Don’t Toss That Watermelon Rind! Here’s How to Eat It
Watermelon season is in full swing, and if you’re anything like us, you’ve been devouring slice after juicy slice. But every time you cut into a watermelon, you’re left with that huge pile of rind, which usually ends up in the bin (or compost if you’re a bit more conscious). What if we told you that watermelon rind is not just edible—but actually delicious?
Yup, that white part between the sweet pink flesh and the tough green skin is totally safe to eat and packed with nutrients! It’s a hidden gem in the world of food waste reduction, and once you start using it, you’ll wonder why you ever threw it away in the first place.
Let’s dive into why watermelon rind is overlooked, how you can use it in your cooking, and three delicious recipes to get you started!
Why Do We Ignore Watermelon Rind?
Most of us are guilty of assuming watermelon rind is just… rubbish. Unlike the sweet, juicy flesh, the rind doesn’t seem particularly exciting at first glance. It’s pale, firm, and a little bland on its own, so it’s often seen as an inedible byproduct.
But here’s the thing—many cultures around the world have been using watermelon rind in their cooking for centuries! It’s common in pickles, stir-fries, and even chutneys. The reason it gets overlooked in modern kitchens is simply because we’ve never been taught how to use it.
Time to change that!
Why You Should Eat Watermelon Rind
Still on the fence? Here’s why you should think twice before chucking it out:
🥒 It’s Surprisingly Nutritious – Watermelon rind is rich in fibre, antioxidants, and an amino acid called citrulline, which may help with muscle recovery and heart health.
🌍 It Reduces Food Waste – About 50% of a watermelon’s weight is rind, meaning half of this delicious fruit is usually wasted. Eating the rind helps reduce unnecessary waste and makes the most of what you’ve got.
🍉 It’s Super Versatile – Whether you like your food crunchy, tangy, spicy, or sweet, there’s a way to prepare watermelon rind that suits your taste buds.
Ready to give it a go? Here are three of our favourite ways to cook with watermelon rind.
1. Watermelon Rind Fries
Yes, you read that right—fries! Who knew you could turn watermelon rind into crispy, smoky fries? This is a total game-changer, and it’s ridiculously easy to make.
All you need to do is peel off the tough green skin, slice the white rind into fry-shaped pieces, and coat them with a mix of curry powder, smoked paprika, peanut butter, and olive oil. Then, roast them until golden and slightly crispy.
The result? A sweet and smoky snack that’s packed with flavour and perfect for dipping. Find the full recipe [here].
2. Watermelon Rind Kimchi
If you love a bit of spice and tang, watermelon rind kimchi is a must-try. The firm texture of the rind makes it the perfect base for fermenting, absorbing all those delicious garlicky, spicy, and umami-packed flavours.
The process is simple: chop the rind into bite-sized pieces, mix it with a paste of chilli flakes, garlic, ginger, and salt, and let it ferment for a few days. The result? A crunchy, flavour-packed condiment that pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even sandwiches.
Kimchi is already a gut-friendly probiotic powerhouse, and making it from watermelon rind just takes it to the next level. Check out our recipe [here].
3. Watermelon Gazpacho
Want something refreshing for those hot summer days? Watermelon rind gazpacho is the answer. This chilled soup is the ultimate no-waste dish, using both the red fruit and the white rind to create a sweet, savoury, and slightly tangy delight.
Simply blend the rind with cucumber, tomatoes, capsicum, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar to get a smooth, cooling soup that’s perfect for summer lunches.
It’s hydrating, light, and full of nutrients—ideal for when you want something refreshing but satisfying. Try the full recipe [here].
Other Ways to Use Watermelon Rind
Feeling inspired? Here are a few more fun ways to use watermelon rind:
🥗 Shred it into slaws – It adds crunch and soaks up dressings beautifully. Try it with a zingy lime and coriander dressing!
🍛 Add it to stir-fries – Slice it thin and throw it in with veggies, tofu, or meat for a satisfying texture.
🍹 Blend it into smoothies – It adds extra fibre and makes your smoothie extra hydrating.
🍬 Candy it – Boil it in sugar syrup and let it dry for a chewy, sweet snack.
The Final Slice
Watermelon rind isn’t just edible—it’s a game-changer in the kitchen. Whether you roast it, pickle it, blend it, or stir-fry it, there’s no reason to let half your watermelon go to waste. Plus, experimenting with new ways to use every part of your food is a fun (and tasty) challenge!
Give one of our watermelon rind recipes a try and let us know what you think! Have you cooked with watermelon rind before? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your ideas.
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