Watermelon rind: How to perfectly cut and use?

Watermelon rind is healthy glutenfree vegetarian ingredient for summer snacks.

Here is an easy and quick visual guidance to remove the rind and cut them into cubes. The rindless watermelon can be served easily and rinds can be used in other dishes.

Easiest way to cut a watermelon rind is given with quick video and step by step photos.

NOTE: There are many ways of cutting the watermelon and separating the rind from red juicy flesh. This is the method I follow and find it easy to cut the watermelon rind.

Watermelon rind is outer white tough layer with dark green exterior peel covering the inner pinkish red flesh of the fruit. Its less juicy with crispy texture.  

So why should we use this watermelon rind, the health benefits of rind makes it best used whenever we buy a watermelon. So why waste it.

Next time during summers you bring a watermelon and make a salad, save the rind to make delicious dishes.

Check a quick video of cutting watermelon rind perfectly and try this in your kitchen. If you have enjoyed the video do subscribe to Dice n Cook Youtube channel for more food videos.

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Health benefits of watermelon rind

Watermelons from Cucurbitaceae family have countless benefits and amazing way to relish this fruit during summers. Loaded with water hydrates the body during summer heat.

Low in fat and great for weight loss diet. It is loaded with numerous vitamins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties source.

So don’t worry about extra pounds if you plan to have a bowl full of watermelon pieces.

If you are wondering the rinds from watermelon are useless and throw them. Then let me tell, you are wrong, white rinds are equally healthy in comparison to inner red fruit.

Watermelon rinds are high in vitamin A, C with other vitamins.

They are good source of fiber. They are also rich in citrulline, potassium and other amino acids, and has antioxidant property. It helps in boosting immunity. source.

Equipment

Knife

Cutting board

Step by step method of cutting watermelon rind

Select good quality watermelon, wash and clean watermelon to remove any dust.

Take a steady wooden cutting board, cut the watermelon into half along its equator.

Next step is to take one half, trim ½ inch tip of watermelon. Cut one half into two again.

Keep the broader cut surface of watermelon facing the cutting board. Cut slices of watermelon from passing the knife from top edge to broad bottom surface.

Cut down the entire watermelon in the same way as mentioned above.

Next is to remove the rind from the flesh. Hold the triangular slices in hand and carefully run the knife between the pink flesh and outer white rind. This separates the rind from the fruit.

In this way separate all the rind from the watermelon slices and keep them together.

Next step would be to peel the outer dark green skin from the white rind.

Take each rind slices, keep them vertical on the sides and carefully separate the green skin.

This way you can remove all the green skin from rind and discard the green peel.

Eat the inner sweet fruit and chop the white rind into small pieces and use them as required in cooking various healthy dishes.

How to store watermelon rind after it is cut?

Watermelon rinds can be stored as whole rind.

Rind can be chopped into 1’’ cubes and stored.

Try to use them fresh when you separate them from fruit.

However, if you are using it later, refrigerate the watermelon rind pieces in an airtight container. I have refrigerated for one day and not more than that.

How to use watermelon rind?

Watermelon rind is used in many dishes in Indian cuisine. There are many salads, curries, desserts, jams and pickles that can be prepared using watermelon rind.

Rind doesn’t have any taste by itself, so it goes well with any flavours and spices.

They are crispy like cucumber.

Pickles from watermelon rind is a popular way of using them.

Another Indian dessert from watermelon rind is making halwa of it. Believe me none of your guests will be able make out halwa is made from rind.  

Used in Indian style stir fry.

Refreshing juice from rind with other berries can be made. Summer salads is another option that can be made using watermelon rinds.

Tips for cutting watermelon rind perfectly

Use good quality watermelon.

Use sharp sturdy knife with a steady cutting board.

Be gentle and careful while separating the white rind from dark green skin.

Some summer recipes on blog, try them and enjoy!!

Frequently asked questions

How to identify the rind in watermelon?

There is a clear demarcation between the juicy sweet inner fruit and rough outer rind. Work along these lines to separate the fruit from white rind.

What type of watermelon is used?

Any watermelon can be used for using the rind. In India, dark green watermelons, stripped light and dark green watermelon are found in markets. We also find light, yellow-coloured watermelons in local markets.

Can we cut with small knife?

We can use small knife, but it should be sharp enough to pierce the thick rind of watermelon.  

Which knife is used to cut?

Sharp and sturdy knife is used to cut the watermelon. Chef’s knife is the best. However, if you don’t have, need not worry but use a sharp knife to deal with thick rind

Can we use green peel of watermelon?

I have never used watermelon green peel in cooking, it gives a bit bitter taste to the dish. I use only white part of rind.

How long does watermelon rind last for?

They can be refrigerated if we are using it after some time. They stay fresh only for a day and not more than that.

Can we freeze watermelon rind?

Whole rind without chopping can be frozen for 2 to 3 days. Freeze them in airtight container or ziplock covers. Bring it to room temperature and use it in dishes you wish to prepare.

Other ways of cutting and peeling ?

There are many other ways of cutting watermelon. We follow this easy method, you can try other methods too.

Cut half inch of the top and bottom edge of watermelon. Keep the watermelon upright and remove the rind by running the knife from top to bottom of fruit.

The major drawback I find in this method is we tend to lose the red fruit along with the rind. However, if you are comfortable with this method, always try this second method.

There are other ways of separating the green skin from white rind. A peeler can be used to remove the green skin from rind.

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