Watermelon Cutting Made Quick & Easy for the Win in Any Season

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by Watermelon.org.

We are well into the busy fall season and I just scored a big seedless watermelon at my local market, they were parked right next to the pumpkins outside and more inside! My day was MADE bringing this watermelon home – the sun was shining on me, literally and figuratively.

It felt like I was squeezing out extra summer from the year with my produce department find but actually watermelon is becoming more and more prevalent in grocery stores well outside warm-weather months. In hindsight, I can’t believe I almost didn’t buy the watermelon – thinking I didn’t have the TIME to cut it up and store it away during the weekend’s whirlwind of activities.

But after I checked out the fresh cut watermelon in the produce department (the slices on Styrofoam trays and chunks in plastic tubs), I decided that my budget this month was more “cut it yourself” than “sheer convenience.” So, made a beeline back to the whole watermelon bins and picked out a beautiful looking 16-pound watermelon that felt nice and heavy and had that ripeness-telling creamy yellow spot on the bottom.

Check out how quick and easy it is to cut watermelon!

When my hubby saw me hauling the watermelon into the house (a great workout by the way), he was super excited that we’d be taking it along as great pre- and post-race snack for our obstacle course race this weekend. He knows, from my years of gushing over watermelon and its frequent appearance on our family menu, that watermelon is fabulous for athletes – hydrating, has good carbs to provide energy, and a source of many important vitamins and minerals that we need.

Didn’t have lot of time to spare before we headed out on our weekend excursion. I was wondering how long does it take to cut watermelon, exactly. I’ve done it countless times, but never really paid any attention – I do know my feeling is that “it’s easier than people think.” so, I decided to give this watermelon cutting session a timer – not to rush through, but to legitimately see how long it took using one of my favorite watermelon cutting methods.

*Just a little over 5 minutes to cut up my watermelon!*

The result: My 16-pound watermelon* took 5 minutes and 16 seconds to cut and toss into storage containers. I wasn’t racing, but I wasn’t lollygagging or taking a ton of my usual watermelon snacking breaks – I was pretty focused on the task. so, boom — 5 minutes — I have just overcome the time objection that I hear from some of you about getting the “big” watermelon. as, for storing a watermelon, which can sometimes be unwieldy to fit in a fridge whole, chunking it up and sealing in stackable storage containers can help you optimize valuable fridge real estate.

*The average seedless watermelon is 8- to 12-pounds. My cutting demo watermelon was 16-pounds and in Texas I’ve purchased seedless watermelon much, much larger (30+ pounds).

MY GO-TO QUICK & EASY WAY TO CUT WATEMELON

Wash exterior of rind to prevent contaminants from dragging into flesh with each knife slice. I do this as soon as I bring home from store, so it’s not reflected in my 5-minute cutting time.
Lay watermelon on side and slice off just enough of each end, sparing as much watermelon flesh as possible, so that it will stand stable when rotating upright.
Stand watermelon upright and take large knife (I prefer a really large serrated knife), and make vertical cuts down the melon in one long motion, top to bottom, curving gently with the shape of watermelon. This is about 8 total cuts, more or less, depending on watermelon size
While it’s still “standing up,” slice de-rinded watermelon lengthwise through the center, top to bottom, and lay one half down on the cutting board with the curved side up.
If you desire “chunks”, make about 2 to 3 horizontal slices through the center of the half, depending on the largeness of your watermelon. then slice top to bottom in in approximate 1” rows going each direction. if you want “sticks,” just skip the first horizontal cut mentioned in this step.
Package up in air-tight containers and store in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
Compost the watermelon rinds, or use in a recipe – check out my Churro Watermelon Rind Fries in the Air Fryer.

Watermelon.org shows a very similar cutting method on their website.

Watermelon Juice 101: How to Make, Store, and Serve with a Boost

Posted on August 30, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

I’m here to give you all the juicy details about watermelon juice. Not just why I personally adore it, but why you will be hard-pressed not to love it too! Ex-squeeze me for all the puns. Also, learn how to make watermelon juice at home, how to store it plus how long it will stay fresh, and discover simple 1-ingredient stir-ins to entertain your taste buds.

