Edible Watermelon Rinds

Edible watermelon rinds took the internet by storm earlier this year! An insanely easy recipe that can be flavored a million ways, eating the ENTIRE watermelon is a trick you didn’t know you could do!

No waste, lots of flavor, texture, and an interesting side dish or snack, there is how you recreate the best and most well-known watermelon rind recipe in your own kitchen!

Why you will love TikToks Watermelon Rinds

Viral – This is such a super fun recipe. Originating from TikTok, 5 million people were shocked to find out that you could, indeed, eat watermelon rinds! While not common in many households, getting this one on the FYP of TikTok helped people expand the idea of consuming the WHOLE watermelon. This stovetop cooked method combines some delicious Indian spices, but watermelon rinds are often pickled. 

Health Benefits – One of the best reasons to eat watermelon rind is to get some of the best nutritional benefits. Rinds have healthy amino acids and nitric oxide. These can help with kidneys, and oxygen and even strengthen the immune system. Mother nature has thought of everything, and it’s RIPE for the taking. 

Low waste – Low waste and environmentally friendly are standard terms that float around in modern society. Many people love to use the entire food item. For example, coffee grounds and banana peels can easily be added to the garden. Watermelon rinds are one such food that allows you to use the entire watermelon, inside and out, for consumption. As it’s often said, “waste not, want not!”

Ingredients

Here are the original video ingredients as well as Viral Recipes alterations of the recipe. 

• rind from watermelon, cut into 1′ pieces
• Three tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (I used 1/4 teaspoon onion powder and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander (I used caraway seed)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• dried mango powder or amchoor powder (I used 2 teaspoons lime juice)

How to Cook Watermelon Rinds on the Stove

1. Cut rind from watermelon, cut into 1′ pieces.
2. Place rind into a large stockpot and fill with water. Heat over high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium-high and boil for about 20 minutes until the rind is soft and transparent. Drain and set aside. 
3. Add oil, cumin, asafoetida, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, and salt in a large skillet.
4. Heat over medium heat until hot.

5. Add rind and mix well to evenly coat, cooking for 1 minute.
6. Remove from heat and serve warm. 

Do cooked watermelon rinds taste good? 

I think everyone should test out eating cooked watermelon rinds at least once. The flavor was great, but the whole experience wasn’t for *me* personally. 

See TikTok Recipe Video Here

@rootedinspice

#watermelon #indianrecipes #healthyrecipes #veganfood

♬ You – Petit Biscuit

Expert Tips

• I used a personal-size watermelon and had a TON of rind! It looks prettier if you leave a little red on it, but it tends to get mushy and just dissolve when you mix it. It didn’t seem to affect the taste at all. 
• Avoid putting watermelon rind into the garbage disposal. They can cause damage to the garbage disposal and clog it up.
• Cooked watermelon rinds can be pickled with the consistency of a cucumber. 
• Watermelon rind makes excellent chutney. 
• I think cooked watermelon tasted best warm! I’m not sure if there is a right or wrong way on the cold or hot. I think either way would be acceptable. 
• This recipe is vegan.

FAQ’s

Are Watermelon Rinds Edible?

Absolutely! Watermelon rinds are also great for you, including improving oxygen to your blood and reducing blood pressure. 

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