First Step: Clean and Prep Watermelon. Wash the whole watermelon thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and bacteria. Dry it well with a clean towel. Place the watermelon on a large, stable cutting board. For safety, place a damp paper towel under the board to prevent slipping during cutting.

Second Step: Slice Watermelon in Half. Using a large, sharp chef’s knife, cut the watermelon widthwise across the middle. Set one half aside on the cutting board.

Third Step: Remove Rind and Create a Square Base. Take one half and place it cut side down on the board. Carefully slice off the rind from all four sides to form a neat square or rectangle shape of watermelon flesh. Leaving the top rind intact is optional; it can help with handling the sticks.

Fourth Step: Cut Watermelon into Sticks. Cut the watermelon flesh lengthwise into 1-inch thick slices. Then rotate the watermelon or cutting board 180 degrees and slice again into 1-inch wide pieces, creating stick-shaped watermelon segments.

Fifth Step: Season the Watermelon Sticks. Place the watermelon sticks in a large bowl or serving platter. In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, chili powder, chopped mint, and salt. Lightly brush or drizzle this mixture over the watermelon sticks for a balanced and refreshing taste.

Final Step: Chill and Serve. Refrigerate the watermelon sticks for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance their refreshing flavor. Garnish with extra mint leaves if desired, then serve chilled as a hydrating and delicious snack or side dish.