At 92% water, watermelon is one of my favorite choices to stay hydrated, especially after runs, workouts and other active endeavors. During the summer season, icy cold juice (or even handful of frozen cubes) is so refreshing and in the winter months, I’ve been known to warm it up, which is surprisingly delicious. Either way, an 8-ounce serving of watermelon juice provides me fluids, vitamins and minerals that my body needs like vitamin C (19.4mg), vitamin A (67.2mcg), and B6 (108mcg), potassium (269mg), and lycopene (10.9mg).

Watermelon is a Smart Alternative to Soda

If had to name one vice, it would be drinking soda. But swapping with watermelon juice satisfies my craving in a naturally sweet way and helps me avoid the refined sugar, caffeine and artificial stuff. At 72 calories per 8-ounce serving, watermelon juice is a great alternative to sodas – plus you can even add sparkling water to make it a bigger, bubblier treat.

How to Make Watermelon Juice

Watermelon juice is really something you should make at home if you want to ensure the best beverage every time plus save a ton of money. I’ve seen bottled fresh watermelon juice in some better stores, but you really have to scrutinize the label to make sure you’re getting 100% juice and not flavorings and sugar fillers. Also, those elusive cold-pressed bottles of watermelon juice out there are expensive – anywhere from $3 to $5 or more for a “single” serving bottle. Heck for $5 or a little more here in Texas, I can get the whole watermelon and make much, much more juice (plus have leftovers enjoy a wedge or two on the side).

Also, here’s an easy watermelon juice tutorial from Watermelon.org You can see it’s as easy as cutting, blending and straining (if you desire).

*Straining watermelon juice is not necessary, just stir up pulp before serving.*

You can also avoid food waste by making watermelon juice with the remaining flesh of a cut watermelon that is over-ripe or is about to reach expiration in the fridge. Watermelon.org says that a large watermelon can last up to 7 days chilled between 9°F and 36°F. Also, I have another watermelon juice collecting hack. After I cut up a big watermelon to store in the fridge, I pour off the seeped juice sitting in the bottom of the container every night and morning – it’s amazing how much juice you collect, even when you end up eating all the watermelon! I also feel like it helps keep the texture of the cut watermelon at its best.

How Long Does Watermelon Juice Stay Fresh? Watermelon juice, because it is fresh and unpasteurized, should be consumed in 24 to 72 hours after juicing and kept chilled between 9°F-36°F In addition, the USDA recommends not leaving unpasteurized juice sitting out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacteria growth. At this time, watermelon juice can be frozen for longer term storage

How to Freeze Watermelon Juice Freeze watermelon juice within 24-72 hours of making it and having storing it properly in the fridge. You can freeze watermelon juice for up to 6 to 12 months in a freezer set to 0°F. Freeze watermelon juice in glass canning jars, air-tight freezer containers (tubs or heavy baggies), or even ice cube trays (later pop out and store in a freezer bag). Make sure that your container has enough headroom at the top, about 1 or 2 inches for a jar, to allow for expansion during the freezing process. When ready to thaw, please set in the refrigerator overnight rather than leaving on the counter

Other Food Safety Tips for Cutting Watermelon & Juicing

Only use watermelon that are free from signs of damage. Bruises, fissures and mushy spots could indicate contamination. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting watermelons. Before cutting watermelon for juicing (or just eating), wash the outer surface thoroughly with cool tap water to remove surface dirt. Use a clean knife. Chill cut watermelon within 4 hours of cutting and store between 9°F-36°F for no more than 7 days.

Single-Ingredient Watermelon Juice “Mix-Ins”

Looking for a simple way to switch it up! Have fun with these easy flavor ideas to boost your watermelon juice.

Watermelon Juice Pro-Tips for School-Age Parents:

Pour watermelon juice into ice-pop molds for a naturally sweet dessert.
Add a frozen bottle of watermelon juice to a child’s lunchbox as a drink that will thaw out by lunch and also keep the lunchbox cool.
Add sparkling water to watermelon juice as a faux-soda for children who are starting to beg for bubbly drinks.

watermelon juice is a hydrating, sweet, natural beverage that is easy and economical to make at home.

