How To Cook Watermelon Rinds

You can cook watermelon rinds by pickling them, stir-frying them, or even candying them into a sweet treat.
 
Most people toss the rind in the trash without a second thought but that pale green and white part of the watermelon is actually completely edible.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cook watermelon rinds so they taste good, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.
 
When you cook watermelon rinds, they soak up whatever flavors you pair them with, much like a sponge.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cook watermelon rinds in a few different ways, plus tips to make them taste amazing every single time.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

Why You Should Cook Watermelon Rinds

You can cook watermelon rinds for a bunch of reasons and they’re all pretty convincing.
 

1. They’re Packed With Nutrients

The rind of a watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that may help with blood flow and muscle recovery.
 
It also has fiber and a decent amount of vitamin C, which most people don’t expect from something they usually throw away.
 
So when you cook watermelon rinds, you’re actually adding something nutritious to your plate.
 

2. It Cuts Down on Food Waste

Watermelon rinds make up a huge chunk of the fruit’s weight.
 
If you learn how to cook watermelon rinds, you turn what would’ve been trash into a whole new dish.
 
That’s a small win for your kitchen and a big win for the planet.
 

3. They’re Super Versatile

You can cook watermelon rinds in savory dishes, sweet dishes, or even cocktails.
 
They take on the flavor of whatever you cook them with, so the possibilities are basically endless.
 

How to Cook Watermelon Rinds: 3 Easy Methods

Now let’s get into the good stuff: how to actually cook watermelon rinds at home.
 

1. Pickled Watermelon Rinds

Pickling is probably the most popular way to cook watermelon rinds.
 
Start by peeling the tough green outer skin and cutting the white part into bite-sized strips.
 
Boil equal parts vinegar, water, and sugar, then add salt, peppercorns, and any spices you like.
 
Pour the brine over the rinds in a jar and let them sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours.
 
When you cook watermelon rinds this way, you get a crunchy, tangy snack that’s great on sandwiches or straight from the jar.
 

2. Stir-Fried Watermelon Rinds

If you want to cook watermelon rinds as a savory side dish, stir-frying is the way to go.
 
Slice the rinds thin, then toss them into a hot pan with garlic, soy sauce, and a little chili oil.
 
They’ll soften up in about five to seven minutes and take on a texture similar to cooked zucchini.
 
This method is fast, simple, and a great way to cook watermelon rinds when you’re short on time.
 

3. Candied Watermelon Rinds

Got a sweet tooth? You can cook watermelon rinds into candy that tastes a lot like candied citrus peel.
 
Simmer the rind pieces in sugar syrup until they turn translucent, then roll them in more sugar and let them dry.
 
The result is chewy, sweet, and honestly kind of addictive.
 
Plus, when you cook watermelon rinds this way, they last for weeks in an airtight container.
 

Tips for Cooking Watermelon Rinds Perfectly

Before you run off to the kitchen, here are a few pointers to keep in mind.
 

1. Always Peel the Green Skin

The dark green outer layer is tough and bitter, so you’ll want to remove it before you cook watermelon rinds.
 
A regular vegetable peeler works fine, but a sharp knife gives you more control.
 

2. Use Fresh Rinds

The fresher the watermelon, the better your rinds will taste.
 
If the rind feels slimy or smells off, skip it and grab a new melon.
 

3. Don’t Skip the Salt

Salting helps draw out excess water so your rinds don’t turn mushy when you cook watermelon rinds.
 
Just sprinkle some on and let them sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing.
 

So, How Do You Cook Watermelon Rinds?

You can cook watermelon rinds by pickling, stir-frying, or candying them, and each method gives you a totally different but delicious result.
 
The rind you used to toss is actually packed with nutrients and just waiting to be turned into something tasty.
 
Now that you know how to cook watermelon rinds, you’ll never look at that green outer layer the same way again.
 
Give one of these methods a try and see for yourself how versatile this underrated part of the fruit really is.
 
Happy cooking.