How to Exploit Watermelon Rinds
Decreasing food waste by exploiting Watermelon Rinds
Introduction:
The watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) is an important cucurbitaceous vegetable grown in different parts of the world (from tropical to temperate regions). It is a common summer-season vegetable crop that requires a hot, dry climate with warmer days and cooler nights to grow and yield. In India, watermelon is majorly grown in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, etc., with a total production of about 2,518.63 thousand.
Watermelon is a popular fruit consumed as fresh and in the juices. Fruit contains 92% water, 0.2% protein, 0.3% minerals and 7% carbohydrates.
Watermelon is characterized by its vine-like growth and stems, which grow long and have hairy leaves and white to yellow flowers. Cultivated primarily for its tasty fruit, it is botanically classified as a pepo (but is a special kind of berry). The fruit’s hard exterior (skin) is light to dark green with brighter stripes and smooth. The fruit’s flesh is juicy, with a reddish color and a sweet taste.
The rind is 30% of the fruit’s mass and is also edible. However, usually, after consuming the watermelon flesh, the rind and seeds are thrown away as waste and are rarely fed to animals.
Watermelon byproducts:
Fruits and vegetables are widely consumed sources of food. By-products of fruits and vegetables refer to those secondary products obtained from the primary source during the manufacturing process and include peels, seeds, leaves, residual pulp, stems, discarded pieces, etc. These food residues are usually not exploited despite their rich nutritional value and bio-active compounds with a wide spectrum of biological functions.
Watermelon rinds are a source of nutrients and can be used in preparation of different kinds of food, such as:
• watermelon rind powder
• candy
• pickle
• Watermelon Rind Sabji
• Watermelon rind stir-fried
• salad preparation, which is affordable and easily prepared by people
Preparation of watermelon rind powder :
• Fresh watermelon fruits
• Washing
• Separation of Rind (white part, using a sterile knife)
• Slicing of rind
• Drying (Hot air oven at 50°C for 24 h)
• Cooling
• Milling
• Sieving (Using 0.5 sieve screen)
• Wash and peel the green skin off the watermelon rind.
• Cut the white part of the rind into small pieces.
• Blanch the pieces in boiling water for a few minutes.
• Drain and let them cool.
• Dehydrate the cooled pieces using a dehydrator or an oven at a low temperature.
• Once dehydrated, grind the pieces into a fine powder using a blender or grinder.
• Store the watermelon rind powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
• This powder can be used in various recipes or as a nutritional supplement.
Preparing watermelon rind powder is a simple and sustainable way to use the often-discarded part of this refreshing fruit. Not only does it minimize food waste, but it also provides a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of culinary applications.
This homemade powder can be incorporated into smoothie desserts or used as a seasoning to add a unique twist to dishes, showcasing the versatility and sustainability of watermelon rinds.
Watermelon rind candy preparation:
Creating watermelon rind candy is a delightful way to repurpose the often overlooked part of the fruit. Here’s a simple recipe to make watermelon rind candy:
Ingredients:
• 2 cups watermelon rind, peeled and diced
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional: Additional sugar for coating
Instructions:
Peel and Prepare:
• Wash and peel the green skin off the watermelon rind.
• Cut the white part of the rind into small, bite-sized pieces.
Boil the Rind:
• In a saucepan, combine the diced rind with water and bring it to a boil.
• Boil until the rind pieces are tender but still hold their shape. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
Drain and Cool:
• Drain the boiled rind and let it cool.
Prepare Syrup:
• In another pot, make a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water over medium heat.
• Once the sugar is completely dissolved, add lemon juice to the syrup.
Cooking the Rind:
• Add the cooled watermelon rind pieces to the syrup.
• Simmer the mixture on low heat until the rind becomes translucent and absorbs the syrup. This can take around 20-30 minutes.
Drying:
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the candied rind pieces from the syrup and place them on a wire rack to cool and dry. Optionally, roll them in additional sugar for a crystallized coating.
Storage:
• Once completely dried, store the watermelon rind candy in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for a week or refrigerated for a longer shelf life.
Enjoy the sweet and tangy flavor of homemade watermelon rind candy as a unique treat or a colorful addition to desserts.
Watermelon rind benefits:
Watermelon rind offers several benefits, making it a versatile and nutritious addition to your diet:
• Nutrient-Rich: Watermelon rinds are packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins, and antioxidants. The powder retains these nutritional elements, providing a concentrated source of essential vitamins.
• Hydration Support: Watermelon rinds have a high water content, contributing to hydration. While the dehydration process removes most of the water, the powder still carries some hydrating properties and can be a flavorful addition to beverages.
• Digestive Health: The rind contains dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health by aiding regular bowel movements and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Fiber also contributes to a feeling of fullness, potentially assisting in weight management.
• Citrulline Content: Watermelon rinds contain citrulline, an amino acid linked to improved blood flow and heart health. Although the concentration in the powder may be lower than in the fresh rind, it still offers potential cardiovascular benefits.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The antioxidants in watermelon rind, such as lycopene, may have anti-inflammatory effects. Including the powder in your diet may reduce inflammation and support overall health.
• Flavor Enhancement: Watermelon rind powder adds a unique and mildly sweet flavor to dishes, beverages, and recipes. It can be a creative way to enhance the taste of smoothies, desserts, or savory dishes without added sugars or artificial flavors.
• Sustainable Use: Using watermelon rind powder reduces food waste by utilizing a typically discarded fruit part. This sustainable approach aligns with environmentally conscious practices.
References:
• Ranganna, S. 2004. Handbook of Analysis of quality control for fruit and vegetable products. 2nd edition (Reprint), Tata Me Graw-Hill pub. Co. Ltd. New Delhi.
• Rattray and Diana. 2012. Southern U.S. Cuisine: Judy’s Pickled Watermelon Rind.
• Kumar, P. 1985. Watermelon- utilization of peel waste for pickle processing. Indian Food Packer. 39 (4): 49-52.
