Cutting Your Watermelon Into Wedges And Do This Instead

Juicy and sweet, a perfectly ripe watermelon is the quintessential summer snack. However, the unwieldy shape and size of this fruit (which happens to be the largest berry in the world) make it tricky to cut into manageable pieces. While slicing watermelon into wedges has a nostalgic appeal, cutting it into sticks is a maverick method that comes with several perks.

The easiest way to cut watermelon into uniform sticks is to split the entire fruit into equal halves first, before laying one of the pieces cut side down on a chopping board. Then, you need to make a series of parallel cuts running across its length (about an inch apart) before doing the same crosswise. This creates a grid-like pattern, allowing you to pull out a single piece by the rind to reveal a cute little handheld stick. 

This method is excellent for meal prep, as each segment has straight lines on three of its sides, so the sticks can fit neatly, laid side by side in a rectangular box, saving space. It's much trickier to store wedges this way because of their triangular shape and curved edges. Secondly, the little piece of rind on one end acts as the perfect handle, allowing you to keep your fingers relatively juice-free. Moreover, as each segment is narrow and blocky versus wedge-shaped, it makes for a cleaner eating experience because you can chomp all the way down to the rind without getting juice on your face.

The smaller portion-size of watermelon sticks versus wedges makes them perfect for children with smaller appetites and creates less food waste. However, their neat geometric shape also means they look super-pretty when arranged on a serving platter for adult guests at barbecues and picnics. Of course, you can remove the rind if you want to turn your fruit into a watermelon and feta salad, or serve it simply as is as a refreshing appetizer with a sprinkling of Tajin. Watermelon keeps for up to a week when placed in an airtight container and refrigerated, so don't be shy of preparing larger varieties, like Black Diamonds.

Watermelon sticks can be turned into popsicles, too — simply spear a popsicle stick through the rind and partway into the flesh before freezing. While this can't be classed as a classic popsicle made with fruit juice and sweeteners, it's a healthier alternative that's perfect for cooling down a bunch of kids when the temperatures soar. Meanwhile, the watermelon rinds are a secret superfood, so don't discard them. Rich in fibre, you can give them a quick rinse and add them to smoothies, turn them into tart pickles, or toss them into stir fries for crunch and color.