Most of us throw away watermelon rinds after enjoying the juicy, sweet red flesh, but did you know the rinds are just as useful?
With a little creativity, watermelon rinds can be transformed into a super tasty, unexpected treat using an ingredient you already have in your kitchen: baking soda.
This unique preparation method preserves the rinds, enhances their flavor, and even has health benefits.
Let’s dive into how to make this simple recipe and why you shouldn’t throw away your watermelon rinds ever again!
Why Eat Watermelon Rinds?
Watermelon rinds are often discarded, but they’re actually packed with nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants.
Eating watermelon rinds can benefit digestion, hydrate the body, and even provide a unique, crunchy texture that adds variety to meals.
They have a mild, cucumber-like flavor and absorb spices, seasonings, and marinades beautifully.
Here’s why watermelon rinds are worth keeping:
- High Fiber Content: Promotes healthy digestion and helps keep you feeling full.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Like lycopene, which is good for skin health and immune function.
- Hydrating: Watermelon is mostly water, so even the rinds help keep you hydrated.
- Low-Calorie: Perfect for snacking and adding flavor without extra calories.
Adding baking soda to watermelon rinds is a simple trick that tenderizes the rinds, making them softer and more palatable while neutralizing any bitterness. Plus, it opens up a range of flavor possibilities that are super tasty and totally unexpected!
Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Watermelon Rind Treats
This recipe requires only a few ingredients and is easy to customize. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Watermelon rinds (about 2 cups, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Baking soda (1 tablespoon, for tenderizing the rinds)
- Water (for soaking)
- Sugar or honey (1/2 cup, adjust to taste)
- Spices of choice (cinnamon, ginger, or cloves for a sweet version; chili flakes, black pepper, or paprika for a savory twist)
- Apple cider vinegar (optional, for a pickled flavor)
How to Prepare Watermelon Rinds with Baking Soda
Here’s a step-by-step guide to transforming watermelon rinds into a tasty, snackable treat:
1. Prepare the Rinds
- Begin by peeling off the tough, green outer skin of the watermelon rind. Use a vegetable peeler to make this easier. You’ll want only the pale green or white inner rind, which is softer and less bitter.
- Cut the rinds into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch), ensuring they’re uniform in size for even cooking.
2. Soak with Baking Soda
- Place the watermelon rinds in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of baking soda over the rinds and add enough water to cover them completely. Stir gently.
- Allow the rinds to soak for 15-20 minutes. The baking soda will help tenderize the rinds and neutralize any bitterness.
3. Rinse Thoroughly
- After soaking, drain the baking soda water and rinse the rinds thoroughly under cool, running water. This removes any residual baking soda and ensures a neutral base for adding flavors.
4. Flavor the Rinds
- Place the rinsed rinds in a saucepan with 1/2 cup of sugar or honey and add enough water to cover the rinds. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add Spices: Add spices according to your preference. For a sweet treat, add a cinnamon stick, a pinch of ginger powder, or cloves. For a savory twist, add chili flakes, black pepper, or paprika for a bit of heat.
- Optional – Apple Cider Vinegar: Add 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for a tangy, pickled flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the rinds.
5. Simmer Until Tender
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rinds are translucent and tender.
- Stir occasionally, ensuring the rinds are well-coated in the sweet or savory syrup as they cook. The liquid should reduce to a light syrup, coating the rinds.
6. Cool and Serve
- Remove from heat and let the watermelon rinds cool in the syrup.
- Transfer the rinds to a clean, airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and enjoyed as a refreshing snack or topping.
Flavor Variations for Watermelon Rind Snacks
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with these variations to suit your taste:
- Cinnamon and Ginger Watermelon Rind: Add ground cinnamon and a touch of fresh ginger for a warming, aromatic treat.
- Spicy Watermelon Rind Bites: Toss with chili flakes and black pepper for a savory, spicy snack that pairs well with cheese boards and salads.
- Pickled Watermelon Rinds: Add apple cider vinegar, dill, and a touch of garlic to create a refreshing, tangy pickle. Perfect for garnishing burgers or sandwiches.
- Sweet & Sour Watermelon Rind: Add equal parts sugar and vinegar for a flavor similar to sweet and sour pickles, excellent as a side dish or relish.
How to Use Watermelon Rind Treats
These flavorful watermelon rind treats can be enjoyed in many ways:
- As a Snack: Serve chilled for a refreshing snack that’s low-calorie and hydrating.
- As a Salad Topper: Add to fruit or green salads for a unique crunch and flavor contrast.
- Topping for Yogurt or Oatmeal: Sweetened watermelon rind adds a fruity, unexpected twist to yogurt or oatmeal.
- As a Side Dish: Savory pickled watermelon rinds make an excellent side for BBQ, roasted meats, or as part of a charcuterie board.
- In Beverages: Add sweet watermelon rind pieces to cocktails or sparkling water for a hint of sweetness and texture.
Health Benefits of Watermelon Rinds
Adding watermelon rinds to your diet isn’t just eco-friendly; it also comes with health benefits:
- High in Citrulline: Citrulline is an amino acid in watermelon rinds that promotes better blood flow and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Like lycopene, found in the red flesh, which helps support skin health and immune function.
- Digestive Benefits: The fiber content in the rinds supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Next time you enjoy a watermelon, don’t toss the rinds in the trash. With a simple soak in baking soda and some creative seasoning, watermelon rinds can be transformed into a delicious, healthy treat that’s surprisingly versatile.