Classic Watermelon Christmas Tree
A festive and refreshing centerpiece, this Classic Watermelon Christmas Tree is made with a carved watermelon and adorned with a colorful array of fresh fruits, perfect for holiday gatherings as a delightful and healthy treat.
Equipment
- Chef's knife
- Paring knife
- Mini cookie cutters
- Toothpicks (optional)
Ingredients
Main
- 1 large, oblong seedless watermelon
- 1 cup strawberries, halved or sliced
- 0.5 cup blueberries
- 0.5 cup raspberries
- 2 kiwis, sliced and cut into stars or rounds
- 0.5 honeydew melon or cantaloupe, cut into festive shapes with mini cookie cutters
- 1 cup green grapes
- 0.25 pineapple, for a star topper or cutout shapes
- Fresh mint or rosemary sprigs for garnish
- small pretzel sticks or toothpicks for securing decorations
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the watermelon thoroughly. Slice 1-2 inches from one end to create a flat, stable base for the tree.
- Carve the watermelon into a conical, tree-like shape, tapering from wide at the base to narrow at the top.
- Optionally, slice away the green rind to expose the pink flesh for a cleaner look.
- For a dimensional tree, make shallow horizontal cuts around the circumference to create ledges for fruit decorations.
Decorating
- Prepare all chosen fruits by washing, slicing, and cutting them into decorative shapes.
- Begin decorating at the base with larger fruits like strawberry halves or melon cutouts.
- Use blueberries, raspberries, and small grape clusters as "ornaments," securing them with toothpicks if necessary.
- Drape thin kiwi slices or rows of green grapes to create edible garlands.
- Cut a star from pineapple or strawberry and place it atop the tree, securing it with a toothpick.
- Tuck fresh mint or rosemary sprigs among the fruit for garnish and aroma.
- Fill any gaps with smaller fruits or more mint to complete your edible masterpiece.
Notes
Ensure all fruit is very fresh for the best flavor and appearance. For a sturdier tree, choose a very firm watermelon. You can prepare most of the fruit ahead of time, but assemble the tree closer to serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.