With summer approaching, watermelons will be available in abundance, and it is safe to say that these will be some of the most delicious fruits that will be available.
Most people think it is only the red part of the fruit that can be eaten but this article will show you that the white part of the watermelon is not only edible but it is also nutritious, delicious and has many health benefits.
As a bonus, it can be served in many different ways.
Can You Eat the White Part of the Watermelon?
The white part of the watermelon is known as the rind, and it is between the fruit’s green skin and pink flesh. Yes, it can be eaten!
Health Benefits Of The Rind
1. Skin Care
The rind is packed with antioxidants which help fight against the aging process of the skin. This minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and skin spots as you get older.
2. Blood Pressure
Watermelon rind has a diuretic action (removes excess water from the body). This may help with decreasing blood presure and ensuring correct kidney functioning.
Watermelon rind contains an amino acid called L-citrulline which dilates blood vessels. This in turn decreases blood pressure.
3. Heart Issues
The rind has a high level of potassium, which helps the blood vessels in your body guard against heart attacks, strokes and coronary artery disease.
4. Immune System
One cup of refreshing watermelon rind contains about 30% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. This can give a major boost to your immune system and help to stimulate the production of white blood cells.
These cells are the first line of defense against infections in our bodies.
5. Weight Loss
The rind of the watermelon has a dense fiber content which helps you to feel full after you have eaten, thereby preventing overeating and associated weight gain.
It also stimulates your metabolism and therefore increases the fat-burning capacity of the body which helps you to get rid of some of those unwanted pounds.
6. Pregnancy
Some studies have found that the natural sugars found in the watermelon rind can help minimize symptoms of morning sickness.
It can also help decrease some of the feet and hands swelling associated with pregnancy, thanks to the high potassium content.
Ways to Eat the White Part of Watermelon
Next time you slice into a watermelon, please consider keeping the rind as it is a quick, easy, and tasty way to improve your health.
- Pickled
The watermelon rind is quite similar in texture and flavor to cucumbers. This is why watermelon rind has become a promising choice for making pickles.
Simply salt the rind slices to remove excess water then place them in a bottle with some sweetened pickling vinegar. Make the pickle your own by adding different spices of your choice.
- Juiced
Blend a handful of strawberries (or blueberries), two slices of watermelon with the rind (remove the seeds), an apple, a sliver of fresh ginger and a slice of fresh pineapple.
Add a teaspoon or so of raw honey to sweeten it to your taste, and you have a refreshing and healthy drink. Serve it ice cold on those hot summer days.
- Stir-fried
The rind of the watermelon can be thinly sliced and stir-fried together with vegetables like carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, green beans, bok choy, and onions.
Season the stir-fry with sweet and sour sauce or soy sauce and serve with rice or noodles.
- Make crystallized candy
This is my dear Granny’s recipe. Peel the rind, cut it into 1-inch square pieces and boil in water until these look transparent. Drain and measure the water.
For every cupful of water, add a cupful of white sugar a tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of finely grated ginger root.
Return the watermelon to the saucepan and boil everything together, stirring over a medium flame until the water and sugar disappear and are absorbed into the watermelon rind.
Put the sticky rind onto wire cooling racks to cool and dry out. Enjoy as chewy sweets.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that it is safe and very healthy to eat the rind of a watermelon. Summer would not be the same without those slices of delicious watermelon and now you will be able to use them to their maximum!
The rind is the most tossed-out part of the watermelon – but don’t let that tasty goodness go to waste! A watermelon’s rind has nutrients and flavor that we know you will love.
It can also make a fantastic centrepiece serving bowl on a buffet table when filled with fruit salad!
So, next time you slice into a watermelon, consider keeping the rind. It is a quick and tasty way to improve your overall health. Enjoy its refreshing goodness and be blessed by what nature has to offer.