How to Cut a Watermelon Into a Square

Turn watermelon from round to square.

While it is possible to force a watermelon to grow into a square shape by putting the immature round watermelon into a glass cube, it comes with a hefty price. The technique, developed in Japan as a space saving option for refrigerators, triples the price of the watermelon. Square watermelons are difficult to find in the United States. If you'd like to mimic the shape of a molded, square watermelon, do it by cutting the watermelon into a square.

Things You'll Need

• Cutting board
• Long knife
• Ruler

Instructions

1. Choose a watermelon that is more round than oblong. Wash the watermelon under cold, running water. Cut a thin slice from each of the longer sides. You're cutting the slice to steady the watermelon, rather than having it roll around. You'll have made four slices and the watermelon with be a rough rectangle with two rounded ends.

2. Place a ruler on the cutting board next to the watermelon. Mark on the ruler where the top of the watermelon reaches. Subtract 1 inch from the measurement to allow for the watermelon rind. This is the length of one of the sides of the square. For example, if the watermelon reaches 9 inches high, you would use 8 inches for each of the sides of the square.

3. Push the watermelon over the edge of the cutting board until the top of the watermelon at the edge of the cutting board is the same height as the ruler on the opposite side. Let go of the ruler and use that hand to steady the watermelon. Cut straight down from the top of the melon to the edge of the cutting board. Let the edge of the cutting board serve as a visual guide.

4. Lay the freshly cut edge of the watermelon on the cutting board and repeat on another side to cut another edge of the square. Place the freshly cut side of the watermelon on the edge of the cutting board and repeat until you've finished cutting the square. It will take six cuts: top, bottom and four sides.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're having trouble cutting a straight line downward. Use the ruler and a marker to mark the watermelon. Use that line as the guide. Trim each side to be perfectly square and level with a carpenter's level if you must have an exact square. Practice the technique on an apple or large potato. If the watermelon is very oblong, cut a rectangle that has sides twice as long as the width. Then, cut the rectangle in half. You'll have two squares. Cut a rectangle that is 18 inches long and 9 inches wide. When you cut it in half you'll have two, 9-inch squares.

• Use a very sharp knife. You won't have to apply as much pressure and there's less chance you'll cut yourself.

References

• Huffington Post: Square Watermelon Photos
• "The Art of Cooking Preparing and Presenting Fine Food"; Arnold Zabert; 1984