Simple Watermelon Juice (1 ingredient)

Prep Time

10 mins

Total Time

10 mins

Enjoy a refreshing, hydrating, nutrient-packed beverage by making watermelon juice. Making your own watermelon juice is much more economical the purchasing fresh in the store (if you can even find it). So great for post workout refueling (or to make cocktails and mocktails)!

Course: Beverage, beverages, Fruit

Keyword: fruit, immersion blender, juice, juicing, watermelon

Ingredients

1 watermelon (or part of one watermelon) cut into 1" chunks

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

MIX-INS: Add to 8-ounces watermelon juice:

tbsp. Lemon or Lime Juice
3 drops Vanilla Extract
1/4 tsp. ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp. grated Ginger
1/2 tsp. Sriracha Sauce
2 tbsp. Collagen Powder
Pinch Himalayan Sea Salt
1- oz. Tequila Vodka or Rum

MIXERS – Choose one, mix 50/50 with juice:

Sparkling Mineral Water
Vegetable Blend Juice
Prosecco Wine
Hot or Iced Tea

Instructions

Wash outside of watermelon. Slice and cut into1” chunks. .
Place in blender pitcher, and pulse for about 15to 30 seconds until liquified.
Pour through strainer to remove pulp. Discard pulp to compost or save for another use.
If preferred, you can leave pulp in juice for a thicker effect. Remember to stir back in before serving.
Store in fridge for 24to 72 hours or freeze inair-tight containers for up to 12 months.
Amazing to drink "as-is" but add optional mix-ins or mixers, as desired, to satisfy any given mood.

Recipe Notes

Watermelon Gazpacho (with Feta) for One

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

Say YES to this watermelon soup in the summer, it’s so refreshing – naturally light and sweet-spicy and hydrating – a good way to “eat” your water. The cucumber and watermelon in the recipe are loaded with water (96% water and almost 93% water respectively) which makes it no surprise the pair up are actually botanic siblings.

Refreshing and just for you! Whip up a single-serving batch of this hydrating, delicious cold soup made with watermelon, cucumbers and tomato -- no-cook and ready in minutes.

In addition to staying hydrated on a hot day, I like slurping up a bowl of this cold soup because it doesn’t make me feel bloated and heavy — in fact, it’s detoxing after an indulgent weekend thanks to robust levels of water, fiber, important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Watch this 15-second tutorial!

I have been on a binge of “recipes for one” lately and have been working behind the scenes on a cooking for one cookbook. Making soup for one, may seem like too much effort, but trust me this simple and speedy recipe is almost no effort at all. And, even with college kids at home this summer, I still like to make this single-serve gazpacho and other recipes for one because I hate food waste, and they are most often always going their separate ways at the dinner area (such social lives)!

Making this cold soup with watermelon is easy-breezy – just gather up the ingredients (a little chopping involved, but it’s not intense), and then drop most everything in the blender (except reserve some extra watermelon that’s be diced up really find to stir into the blended soup for texture). And, top with crumbled feta cheese and extra fresh herbs, if desired.

BTW, for single-batch recipes like this watermelon gazpacho, I like to use a mini-blender for effective blending. Often in my larger blender, the ingredients don’t rise high enough over the blade level.

Fruit soups make a good substitute for dessert when I’m being mindful of my diet. The recipe makes about 12-ounces and has 219 calories, 15g fat, 19g carb, 3g dietary fiber, and 4g protein. If you want to cut down the fat and calorie count, you can trim down the olive oil from 1 tablespoon to 2 teaspoons and by omit the tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese as the topping. Together this is about a 60-calorie reduction – it’s still a tasty recipe, however, I think the recipe is more satisfying how originally written.

Detoxing Cranberry Gazpacho makes a lovely light chilled soup for your meal. Blended with healthful ingredients like cranberries, watermelon, cucumber to flush the body of excess water and toxins.

