SAEDNEWS: Yalda Night, an ancient Iranian tradition, marks the longest night of the year and the victory of light over darkness. Families and friends gather to share food, poetry, and joy, with watermelon as a signature treat.
According to Saed News’ Cooking Service, how should we decorate watermelon for Yalda Night? This is a question that comes to mind as late autumn approaches and we near the longest night of the year. Watermelon, one of the iconic symbols of Yalda Night, holds a special place on the festive fruit table. If you’re looking for creative ideas to make this fruit more appealing, read on for inspiration on decorating watermelon for Yalda.
One captivating idea for decorating a bride’s Yalda watermelon is carving its rind. While carving watermelon may seem challenging, with a little creativity and practice, you can turn the firm green skin into a canvas for stunning designs. You don’t need any special tools beyond a narrow, sharp fruit-carving knife.
Steps for Carving Watermelon:
Wash and dry the watermelon, then slice off the top to create a smooth surface.
Use a pen or marker to draw your desired design on the rind for easier cutting.
Cut out the main sections of the design with a knife. Make shallow cuts to avoid damaging the flesh, then remove the sections carefully.
Instead of buying a sugar-laden cake, try making a watermelon cake. This decorative approach not only adds beauty to your Yalda table but also creates a healthy, delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make a Watermelon Cake:
Peel the watermelon with a large, sharp knife, being careful not to cut the flesh.
Slice the watermelon horizontally into 10 cm thick layers to create cake “tiers.”
Decorate each layer with chopped fruit, cream cheese, or other toppings.
Stack the layers and secure them with toothpicks.
Garnish the sides with other fruits and fresh flowers for a festive look.
Another fun idea is to use the watermelon rind as a natural basket for sliced fruits. This adds visual appeal to the Yalda table and pairs well with other decorations like pomegranate arrangements. There are several ways to create a watermelon fruit basket; below are a few examples.
Slicing watermelon is one of the simplest yet most visually appealing ways to serve it for Yalda Night. With a bit of creativity and complementary fruits, you can create a colorful, inviting fruit platter.
Slice the watermelon into triangles, cubes, or use molds for creative shapes.
For a modern twist, serve watermelon as a dessert by combining it with ingredients like cheese, kiwi, or fresh herbs such as mint and lime. For example, cube the watermelon and skewer it with cheese on toothpicks, or mix with strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits to make a vibrant fruit salad.
Transform watermelon slices into ice pops for a refreshing, colorful dessert. This idea is visually appealing and particularly fun for kids.
Cut the watermelon in half, then slice into triangular pieces while keeping the rind intact.
Insert a popsicle stick into the thick part of the rind.
Arrange the popsicles on a platter and garnish with strawberries, grapes, or other fruits.
If you prefer not to cut the watermelon, decorate it with colorful fresh flowers. To secure the flowers, use toothpicks, skewers, or thin ribbons. Attach the flower to a toothpick, then insert it gently into the watermelon rind.
Below are more inspiring ideas for decorating watermelon for Yalda Night.
