Habari in Nairobi: Watermelon Carving

Watermelon carving is said to have originated from the Asian continent, (more specifically Thailand as popular theory suggests) some 700 years ago during the celebration of the floating lantern festival.

Rose carving

One of the king’s servants at the time, decided to embellish her floating lantern by placing a watermelon with a carving of a bird drawing nectar from a flower. The king upon seeing this was so impressed that he ordered all women in the kingdom to learn the craft.

Voilà

Since then, the art spread far and wide, becoming a respected and admired form of art, including right here at the Nairobi Safari Club, and as any great chef will tell you, the basis of any delectable meal is not only in how it tastes, but in how it is presented.

Knife set

What is required?

· A set of sharp knives

Medium to Large Watermelon

· Large chopping board

· A melon ball to scoop out large sections (optional)

· A clean firm and ripe watermelon

· Clean hands

· Tracing Paper (optional)

· Tracing pen/marker to outline your design on the watermelon

Watermelon carving is an excellent hobby to cultivate. A little dedication and practice will result in you being the star of the family party or barbeque in no time. The design options are limitless, from the most basic, to the most intricate which take years to master. The scooped out portions can be blended to create fresh watermelon juice, or chopped up in cubes to prepare some delicious fruit salad, wastage therefore is minimal.