Quick Answer
Yes, it is possible to cut a watermelon using just dental floss! With some patience and the right technique, the strong fibers in dental floss can slice through a watermelon rind. The key is to saw back and forth applying pressure slowly and evenly until the floss cuts through the rind. It may take 10-15 minutes for the floss to break through the tough outer layer this way. But once you get through the rind, the soft inner flesh is easy to cut through. So while unusual, using dental floss to cut a watermelon can be done.
What You’ll Need
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Watermelon | A whole, uncut watermelon with a thick rind |
| Dental floss | Standard waxed floss, not the extra-strong varieties |
| Plate or cutting board | To place the watermelon on for cutting |
Standard waxed dental floss works best for this task. The wax coating makes the floss stronger and more resistant to breaking. You want to avoid the extra-strong, reinforced types of dental floss. Those are too thick for cutting delicate foods like watermelon. A whole, uncut watermelon with a thick rind also works best. The thicker the rind, the easier it will be for the floss to get purchase and start slicing through. Have a large plate or cutting board on hand to place the watermelon on for cutting.
Step-by-Step Guide
Cutting a watermelon with dental floss takes patience but can be done with the following steps:
1. Prep the Watermelon
First, wash the outside of the watermelon thoroughly with cold water. Dry the rind with paper towels or a clean dish cloth. Place the dried watermelon on your cutting board or plate. Rotate the watermelon and inspect the rind for any soft spots or cracks. If you find any, avoid those areas when cutting with the floss as the rind will be thinner there.
2. Anchor the Floss
Take your dental floss and anchor one end to the top of the watermelon. You can use tape to secure the floss end in place if needed. The other end of the floss will be held in your hands for sawing back and forth. Make sure to leave at least 18 inches of free floss to work with.
3. Start Sawing
With the floss anchored at the top of the watermelon, begin sawing the floss back and forth along where you want to cut the rind. Apply even pressure on both the push and pull strokes. The waxed floss will help grab and cut into the rind with this motion. Go slowly to avoid snapping the floss. Saw at a 45 degree angle if possible.
4. Cut Through the Rind
Continue sawing the floss back and forth, re-gripping it lower as needed. Apply steady pressure to get through the tough outer rind. Try sawing in a single spot for 30-60 seconds at a time before moving lower. This can help get a groove started. It can take 10-15 minutes for the floss to fully cut through the thick rind using this technique.
5. Slice the Inner Flesh
Once you’ve cut through the hard outer rind with the floss, switch your technique for cutting the softer inner flesh. Hold both ends of the floss and use a straight up and down motion. The inner fruit should slice easily compared to the rind. Cut pieces as desired.
6. Enjoy Your Watermelon!
When finished, remove any remaining floss strands from the watermelon. Your unusual watermelon is now ready to eat and enjoy! The floss will cleanly cut the melon without leaving any unwanted materials behind.
Tips and Hints
Cutting watermelon with dental floss takes some finesse. Here are some tips to help:
– Choose a watermelon with a very thick rind which is easier to cut through.
– Use regular waxed floss rather than extra-strong varieties for control.
– Anchor one floss end in place on the melon before sawing back and forth.
– Apply slow, even pressure when sawing to get through the tough rind.
– Switch to an up/down slicing motion for the inner fruit once the rind is cut.
– Rinse away any juice residue left on the floss while cutting.
– Be patient! Getting through the rind can take 10-15 minutes of diligent sawing.
The Science Behind It
So how does simple dental floss manage to cut through a tough watermelon rind? It comes down to pressure and the strength of the floss fibers.
Applying Adequate Pressure
It takes concentrated pressure applied over time to get dental floss through a watermelon rind. Sawing back and forth focuses pressure on a narrow area so the floss can dig in. The waxed coating provides enough grip. It takes gradually building up this pressure to get through the hard outer layer.
Strong Fibers in Floss
Dental floss is designed to stand up to the friction of cleaning between teeth. The nylon fibers are tightly woven for strength. This means they can withstand the force needed to saw through a melon rind without breaking. The tension actually helps the floss act like a wire to cut the rind rather than just tearing it.
Getting Over the Rind Hump
Cutting through the watermelon rind is the hardest part. Once the floss gets through the thick outer layer, the soft inner flesh is much easier to slice. So getting over that initial rind hump by steadily sawing takes patience and diligence. But the effort pays off for a fun floss-cut melon!
Potential Problems
While dental floss can definitely cut through a watermelon, it takes finesse and patience. Here are some potential problems to watch out for:
Floss Breaking
If too much pressure is applied too quickly, the floss can snap or fray. Go slowly and build up gradual pressure when sawing to prevent this.
Rind Denting Not Cutting
If the rind is very thick and hard, the floss may dent and compress the rind without fully cutting through it. Choose a softer, thinner rind for easier cutting.
Floss Losing Grip
The waxed floss needs to grip and grab the rind consistently. If juice or flesh residue builds up it can start to slip. Pause to rinse the floss off for better traction.
Irregular Cuts
It’s hard to get straight even cuts when sawing by hand with floss. Don’t expect perfect slices. Embrace the rustic, hand-cut look.
Takes Long Time
Be prepared for cutting through the rind to take 10-15 minutes of steady sawing motion. Have patience and let the floss do its work slowly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people are curious about using dental floss in unconventional ways. Here are answers to some common questions:
Is this just an internet stunt?
No, cutting watermelon with dental floss is absolutely possible despite seeming unlikely. The floss is remarkably strong for its size and can cut through the rind with sustained pressure. It’s an unusual but effective kitchen hack.
What type of floss works best?
Standard waxed floss that is designed to withstand friction in the mouth works best. Avoid the super-strong reinforced varieties as those are harder to control. Waxed floss provides the right grip.
Can you cut other fruits/vegetables like this?
Yes, dental floss can be used to cut other produce with rinds or skins like oranges, onions, or peppers. You may need to adjust your technique slightly but the same principles apply.
Is this safe and sanitary?
As long as you thoroughly wash the rind first and remove any leftover floss strands, using dental floss poses no safety or sanitation issues. The floss cuts very cleanly.
Does this damage the watermelon flesh?
The floss leaves very minimal damage on the internal fruit when done properly. The cutting motion is clean and the waxed floss does not shed particles.
Conclusion
Cutting a watermelon with dental floss is an unusual but clever hack that saves time and knives. While it takes some patience and practice, the technique works thanks to the strong floss fibers and steady applied pressure. Give it a try for a fun test of skills. Impress your friends with floss-cut melon at your next backyard gathering! Just be sure to have extra floss on hand in case of breakage. With the right rind, technique, and attitude, you’ll be slicing watermelon in minutes using this odd but effective trick.