Yes, You Can Eat the Rind: No-Waste Watermelon Recipes
Watermelon is a delicious, hydrating fruit that colors the childhood memories of many people. From seed-spitting contests, to diving for vaseline-covered watermelons in the swimming pool, to simply enjoying a sticky-sweet slice on a hot afternoon, there are many quirky traditions and wacky ways to enjoy watermelon. To make those memories even more special for your family, try planting and growing your own watermelons right in your backyard. With enough space, care, and sun, watermelon seeds will grow into the perfect fruit to enjoy during the hottest days of summer. Join our expert gardener as she shares watermelon planting tips and tricks, then follow our health educators to the kitchen for three no-waste recipes that use every part of the watermelon – even the rind.
Watermelon can take a long time to grow. Planting seasons may vary depending on your planting zone. Because the Poe Center is located in central North Carolina, we plant in Zone 8a. To find your planting zone, go to https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/
Watermelon contains:
Lycopene, the antioxidant that makes fruits and vegetables red.
- Help defend the body from free radicals.
- Good for preventing disease.
Fiber
- Aids in digestion and blood sugar regulation.
Vitamin A
- Supports the growing body.
- Aids in vision and cell function.
Vitamin C
- Helps support the immune system.
- Makes collagen that is needed for skin, bones, teeth, cartilage, blood vessels, and repairing wounds.
Custom-Cut Watermelon Slices – Great Activity for Kids!
Materials: Cutting board, knife, cookie cutters
Ingredients:
Watermelon, cut into 1”-2” thick slices
Directions:
Instructions:
- Follow safe slicing instructions outlined in this video to cut a watermelon into slices that are 1-2” thick.
- Lay sliced watermelon on a cutting board. Press a cookie cutter into the flesh and pull it out, creating a unique shape.
- Serve as is.
Optional: Try topping your fresh watermelon with Tajin (chili-lime seasoned salt) or a squeeze lime for a punch of flavor.
Watermelon Rind Pickles Your Way
Materials: Cutting board, knife, heat-safe jar, pot, measuring cups
Ingredients:
Leftover watermelon rinds, thinly-sliced
¾ cup of water, brought to a boil
About 1 cup of apple cider vinegar
3 to 4 cinnamon sticks
1 Tablespoon of black peppercorns
Directions:
- Bring water to a boil.
- As water boils, pack the heat-safe jar with watermelon rinds, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns. Leave 1” of room at the top of the jar.
- Carefully pour the boiling water into the jar on top of the ingredients.
- Close the jar. Wait for it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge.
- Store in the fridge. Flavors will deepen after a few days. Pickles can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 months. The longer the pickles stay in the fridge, the more flavorful they will be. And yes – the rind is edible. Enjoy!
Frozen Watermelon Slush – Great Activity for Kids to Assist
Materials: Food processor or blender, cutting board, knife, freezer-safe container
Ingredients:
Watermelon flesh, with rinds removed
Optional: juice of a lime, tablespoon of honey/maple syrup
Directions:
- Fill the food processor or blender with watermelon flesh.
- Blend until smooth.
- Place blended watermelon into a freezer-safe container. Firmly close container. Place it in the freezer.
- Wait until the watermelon is fully frozen. Depending on the size of your container, this can take a few hours or overnight.
- Remove from the freezer, scoop, and enjoy!
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