When it comes to Halloween, carving the same pumpkin designs each year can become routine. This year, save a pumpkin and carve your spooky masterpiece into a watermelon instead.
Nutrient-rich watermelon can be a healthy alternative to other sweet treats full of added sugar during Halloween festivities as it’s a source of vitamins A and C as well as the antioxidant lycopene and the amino acid citrulline.
Because they are made up of 92 percent water, watermelons can be an effective way to stay hydrated during trick-or-treating, and creations like a Mummy or Jack O’Melon can help satisfy sweet cravings while keeping friends and family members frightfully delighted.
To get started, consider these carving tips and tricks:
n To make cutting and slicing easier, the watermelon should be at room temperate when carving.
n Cut a small, thin, flat piece from the bottom of the watermelon to provide a stable base for carving.
n Draw the design on the watermelon rind with a dry-erase marker before cutting. If you make a mistake, this can make it easier to wipe off.
n Use a sharp knife with a pointed tip for easier, cleaner cuts. Consider a paring knife with a smaller tip for ease of detail.
n Blend scraps of watermelon that are too messy for dicing or slicing to create an easy juice.
For more watermelon carving ideas, visit watermelon.org.
MUMMY WATERMELON
Supplies and tools:
Watermelon
Cutting board
Kitchen knife
Dry-erase marker
Paring knife
Melon baller
Scoop
Vegetable peeler
Cheesecloth or gauze
Straight pin (optional)
Battery-operated candle or light
Small bowl
Blueberries or bloody candy eyes
Toothpicks, pins or glue
JACK O’MELON
Supplies and tools:
Knife
Round watermelon
Melon baller
Dry-erase marker
Toothpicks (optional)
Battery-operated light
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