There's A Clear Winner For The Best Watermelon Cutting Method

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Watermelon might be the unofficial fruit of summer, but getting it from whole and round to bite-sized and snackable can be messy. Of course, wedges are a classic, but they're also bulky, they never come out all the same size, and can be hard for smaller hands to handle. But you don't have to let that deter you. You can stroll into the supermarket to buy a watermelon with confidence knowing that cutting it won't be a headache. More people are trying out the "long sticks" method, where you slice the watermelon in half and cut in a grid pattern so you can pull out delicious sticks ready for snacking. Once you try it, you'll understand why it's a game-changer.

Instead of cutting your melon into big, floppy triangles that drip everywhere, slicing it into tidy sticks gives you a cleaner, more shareable option. It's fast, it's simple, and best of all, it makes watermelon feel more like a snack and less like a full-on commitment. But more than that, it's a great presentation trick when you're hosting or serving kids who don't want to wrestle with a wedge the size of their face. You can even stand the sticks upright in a glass for a more fun display — a kind of edible bouquet, if you will.

Cutting a whole watermelon might seem daunting, but it's easier than it looks. Start by thoroughly rinsing and drying the melon — remember, it's been handled by plenty of people on its journey from the field to your kitchen. 

To keep things steady, dampen a paper towel, place it under the cutting board, and use a kitchen towel to manage any juice. Use the largest board you have for ample space and reach for a long, sharp chef's knife to make clean, safe cuts. Cut the watermelon in half and place one half to the side. 

You can cut off the four sides of the halved watermelon and keep the top intact, but it's optional. Slicing the watermelon horizontally is your best bet. 1-inch slices should be good to start with. You can then rotate the cutting board or turn the slices to the side to then cut 1-inch slices in the opposite direction.

The long-stick technique turns watermelon into a low-effort finger food which leaves the rind on as a built-in handle, so there's no need for forks, napkins, or sticky hands. People can just grab and go; that alone makes it ideal for cookouts, poolside snacks, and lunchboxes. Another amazing byproduct of using sticks ... people actually eat more of it. Smaller portions invite more casual snacking, which is a psychology trick that works well when you're encouraging kids (or picky adults) to reach for something refreshing and hydrating. One or two sticks feels approachable. Next thing you know, half the melon is gone and nobody's complaining.

If you want to make your watermelon snack even more appealing, adding a dip on the side is a simple upgrade. Something like vanilla yogurt, honey-lime drizzle, or a chili-lime seasoning can take your fruit plate from basic to fancy. It's still healthy, still easy — just a little more fun. You could even try a whipped feta or herbed cream cheese spread if you're going for more of a sweet-savory combo.

Another fun element to try is switching up the texture. A crinkle-cut knife, for example, can turn those melon sticks into fun "fries" that feel playful and look nice. This works especially well for parties and themed gatherings. If you're using that type of knife, you may find it easier to remove the rind first, which also makes the sticks look more like french fries.

These tricks barely take any more time, but give your tray a polished, intentional look that people will notice. You can add some contrasting fruits like kiwi or blueberries around the edge of the tray for extra color. The best part of the long-stick method is that it doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. It just offers a smarter, more user-friendly way to enjoy something everyone already loves. It's simple, clean, and surprisingly versatile — everything a great snack should be.