Martha's Secret Ingredient for Fresh Watermelon Takes It to the Next Level

There are many delicious ways to incorporate watermelon into your summer treat lineup—like watermelon sorbet, watermelon punch, and, of course, watermelon slices to grab and enjoy. But getting your watermelon home and cutting it up to serve takes some effort, and Martha knows the best way to do it to ensure the crispiest, most refreshing summer snack possible.

As the queen of summer entertaining, Martha is always sharing her best tricks and tips for making everything just a little bit sweeter—and unforgettable—for guests. Serving watermelon in the summer is a rite of passage, and Martha's best-kept secret for keeping it juicy, fresh, and flavorful for serving is not what you'd expect.

In the video, Martha explains that the watermelon is ready to be cut open when it sounds hollow as you tap it with your fingers. "Always cut it when it's cold, and hear that nice snap—you know it's crispy and cold when it does that," Martha says. She then begins by cutting off the ends of the watermelon and slicing it into four large pieces. For serving, Martha cuts it into 1-inch pieces and arranges them in a zig-zag pattern on a platter.

The secret to keeping the watermelon crisp and refreshing? Adding ginger to a honey and lime dressing. Mix finely grated ginger, a little honey, and freshly squeezed lime juice, then drizzle it over each piece of watermelon. The mixture adds extra sweetness and keeps it fresh. It's the perfect summertime treat to prepare on a hot day or serve to your guests as a light dessert.