What a melon! Prince Philip got one in memoriam, Posh chose one instead of a cake... how would YOU get a slice of the carved watermelon craze?
- Watermelons have long been hailed for their health benefits but now their beauty is being celebrated too
- The fruit is soaring in popularity as a sculpture or birthday cake alternative, perhaps because of a rise in veganism and people seeking healthy options
- The trend has seen artists carving watermelons into intricate designs or decorating them with elaborate patternsOne might not have expected to see a watermelon nestled among the flowers and photographs left outside Windsor Castle in memory of Prince Philip — but it was certainly the juiciest tribute.
The work of talented fruit carver Aree Nakarintrakupt, it was painstakingly carved into petals and engraved with the words 'Prince Philip, rest in peace'. Above, a picture of a crown had been delicately etched.
Watermelons are soaring in popularity as sculptures or in place of birthday cakes.
Victoria Beckham is a big fan. She celebrated her 47th birthday at the weekend with a stunning piece of watermelon art that had been carved into delicate roses.
One might not have expected to see a watermelon nestled among the flowers and photographs left outside Windsor Castle in memory of Prince Philip — but it was certainly the juiciest tribute
The work of talented fruit carver Aree Nakarintrakupt, it was painstakingly carved into petals and engraved with the words 'Prince Philip, rest in peace'. Above, a picture of a crown had been delicately etched
Victoria Beckham is a big fan. She celebrated her 47th birthday at the weekend with a stunning piece of watermelon art that had been carved into delicate roses
Artists are using the delicious fruit to carve intricate sculptures or to decorate with elaborate patterns. Pictured: A watermelon carved into the shape of a bear
Fruit sculptor Joseline Tinka, from London, says: 'What I love about a watermelon is the deeper you get into the flesh, the more beauty you reveal in terms of its different colours and textures.
'But they break easily. You need tiny utensils. Sometimes I use scoops and sometimes a tweezer-shaped tool. The knives are very sharp and very small. You have to be careful.'
She started fruit sculpting three years ago after turning a watermelon into a fruit bowl for her two children, now aged eight and six.
Watermelons are soaring in popularity as sculptures or in place of birthday cakes. Pictured: A lavish swan creation
Such works of art make it easy to forget watermelon tastes good, too. Rich in vitamin C, copper, potassium and magnesium, it contains just 9 calories per 30g slice
The popularity of the watermelon cake may also be down to the increasing number of vegans, for whom conventional cake mix is a no-go
Today, she provides carvings for weddings and birthdays, and even carved Sir Sean Connery's face into a pumpkin to mark his death last October.
Such works of art make it easy to forget watermelon tastes good, too. Rich in vitamin C, copper, potassium and magnesium, it contains just 9 calories per 30g slice.
The popularity of the watermelon cake may also be down to the increasing number of vegans, for whom conventional cake mix is a no-go.
Artists say incredibly sharp tools are needed to carve designs into watermelons, which can break easily. Pictured: An intricately carved watermelon
Fruit sculptor Joseline Tinka, from London, says: 'What I love about a watermelon is the deeper you get into the flesh, the more beauty you reveal in terms of its different colours and textures. Pictured: A watermelon carved into the shape of a toad
Pictured: A watermelon carved into the shape and design of Star Wars droid BB-8
Watermelon sculptures are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to birthday cakes or as a dramatic centrepiece. Pictured: A watermelon carved with a romantic swan and rose motif
And what of the watermelon sculptures — should they be scrutinised or scoffed?
'Both,' says Joseline. 'They are amazing to look at and delicious to eat.'
As these pictures confirm, they are certainly a feast for the eyes.
Pictured: A watermelon carved into the shape of a rabbit and stuffed with fruit makes a delicious Easter display
Pictured: A watermelon carved to represent a Viking character. Special tools will have been used to create the texture of hair and wrinkles
Pictured: A watermelon has been transformed into a dinosaur with menacing teeth for this fruity display
Pictured: A large watermelon is given a new shape as an Angry Bird
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