Watermelon is one of summer’s most beloved fruits—refreshing, hydrating, and packed with nutrients. But what about the often-discarded watermelon rind? Most people toss it in the trash, unaware of its incredible potential. This seemingly unremarkable part of the fruit can be used in various ways, from culinary creations to gardening hacks and even skincare remedies. In this article, we’ll explore nine innovative and sustainable ways to make the most of watermelon rinds, helping you reduce waste and embrace eco-friendly living.
Why Should You Use Watermelon Rinds?
Watermelon rinds are rich in nutrients like vitamins B and C, amino acids, and antioxidants. They’re low in calories and high in fiber, making them beneficial for health. Additionally, finding creative uses for them helps reduce food waste, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Here are nine fantastic ways to repurpose watermelon rinds, starting with a culinary delight that will surprise your taste buds!
1. Make Watermelon Rind Pickles
Watermelon rind pickles are a tangy, sweet, and crunchy treat that’s easy to prepare. They make a perfect accompaniment to sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or even grilled meats.
How to Make Them:
- Peel: Remove the green outer skin and any leftover pink flesh.
- Slice: Cut the rind into bite-sized pieces.
- Brine: Simmer water, vinegar, sugar, and spices (like cinnamon and cloves).
- Cook: Add the rind to the brine and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Store: Pour the mixture into sterilized jars and refrigerate.
These pickles are ready in just a few days and can last for weeks!
2. Blend Them into Smoothies
Did you know watermelon rinds can be a nutritious addition to your morning smoothies? Their mild flavor blends seamlessly with fruits like bananas, pineapples, and berries.
Tip: Chop the rind into small pieces and freeze them for easy smoothie prep. This is an excellent way to add extra fiber and hydration to your drinks.
3. Make Watermelon Rind Jam
If you love jams and preserves, watermelon rinds can be transformed into a delicious spread for toast, muffins, or pancakes.
How to Make It:
- Peel and dice the rinds.
- Cook them with sugar, lemon juice, and your favorite spices (like cinnamon or ginger).
- Blend or mash for a smoother texture, then store in jars.
4. Use Them in Stir-Fries
Watermelon rinds can be treated like a vegetable and added to stir-fries, soups, or curries. Their texture is similar to that of zucchini or cucumbers, making them versatile in savory dishes.
Cooking Tip: Slice the rind thinly and sauté it with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a quick and tasty side dish.
5. Compost Them
If you’re a gardener, watermelon rinds are a fantastic addition to your compost pile. They break down quickly and provide essential nutrients to enrich the soil.
Pro Tip: Chop the rinds into smaller pieces before adding them to speed up decomposition.
6. Feed Your Plants
Watermelon rinds can be used as a natural fertilizer for your garden. Simply blend the rinds with water to create a nutrient-rich slurry that can be poured around your plants. This helps improve soil quality and promotes healthy growth.
7. Create a Refreshing Face Mask
Watermelon rinds aren’t just good for your body—they’re great for your skin, too! The rinds are hydrating and soothing, making them an excellent base for a DIY face mask.
How to Make It:
- Blend the rind into a smooth paste.
- Mix it with honey or aloe vera gel.
- Apply to your face and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Your skin will feel refreshed and rejuvenated!
8. Make Candied Watermelon Rinds
For those with a sweet tooth, candied watermelon rinds are a delightful treat.
How to Make Them:
- Boil the rinds in sugar syrup until they become tender and translucent.
- Coat them in granulated sugar and let them dry.
These candied rinds make a unique snack or dessert garnish.
9. Use Them as Natural Scrubbers
The firm texture of watermelon rinds makes them a handy, eco-friendly tool for scrubbing surfaces. Use them to clean cutting boards, countertops, or even garden tools.
Bonus Tip: The natural enzymes in the rind can help break down stains and odors.
Why Embrace These Ideas?
Repurposing watermelon rinds isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about unlocking the full potential of what nature provides. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can save money, improve your health, and make more sustainable choices.
Share Your Watermelon Rind Hacks!
Have you tried any of these ideas? Or do you have your own creative use for watermelon rinds? Share your tips in the comments and inspire others to join the zero-waste movement.