Don’t Throw Away the Watermelon Peels! Simple and Delicious Recipes

Watermelon peels are often discarded, but they are packed with nutrients and can be transformed into delicious and healthy dishes. Here are a couple of simple and tasty recipes to make the most out of your watermelon peels.

Watermelon Peel Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 2 cups watermelon peel, green skin removed and white part cut into thin strips
• 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
• 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
• Green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peels:
   • Remove the green outer skin of the watermelon peel with a vegetable peeler. Cut the white inner part into thin strips.
2. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil or sesame oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
   • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Vegetables:
   • Add the watermelon peel strips, carrot, and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Add Seasonings:
   • Stir in the soy sauce or tamari and honey or maple syrup (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the vegetables.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice.

Watermelon Peel Pickles

Ingredients

• 2 cups watermelon peel, green skin removed and white part cut into small cubes or sticks
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
• Fresh dill or other herbs (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peels:
   • Remove the green outer skin of the watermelon peel and cut the white inner part into small cubes or sticks.
2. Make the Brine:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the water, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and salt. Add mustard seeds, peppercorns, garlic, and herbs if using.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the honey and salt are dissolved.
3. Pickle the Peels:
   • Place the watermelon peel pieces into a clean glass jar.
   • Pour the hot brine over the watermelon peels, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Cool and Refrigerate:
   • Let the jar cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal the jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating to allow the flavors to develop.
5. Serve:
   • Enjoy the pickled watermelon peels as a tangy snack or as a topping for salads and sandwiches.

Tips for Using Watermelon Peels

• Choose Organic: If possible, use organic watermelons to avoid pesticide residues on the peels.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add other spices and herbs to both the stir-fry and pickle recipes to suit your taste preferences.
• Storage: Pickled watermelon peels can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Stir-fried watermelon peels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Watermelon peels can be transformed into delicious and nutritious dishes instead of being discarded. Whether you choose to stir-fry them or pickle them, these simple recipes make it easy to incorporate watermelon peels into your diet. Enjoy the unique flavors and health benefits of this often-overlooked part of the watermelon!