How to Cut and Slice a Watermelon in 20 Seconds: the #1 Easy Hack to Do It With Dental Floss

It's finally watermelon season, the time of year when the juicy, spongy, red fruit makes everyone's summer so much better. However, cutting a watermelon can be a messy affair, with juice, rind, and seeds everywhere. What if we told you there's a trick to cut and slice a watermelon beautifully for a fruit display, eating contests, or simply snacking on it after dinner or during an afternoon? Read on to discover how you can cut a watermelon in under 20 seconds!

How to Cut and Slice Watermelon in 20 Seconds

The number one tool you'll need to cut watermelon is both ingenious and absolutely unexpected: we're talking about dental floss.Dental floss is thin and strong, allowing it to cut through the soft flesh of the watermelon without crushing it. This method is safe for both the watermelon and you, as it eliminates the risk of injury from sharp knives. Plus, it's quick and efficient!

• Start with a clean piece of dental floss, ensuring it's unflavored and unwaxed to avoid any taste transfer.
• Hold the watermelon steady and place the dental floss near the rind. Slide the floss under the rind, working it through to cut a perfect slice.
• Repeat the process to create slices of the desired thickness. The floss glides through the watermelon with minimal effort, leaving clean edges and reducing mess.

Should You Cut Watermelon When It's Still Cold or Warm?

The ideal time to cut a watermelon is when it is cold. Refrigerating the watermelon before cutting helps firm up the flesh, making it easier to handle and less likely to break apart. This also helps in reducing the mess caused by the juice. After cutting, it’s best to refrigerate the slices immediately to maintain their freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Should You Wash Your Watermelon Before or After You Cut It?

It's best to wash the watermelon before cutting it. Even though the rind is not eaten, washing it under running water and scrubbing with a brush can remove dirt, bacteria, and any residues that might transfer to the flesh during cutting. Washing after cutting is unnecessary and can lead to waterlogged pieces, which affects the taste and texture.

How to Store Sliced Watermelon

Store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep the watermelon juicy and prevents it from absorbing other refrigerator odors. Sliced watermelon can last up to three days in the refrigerator. If not refrigerated, it should be consumed within a few hours to ensure it remains safe to eat and retains its best quality.