If you love cold fruit soups and watermelon, I think you’ll be berry excited about a past recipe of mine — Cranberry Watermelon Gazpacho.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission from products purchased, but price to you remains the same. Proceeds help offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

5 from 5 votes

Watermelon Gazpacho! Refreshing and just for you! Whip up a single-serving batch of this hydrating, delicious cold soup made with watermelon, cucumbers and tomato -- no-cook and ready in minutes.

Watermelon Gazpacho (with Feta) for One

Prep Time

5 mins

Total Time

5 mins

Refreshing and just for you! Whip up a single-serving batch of this hydrating, delicious cold soup made with watermelon, cucumbers and tomato — no-cook and ready in mintues.

Course: Snack, Soup

Keyword: watermelon

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 219 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup chopped cold watermelon reserve ¼ cup
1 5- ounce ripe tomato
½ cup chopped cucumber peeled and seeded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoons lime juice
½ teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or other fresh herb like mint or basil divided
1 tablespoon crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

Set aside 1/4 cup of watermelon and dice down into small bits (will be stired in at the end).
Add watermelon, tomato, cucumber, olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, red pepper, most of the fresh herbs (save some for garnish), red and black pepper, and pinch of salt to blender. Blend for about 30 seconds or until mostly smooth.
Best served cold, so if you did not start with cold watermelon, chill gazpacho for at least 30 minutes.
Pour into bowl and stir in diced watermelon. Top with crumbled feta cheese and herbs.

Recipe Notes

Have a “Slice” Day! How Watermelon Can Boost Mood

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by Watermelon.org .

I’m so confident that watermelon can boost your mood that I created a wonderful, wacky holiday to celebrate! March 23, 2022 is now “Have a Slice Day” and I’m sure it will ensure that you have a NICE day!

Have a Slice Day - March 23, 2022 A day to celebrate all the nice, mood-boosting things about watermelon. More info at thefitfork.com

There seems to be a day on the calendar for everything, from National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (1/31) and National Talk in an Elevator Day (7/29). Here’s a watermelon holiday I celebration every year: National Watermelon Day on August 3^rd. But we need more special watermelon celebration days. These “holidays” might seem random and maybe even frivolous to some. However, I think any reason to celebrate life holds a huge benefit for mental wellness. These fun days, like my “Have a Slice” Day, capture your attention and whisk your mind away (even if momentarily) from the stresses of everyday life here on this planet.

When these wacky days are food-related (especially watermelon), well, it’s all even better in my book. Not only does seeing watermelon instantly pull up multitudes of happy memories in my life, it is also a fruit that can help lift mood.

Watermelon is a happy food! Aside from making great memories and tasting sweet, find out how a serving of watermelon can help boost your mood. — *Pin this for later!*

WAYS WATERMELON CAN LIFT YOUR MOOD:

senior man father and adult woman daughter enjoying watermelon thefitfork.com

Sharing with Friends: When you share watermelon with a friend or family member, you are not only providing a nutritious snack, but one that will make them smile. An increase in smiling means an increase in mood — at least in my real-life, anecdotal experiences.

A Smart Dessert Option: Who doesn’t love dessert? Eating a serving of watermelon is a smart choice. It’s a whole food that is unrefined, unprocessed and naturally sweet. A two-cup serving has 80 calories, no fat, 2 grams protein and 21 grams of carbohydrate to fuel life.

Improves Hydration: The 92% water content keeps you hydrated, which is essential for mood.

May Lessen Muscle Soreness: I don’t know about you, but I’m a little cranky if I have delayed onset muscle fatigue from exercise. An emerging area of study is exploring how the amino acid L-citrulline in watermelon juice, consumed as a post-workout drink, may help reduce muscle soreness within the following 24 hours. It also has 25% of the DV for vitamin C, which is needed for the repair and growth of all tissues in the body. Being less sore and able to return to the activities I love quickly, definitely lifts my mood!

Fun Workout “Equipment”: Lift your mood my LIFTING watermelon. Yes, my friends, using watermelon as an exercise rate in your workout, is the very essence of functional. Use it for your sweat session, then slice it open to gobble up – workout gear plus rehydration and recovery nutrients all in one delicious, self-contained package!

