Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is what we all must have eaten on some occasion in our lives. A large, sweet fruit that tastes like cantaloupe with a crunch of cucumber, most people enjoy the juicy sweetness of watermelon flesh, but a few know about its often-overlooked rind which is a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, watermelon rind offers a range of health benefits and can be transformed into delicious dishes. The article delves into the nutritional value of watermelon rind and explores a creative recipe to make the most of this underappreciated ingredient.

Also Read: 8 reasons why watermelons are the best thing about summer

Using the whole watermelon including the rind is a fantastic way to make multiple meals. Whether enjoyed as pickles, stir-fried, or blended into smoothies, watermelon rind offers a unique and flavorful way to boost your health and reduce food waste. Extremely crunchy, like a cucumber with a jicama-like texture, watermelon rind holds up well to cooking methods like stewing, stir-frying, pickling or even roasting. Not many know that watermelon is loaded with citrulline and lycopene, two powerful plant compounds linked to improved metabolic health, and decreased muscle soreness and keep the body healthy. One of the richest known dietary sources of amino acid citrulline, the white rind of this juicy vegetable contains it in abundance. Citrulline is transformed in our body into the essential amino acid arginine.

Also Read:  Is Watermelon Good For Diabetes? Incredible Health Benefits Of This Refreshing Summer Fruit

Nutritional Content Of Watermelon Rind

Here are some great nutritional benefits and health incentives watermelon rind offers:

Loaded With Vitamins: Watermelon rind is rich in vitamins A, C and also contains B6. Vitamin A supports vision and immune function, while vitamin C boosts collagen production. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in metabolism and brain health.

Contains Minerals: Watermelon rind contains essential minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function, while magnesium supports bone health and energy metabolism. Zinc can enhance immune function and promote wound healing.

Presence Of Antioxidants: The rind is a rich source of antioxidants, including lycopene and citrulline. Lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease, while citrulline may improve blood flow and athletic performance.

Contains Fiber: Like the flesh, watermelon rind is high in dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health, regulates blood sugar levels, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Shop From Our Range Of Vitamins And Minerals To Bolster Your Immunity

So, why discard the watermelon rind? Instead, why not explore a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that transforms watermelon rind into tangy and flavourful pickles? This recipe is a perfect way to reduce food waste while enjoying the nutritional benefits of watermelon rind. Do give this recipe a try and discover the delightful taste of rind pickle embrace its nutritional value, and enjoy its taste with every crunchy bite.

Watermelon Rind Pickle

Ingredients
  • 4 cups of peeled watermelon rind, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 bay leaf

Method

  • Wash the watermelon thoroughly and peel off the green outer skin, leaving the white rind
  • Cut the rind into bite-sized pieces and remove all the pink flesh
  • In a large saucepan, combine water and salt. Bring to a boil, then add the watermelon rind pieces
  • Boil for 5 minutes, remove from heat and drain the rind
  • In the same saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and optional chilli flakes
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved
  • Add the blanched watermelon rind to the pickling solution
  • Simmer until the rind is tender but still slightly crisp
  • Remove the saucepan and let the pickles cool to room temperature
  • Transfer the pickle and sterilize the jars
  • Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving
  • Enjoying watermelon rind pickle

Nutrition

Watermelon rind pickles make a delicious addition to salads, sandwiches, or with Indian breads.  Besides their tangy flavour and crunchy texture, the rind is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fibre the rind helps to keep the body in great shape and ward off infections and illnesses.

References

  1. Utilization of Watermelon Rind (Citrullus lanatus) in Various Food Preparations: A ReviewAuthor Info

Shruti Dubey: ITM University, Gwalior, India

https://www.longdom.org/open-access/utilization-of-watermelon-rind-citrullus-lanatus-in-various-food-preparations-a-review-87114.html#ai

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10300363/