How to Make Watermelon Balls

Cut the watermelon the day you serve it for the freshest flavor.

Chilled watermelon makes a sweet snack or side dish at summer meals. Dress up the watermelon presentation for picnics or buffet by scooping the melon chunks into perfect spheres. Watermelon balls provide a bite size portion that is the right size for spearing with a fork or cocktail pick. Watermelons cut easily without the need for a sharp implement, making them ideal for creating watermelon balls. Use the leftover watermelon rind to complete the presentation. A watermelon rind filled with watermelon balls works as an edible centerpiece.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Melon baller or ice cream scoop
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Cut each half in half again if you don't plan to use the rind for serving the watermelon balls.

2. Insert a melon baller or an ice cream scoop into the center of one watermelon half or quarter. Twist the scoop around completely, cutting out a perfect ball.

3. Lift the scoop holding the watermelon ball out of the melon. Place the ball in the bowl.

4. Scoop out the remaining melon with the melon baller, working outward from the center. The balls from near the rind may not come out as complete spheres.

5. Remove any fruit scraps from inside the rind halves with a sharp knife if you are using the rind as a serving bowl. Scrape out the remaining fruit so the entire white portion of the rind is revealed. Transfer the watermelon balls from the bowl to the rind.

Tips & Warnings

• Wrap the watermelon ball-filled bowl or rind in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.

• Watermelons have seeds throughout, so use caution to prevent choking.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Watermelon

Resources

• Recipetips.com: How to Make a Watermelon Basket