Neat Eats: Watermelon Shark

Watermelon.org shows several different ways to master the art of carving watermelon into fun shapes for display. Carve a shark and garnish with Swedish fish for a summertime pool party. Watermelon is a great hydrator – with 92 percent water, it is cholesterol-free and gluten-free, and can help maintain cardiovascular health. It’s the perfect treat for any Fourth of July celebration, and at some summer festivals, watermelon is the main attraction in seed spitting contests and the greased watermelon pool game.

WATERMELON SHARK (Courtesy of Watermelon.org)

You will need:

1 oblong, seeded watermelon

Dry erase marker

Large knife

Smaller utility knife

Large spoon

Paring knife (you can use the tip of a vegetable peeler)

2 large marbles

Toothpicks or wooden skewers

Swedish fish candies for garnish

How to:

Wash and dry the watermelon.

Cut off 1/3 of the watermelon at a diagonal angle. Stand the remaining 2/3 upright on your work surface and use a dry erase marker to draw the mouth line and eye sockets.

Cut out the mouth. Trim back a ½-inch line of the green part of the rind for the teeth area.

Use a large spoon to scoop out the watermelon flesh, leaving 3 inches intact at the base.

Cut out the teeth, using a smaller utility knife.

Use a melon baller to cut out the eye sockets that match the size of large marbles. Then use a paring knife to trim the green area around the eyes. Insert marbles.

Use the carved out rind from the mouth to make the dorsal fin, shape as shown in the picture. Attach the fin using toothpicks.

Fill the mouth with triangle shapes of watermelon, accented with Swedish fish.