Preparing Watermelon Rinds: A Step-by-Step Guide to Eating the Whole Fruit
Watermelon—the king of summer fruits. With its juicy, sweet interior, it’s no surprise that it’s a favorite at picnics, barbecues, and poolside gatherings. But what about the part of the watermelon most people toss away? That thick, green rind that we’ve all been conditioned to see as nothing but waste?
Well, I’ve got news for you: watermelon rinds are not only edible, but they’re also surprisingly delicious when prepared right! And let me tell you, I’ve been experimenting with different ways to prepare them, and the results have been pretty fantastic.
In this post, I’ll share how to prepare watermelon rinds to eat, turning what’s traditionally discarded into something delicious. Trust me, after trying these methods, you’ll never look at watermelon rinds the same way again!
Why Eat Watermelon Rinds?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s talk about why you’d want to eat watermelon rinds in the first place. The answer is simple: it’s a way to reduce food waste and get the most out of every part of the fruit. But that’s not all. Watermelon rinds have some nutritional benefits that make them worth a second glance.
- Low in Calories: Watermelon rinds are very low in calories, making them a great option if you’re looking to snack on something light.
- Rich in Citrulline: The rind contains citrulline, an amino acid that can help improve blood flow and boost exercise performance. This means it’s not just tasty; it might even help with your workout recovery!
- Hydration: Watermelon rind contains a good amount of water, helping with hydration, much like the juicy flesh of the fruit.
So, aside from being a sustainable and eco-friendly choice, watermelon rinds are packed with nutrients that give your body a little extra boost.
Step 1: Select a Ripe Watermelon
The first step in preparing watermelon rinds is choosing a ripe watermelon. The ripeness of the melon directly affects how the rind tastes and how easy it is to work with. Overripe watermelons tend to have thicker, tougher rinds, while under-ripe ones are more challenging to peel.
Here are a few tips to choose a ripe watermelon:
- Look for the “Field Spot”: When picking a watermelon, check for a yellowish spot on the rind, also known as the “field spot.” This indicates that the melon has ripened properly on the vine.
- Tap Test: Give the watermelon a tap. If it sounds hollow, it’s likely ripe and full of water. You want that satisfying thump!
Once you’ve chosen a watermelon, it’s time to get your hands dirty.
Step 2: Wash and Peel the Rind
The rind of the watermelon is tough, so you’ll need a sharp knife to cut it properly. Before you start, give the whole watermelon a good wash to remove any dirt or pesticides. Once clean, cut off both ends of the watermelon to create flat surfaces, then stand the watermelon on one of the flat sides.
Now, start slicing off the rind in thick strips, working your way down the sides. You want to remove the green skin but leave behind the white part of the rind, which is where all the edible goodness lies. Keep your knife steady and make sure not to waste too much of the fruit’s flesh.
Tip:
The white part of the rind might not look like much, but it’s what you’ll work with. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—it’s still going to taste amazing!
Step 3: Cut the Rind into Manageable Pieces
Once you’ve peeled the rind off, it’s time to cut it into manageable pieces. I like to slice the rind into strips or cubes, depending on what I’m planning to make. Cutting it into strips makes it easier to pickle, while cubes are perfect for stir-fries or smoothies. Here’s how I break it down:
- Strips: Ideal for pickling and grilling.
- Cubes: Perfect for adding to salads or incorporating into cooked dishes.
Now that the rind is sliced and ready to go, it’s time to get creative with your recipes!
Step 4: Try These Delicious Ways to Prepare Watermelon Rinds
Once you’ve got your watermelon rind prepped, the real fun begins. Here are a few ways I love preparing and eating watermelon rinds. Trust me, these are game changers when it comes to reducing waste and enjoying a new part of the watermelon.
1. Pickled Watermelon Rind
Pickling is probably the most popular way to eat watermelon rinds. It adds a zesty, tangy flavor that’s both refreshing and savory. Here’s how I make it:
Ingredients:
- Watermelon rind (peeled and cut into strips)
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil.
- Place the watermelon rind strips in a jar or container.
- Pour the boiling brine over the rind and let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours.
- Refrigerate and enjoy after a few days of marinating.
2. Grilled Watermelon Rind
Grilling watermelon rind might sound strange, but it’s a fantastic way to bring out its natural sweetness and smokiness. Just cut the rind into thick strips, brush with olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side until you get those beautiful grill marks. Serve as a side dish or topping for a summer salad!
3. Watermelon Rind Smoothie
If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, try blending watermelon rind into a smoothie. The rind’s mild flavor won’t overpower your ingredients, and you’ll get a refreshing, hydrating drink. Here’s how I do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup watermelon rind (peeled and chopped)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- ½ cup coconut water
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions: Blend everything until smooth and enjoy a cool, hydrating smoothie that’s as nutritious as it is refreshing.
4. Watermelon Rind Stir-Fry
If you like stir-frying, watermelon rind is an excellent addition to your veggie medley. Slice the rind into cubes and stir-fry with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and your favorite veggies. It adds texture and a subtle flavor that pairs well with savory dishes.
5. Watermelon Rind Jam
Yes, you can even make jam out of watermelon rind! It’s a unique twist on traditional fruit preserves and tastes amazing spread on toast or paired with cheese. Simply simmer watermelon rind with sugar and lemon juice, and cook it down until it thickens to a jammy consistency.
Step 5: Experiment and Get Creative!
At the end of the day, preparing watermelon rinds is all about being creative. These methods I’ve shared are just the beginning! Whether you choose to pickle, grill, stir-fry, or blend your watermelon rinds, there’s a whole world of flavors to explore. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices, herbs, and other fruits to make your own signature recipe.
A Few More Ideas:
- Watermelon Rind Salsa – Dice it up with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime for a fresh twist on salsa.
- Watermelon Rind Chips – Slice the rind thin and bake with a little olive oil and salt for crispy chips.
Why Should You Eat Watermelon Rinds?
Eating watermelon rinds doesn’t just benefit you by reducing waste—it’s a way to enjoy more of what nature has to offer. It’s a small step toward sustainable eating and getting the most out of the food we buy. Plus, the rinds offer unique textures and flavors that enhance a variety of dishes.
So next time you cut into a watermelon, don’t toss that rind out. Try some of these recipes and enjoy the whole fruit—rind and all! It’s a simple, fun way to make your watermelon experience even sweeter.
