How to Carve Cantaloupe & Watermelon for a Centerpiece

Edible cantaloupe and watermelon centerpieces add gorgeous and delicious touches to any table setting. Fanciful effects can be accomplished by using proper tools and techniques to carve and shape the round fruits. You can create a variety of designs with your selection of cutting utensils and the way in which you construct the centerpiece. The best part of cantaloupe and watermelon centerpieces is that they serve two purposes: visual effect and scrumptious appetizer.

Things You'll Need

• Cantaloupe or watermelon
• Vegetable brush
• Clean towel
• Non-toxic water soluble marker
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Melon baller
• Vegetable peeler
• Ice cream scoop

Instructions

1. Wash the melon with warm water and a nylon bristled vegetable brush.

2. Place the melon on a clean dry towel to prevent it from rolling and to absorb any juice that may leak or spill.

3. Use a non-toxic water soluable marker to draw a design on the fruit shell. A zigzag horizontal line, when cut away, will leave an ornamental boat to hold balled melon. For a basket effect, a verticle rind handle can be left in the center.

4. Cut along the maker design with a sharp kitchen knife. Insert the blade deep enough so the pieces are easily removed when cutting is complete.

5. Scoop out the flesh of the fruit with a melon baller. Place the shaped fruit in a clean bowl, cover and refrigerate until the carving is complete.

6. Smooth the edges of the cut melon with a vegetable peeler.

7. Scrape any remaining flesh from inside the fruit shell with an ice cream scoop.

8. Return the balled fruit to the completed carving and set out right before serving begins.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a crinkle cutter in place of, or in addition to, a kitchen knife for carving decorative edges into the melon.

• Keep sharp utensils out of the reach of children.

References

• Bella Online
• Melon centerpiece

Resources

• Watermelon basket centerpiece