We all know that one of the best ways to get the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function is by eating fruit. The skin of most fruits, although many may think that it is not an important part of the fruit, contains the same nutrients as the pulp.
With this in mind, there is a very useful rind from a much-loved fruit that most likely always ends up in your trash… the watermelon rind!
Yes really. The health benefits of watermelon extend well beyond the pulp. The rind of the watermelon can be eaten or used topically. Not only can you eat it, but you should! There are so many things you can do with the shell that you should consider the next time you think about throwing it away!
All the health benefits of watermelon rind
While it’s true that many of the vitamins and minerals found in the fruit come from the pulp itself, the peel also leaves nothing to be desired. For example, the watermelon rind contains:
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin B6.
- Fiber.
- Potassium.
- Citrulline.
Although the amount of vitamin C and B6 is not as high as that found in the pulp, what is important is the citrulline found in the peel.
Citrulline is an antioxidant ingredient that protects us from free radicals. Citrulline is an amino acid that is converted to L-arginine in the body. L – arginine is essential for the heart, the circulatory system and the immune system. Researchers believe that it has the ability to relax blood vessels and can also be used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Watermelon rind uses
You are probably wondering how you could incorporate watermelon rind into your diet. Therefore, we will give you some examples of how you can benefit from all the nutrients that the watermelon rind can offer you:
pickled watermelon rinds
Watermelon is in the same family as cucumber, so it makes sense that you could pickle it! Watermelon rind pickles are a common part of southern cooking and have a sweet and tangy flavor. Feel free to try it!
watermelon rind juice
Like any fruit, you can eat both the pulp of the watermelon and its rind. Make a delicious juice with watermelon rinds and enrich its flavor with your favorite fruits.
Sautéed watermelon rinds
You can also use the watermelon rind as a garnish on your plate. Slice the watermelon rind into cubes and sauté in a little olive oil until soft, then season with salt and pepper. You can also add any other seasoning you like.
smoothie with watermelon rinds
What could be better than a watermelon rind juice? A watermelon rind smoothie. In this smoothie you can add cherries, strawberries, pear, mango, dates, cinnamon, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, in general feel free to be as creative as you want with your ingredients.
It’s amazing how easy it is to incorporate every part of the watermelon into a healthy lifestyle. So the next time you cut a refreshing slice of watermelon, remember to eat the whole thing, even the rind!