3 ways to use watermelon rind.

Smoothies are a great way to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your diet, including watermelon rind. Before you go to throw away the leftover watermelon rind, try this instead! Peel the watermelon rind, cube it and pop it in the freezer to be used in your next smoothie recipe. Not only will you be reducing food waste, but you are also benefiting your heart and gut. Watermelon rind is particularly rich in vitamins A, C, B6, as well as other nutrients1, including the amino acid citrulline and the antioxidant lycopene excellent for your heart2.

Did you know that a watermelon rind is very similar to a cucumber? Therefore, they make great pickles! Pickled watermelon rinds are acidic but have a sweet overarching taste3, making them the perfect fit for a delicious slaw, part of a salad, a bruschetta topping, or just by itself as a side dish perfect for your next cheese platter.

Halloween season might be done but it doesn’t mean the lollies need to go away too! We bet you never knew you could turn your watermelon rind into lollies. Set yourself up with a challenge to make your own sweet snack whilst reducing food waste! Boil some water and sugar then coat your watermelon rind in it4. Next, dehydrate your watermelon rind pieces in the coarse sugar and voilà! A delicious treat! You can even can add extra flavouring when making the lollies (lemon, lime and ginger work fabulous with the rind).

_{1. Lifestyle Asia Singapore. (2022). All the health benefits of watermelon rind you didn’t know about. [online] Available at: https://www.lifestyleasia.com/sg/beauty-grooming/wellness/health-benefits-of-watermelon-rind-you-did-not-know-about}

_{2. Gladvin, G., Sudhaakr, G., Swathi, V. and Santhisri, K.V., (2017). Mineral and vitamin compositions contents in watermelon peel (Rind). International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 5(5), pp.129-133. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sudhakar-Gummadi/publication/356262214_Mineral_and_Vitamin_Compositions_Contents_in_Watermelon_Peel_Rind/links/6193c27261f0987720a33e9e/Mineral-and-Vitamin-Compositions-Contents-in-Watermelon-Peel-Rind.pdf}

_{3. Board, W. (2017). Three Ways to Eat Watermelon Rind. Watermelon Board. Available at: https://www.watermelon.org/the-slice/three-ways-to-eat-watermelon-rind/}

_{4. Allrecipes. (n.d.). Chewy Watermelon Rind Candy Recipe. Available at: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/254421/chewy-watermelon-rind-candy/}