During the hot summer months, juicy watermelon is the perfect refreshing treat. But once you’ve finished eating the sweet, pink flesh, you’re left with a large green rind that often gets tossed in the trash. However, there’s no need to waste the nutrient-rich outer layer of the watermelon. With a bit of creativity, watermelon rinds can be transformed into a surprising array of uses around your home.
Table of Contents
1. Watermelon Rind Pickles
One of the most popular ways to use watermelon rinds is to pickle them. The process of pickling helps soften the rinds while infusing them with a tangy, acidic flavor. Watermelon rind pickles make a nice crunchy addition to sandwiches, burgers, salads, and cheese boards. They also pair well with creamy dips as an appetizer.
To make watermelon rind pickles, start by peeling off the outer green skin, leaving just the white rind. Cut the rind into 1-inch cubes or small sticks. Place the rinds in a colander and sprinkle with salt. This helps draw out excess moisture. After an hour, rinse the salt off and pat the cubes dry.
In a saucepan, bring vinegar, water, sugar, and spices to a boil. Pour this pickling liquid over the prepared rinds and refrigerate for at least 2 days before eating. The rinds will soften while absorbing the flavors of the brine.
2. Watermelon Rind Juice
While not as sweet as the red flesh, the white inner rind is still edible. Blending watermelon rinds produces a hydrating juice that makes an electrolyte-rich sports drink or smoothie addition. The rind contains higher levels of citrulline, an amino acid that may improve circulation and heart health.
To make watermelon rind juice, blend chopped rinds with water and strain out the pulp. Add fresh mint or ginger for flavor. Sweeten with a bit of honey or lime juice. The mild tangy juice works well mixed into lemonade, tea, or cocktails too. Freeze into ice pops for a cool summer treat.
3. Watermelon Rind Jam
The next time you carve out a watermelon, save the scraps to make colorful watermelon rind jam. This unique jam has a lovely rosy hue from the melon’s flesh, accented with flecks of the green rind. The key is to balance the mellow flavor of the rind with tart citrus and sweetener.
Chop the rind into small pieces and place in a pot with water, lemon juice, and sugar. Simmer until the rinds are fork tender. Then mix in fresh watermelon cubes and cook until thickened. Bottle the sweet-tart jam to enjoy atop toast, pancakes, or yogurt. The pretty pink jam also makes a lovely food gift.
4. Perk Up With Rind Cold Brew Tea
Watermelon rinds can be transformed into a refreshing caffeine-free tea too. Steeping the rinds in water produces a subtly sweet, melon-kissed tea. The tea has a lovely peachy golden hue and the hydrating properties of the melon’s juice.
To make cold brew watermelon rind tea, roughly chop the peeled white rind and add to a pitcher of water. Allow it to steep in the fridge overnight, then strain out the rind pieces. Serve the melon tea over ice with mint and lemon. Adjust the flavor to taste with honey or by mixing it with regular brewed black or green tea.
5. Whip Up A Soothing Face Toner
Not only are watermelon rinds edible, but they can also be used to nourish your skin. Blending rinds with witch hazel or rose water makes for an antioxidant-rich toner to help control acne, tighten pores, and give your face a natural glow.
Start by sanitizing the rinds, then blend them with equal parts witch hazel or floral water. Strain out the pulp and transfer the liquid to a bottle. Apply the melon toner to clean skin using a cotton pad. Store any extra in the fridge for up to a week. The vitamin C and lycopene in watermelon rinds helps boost collagen production for firmer looking skin.
6. Craft Artful Rind Vases
Here’s a fun way to turn watermelon halves into artful vases for displaying fresh summer flowers. The contrast of the textured green rind and delicate blooms makes for a pretty table centerpiece or unique gift.
Simply cut a watermelon in half and hollow out the flesh, leaving about an inch attached to the rind. Place a small plastic cup or glass in the center to hold water and support the stems. Arrange flowers or greenery in the edible vase. For parties, serve fruit salad or sangria from the melon bowl.
7. Watermelon Rinds for Livestock Treats
Don’t let any of the watermelon go to waste. Farmers often pickle the rinds to feed as nutritious treats for pigs, cattle, and chickens. The acidic brine helps break down the tough rind, while the melon provides hydration and essential nutrients.
Watermelon rinds contain higher amounts of amino acids like citrulline, arginine, and glutamic acid than the juicy flesh. These compounds help promote growth and regulate metabolism in animals. Pickled rinds can also supplement livestock diets lacking in moisture during dry seasons.
So next time you enjoy a juicy watermelon, hold onto those nutrient-packed rinds. With a dose of creativity, you’ll find endless ways to transform the scraps into tasty treats, refreshing drinks, natural beauty boosters, crafty decor, and more. Don’t let this tasty fruit go to waste!
Conclusion
Watermelon rinds are extremely versatile and can be used in many creative ways instead of being thrown out. From tangy pickles to refreshing drinks, they can add flavor and nutrition to recipes. The rinds also have uses around the home, from skin-nourishing toners to decorative vases. With a little innovation, you can get the most out of your watermelons – rind and all. So don’t dismiss the rind as waste, discover new ways to savor watermelon from top to bottom.