Use a smaller watermelon to pump up your heart rate by lifting it above your head during jumping jacks or put it in a canvas tote and swing it around like a kettle bell. Heavier watermelons can be used for exercises like deadlifts, squats, and walking shoulder carries. Really, workout ideas with watermelon are endless and I’ve shared many fun ways to use it in a fitness routine at thefitfork.com.

Try These Two Watermelon Workouts:

Fit and Fresh Watermelon Workout

Watermelon Home Workout

Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider Warms Spirits in Holiday Season

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

This post is sponsored by National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Watermelon warms the soul and spirit in any season! Simmer a pot of Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider for friends and family this holiday season, it’s a hot holiday punch that is naturally sweet and delicious.

This easy-to-make warm punch featuring watermelon juice is naturally sweet and delicious, bejeweled with fruit and fragrant with seasonal spices. Brandy optional! Perfect for holiday entertaining, including brunches, open houses, cocktail parties and more!

Bejeweled with fruit and fragrant with seasonal spices, this easy-to-make hot punch is features watermelon juice. Fresh watermelon juice is available for purchase in the produce department of many larger grocery stores, or make your own by blending cubed watermelon and straining off the pulp. Check out Watermelon.org for a great demo on how to make watermelon juice.

Ingredients for Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider, a hot holiday punch

This warm holiday punch is primarily watermelon juice, an amazing fresh juice that offers vitamin C, lycopene, l-citrulline, and other beneficial nutrients. I also added spiced apple cider and always use the fresh, no-added-sugar, 100% juice cider from the chilled section of my market.

For a show-stopping presentation (and to make a drink that you can also snack on), add a generous amount of fruit to the pot including diced watermelon, fresh cranberries, pears and apples. Is it a fruit salad, beverage or both? You decide!!!

Spices used in Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider including cinnamon, cloves and star anise.

While simmering on the stove top, add whole spices such as cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole cloves. Watermelon and cinnamon make magic together, you can even just sprinkle a little on a wedge for an instant flavor experience. Also, allspice, nutmeg and cardamon are additional spices that would work well in this hot watermelon drink, use all mentioned or any combination you prefer! Used frequently in in hot beverages, these warming, aromatic spices are called “mulling spices.” Add smaller bits, such as cloves and allspice, to a tea ball so that they can be easily strained out before serving. However, keep the whole cinnamon sticks in – they make fun stirrers!

Completely optional, but a nice add-in to this watermelon apple cider is a bit of brandy – it just blends in so nicely with the fruit juices and spices!

Pro tip: For a lingering brunch gathering or holiday open house, keep the watermelon punch warmed for hours in a slow-cooker set on low.

For more ways to enjoy watermelon during the holiday season, including more watermelon beverages and pairing suggestions perfect for a grazing tray, visit Watermelon.org .

5 from 2 votes

Mulled Watermelon Apple Cider

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

30 mins

Watermelon is wonderful in every season! Ladle mugs full of this warm watermelon punch that is bejeweled with fruit and steeped with mulling spices like cinnamon and cloves!

Course: Beverage, party

Keyword: christmas, cider, entertaining, punch, spiced, watermelon

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

6 cups fresh 100% watermelon juice
3 cups fresh 100% spiced apple cider
Mulling spices of choice* including cinnamon sticks, star anise, whole cloves, grated nutmeg, cardamon
1 cup brandy optional
2 cups diced watermelon
1 small apple sliced crosswise and quartered
1 small pear sliced crosswise and quartered
1 cup fresh cranberries

Instructions

In large pot or slow cooker, add watermelon juice and apple cider.
Add mulling spices. Cinnamon sticks and big pieces of star anise can be used whole, but smaller spices should be placed in a tea ball for easy discarding after simmering.
Bring juices to low simmer, for 15 minutes, allowing spices to steep. If using slow cooker, heat on high for 1 hour, then reduce heat to warm for serving.
If desired, add brandy in the last few minutes of cooking. Drink is equally delicious without alcohol, option is yours.
Ladle out and pour into mugs.

Recipe Notes

*During the holiday season, “mulling spice” blends are sometimes available in the bulk or spice aisle of store for convenience