The Art of Watermelon Carving

Do you think of yourself as an artist? When famed abstract artist Jackson Pollock referred to an artist, he meant anyone who is “building things.... some with a brush, some with a shovel, some choose a pen.” If your idea of creativity is building something from a watermelon, Pollock would have certainly approved!

Fruit carving, called Mukimono in Japan, has a long history, perhaps dating as far back as the 7th century AD. Watermelons have traditionally been carved into vessels to hold a candle, much like today's jack o' lanterns, or made into baskets to hold flowers or fruit, but mostly these fruits are carved to add an artistic presentation to the table.

Sound intriguing? If you're interested in trying out watermelon carving, it's pretty easy to get started. You'll need some internet instruction, a watermelon or two to practice on, a refrigerator to hold your fruit, and some tools—a pen, a carving knife, a melon baller, a peel zester, a U-shaped garnish tool, and a V-shaped cutter.

Are you ready to see some of the awesome watermelon carvings you could do?  Watermelon.org has many simple projects with directions to get you started. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are photos from some seriously skilled carvers. And if you’d like to eat your creations, check out these recipes from what about watermelon.

As a bonus, here is a photo of watermelon enthusiast Jackson Pollock enjoying one of America's favorite pastimes.  

Yes, you really can have your fruit and carve it too.