Last Updated on September 18, 2023
We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate National Watermelon Day (August 3rd) AND National Shark Week than carving a watermelon shark … it’s family-friendly, fun and good for you!
A big shout out to the National Watermelon Board for these step-by-step instructions!
Materials
- 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, or other (cherry, blueberry, red grape, etc)
- Toothpicks or wooden skewers
- Swedish fish candies for garnish
Instructions for Florida Watermelon Carving
- 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” line of the green part of the rind for the teeth area.
- Use a large spoon to scoop out the watermelon flesh, leaving 3″ intact at the base.
- Cut out the teeth, using a smaller utility knife.
- Use 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 the Florida watermelon carving, accented with Swedish fish.
To learn more refreshing watermelon facts, check out www.watermelon.org.
Check out our Watermelon Gazpacho Soup Recipe!
Looking for other watermelon stories? Don’t miss:
Be sure to share photos of your watermelon shark carvings on our Facebook or Twitter page … or tag us on Instagram using #AuthenticFlorida.