We're all about normalising complimenting people on their melons, i mean it's hard not to when you're down at Canning Vale Markets on a cool summer morning and walking between stacks and stacks of boxes & giant plastic tubs packed high with sweet smelling melons of every shape & variety. Those growers (especially the ones in the Swan Valley) know their stuff & if you've got a party coming up & plan to feature some fruity snacks on the menu, you can't go past these juicy orbs. Best chilled before serving, this way of cutting and serving is especially fun for a kids party, picnic or just to entice a fussy eater to perhaps give fruit a go.
Ingredients
- Ripe watermelon
- Lime
- Wooden skewers
- Sharp knife
- Confidence in your cutting skills
Method
- Cut your watermelon in half & place cut side down onto your cutting board.
- Take your skewers and poke into the melon 3/4 of the way up the "dome" in neat rows - you're going to cut cubes around each skewer handle so keep that in mind with your placement.
- Cut the rounded lower sides of the melon off so you're left with square sides, then cut slices along one side of your skewers and then the other way so you have neat, cubes of melon with a skewer neatly stuck in the middle.
- Fan out on a plate, squeeze over some fresh lime & voila! Melon with a handy handle & a zesty, juicy sweetness.
Other marvellous melon things we love...
How to pick a good one - Whilst watermelons are grown all year round in Australia, here in Perth though the season peaks between December & May across Perth, Geraldton, Carnarvon, Broome & Kununurra. Whilst you can't beat buying your melons from a roadside stall in the Swan Valley (in our humble opinion), there's also some ways to spot a good one at your local greengrocer:
- Look for a large field spot where the melon has rested on the vine (indicating it's been ripened on the vine for max flavour).
- It should feel heavy for its size and and have a deep hollow sound when gently knocked.
- Lastly, look past beauty and go for a dull, almost matte appearance - shiny supermodels are likely under ripe!
Other ways to serve?
- Add a sprinkle of lime infused salt & serve with a drizzle of good tequila for a summer party starter.
- Freeze the cubes for an easy icypole that kids love.
- Skip the skewer hack all together & just cut your watermelon into bite sized cubes & serve with creamy fetta, cucumber, fresh mint & basil for an incredible summer salad - we love drizzling over a jalapeno & lime dressing as well as adding some rocket leaves for extra kick.