From Trash to Treasure: Delicious Watermelon Rind Candy Recipes

Have you ever looked at the leftover rind after devouring a juicy watermelon and wondered if there was anything else you could do with it besides tossing it in the compost bin? The answer is a resounding YES! Watermelon rind, often discarded without a second thought, can be transformed into a delightful and surprisingly delicious candy. This seemingly inedible part of the watermelon is actually packed with nutrients and boasts a unique texture that makes it perfect for candying. This blog post will explore the wonders of watermelon rind candy, providing you with several detailed recipes and helpful tips to turn what was once waste into a delightful treat. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also reduce food waste and impress your friends and family!

## Why Watermelon Rind Candy?

Before diving into the recipes, let’s understand why watermelon rind candy is worth your time and effort:

* **Reduces Food Waste:** One of the most compelling reasons to make watermelon rind candy is its positive environmental impact. By utilizing the rind, you’re minimizing food waste and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
* **Unique Flavor and Texture:** Watermelon rind has a mild, slightly vegetal flavor that transforms beautifully when candied. The texture, when properly prepared, becomes tender and chewy, similar to traditional candied fruits.
* **Nutritional Benefits:** Watermelon rind is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and potassium. While candying does involve adding sugar, you’re still retaining some of the nutritional benefits of the rind itself.
* **Conversation Starter:** Watermelon rind candy is a unique and unexpected treat that is sure to spark conversation. It’s a great way to showcase your creativity in the kitchen and introduce people to a less common culinary use for fruits.
* **Versatile Treat:** Watermelon rind candy can be enjoyed on its own, used as a topping for desserts, or incorporated into other recipes like trail mix or baked goods.

## Preparing the Watermelon Rind

The key to delicious watermelon rind candy lies in proper preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your watermelon rind:

1. **Choose the Right Watermelon:** Select a ripe watermelon with a thick, firm rind. Organic watermelons are preferred to minimize pesticide exposure.
2. **Wash Thoroughly:** Wash the watermelon thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or residue. Pay special attention to the rind, as it will be consumed.
3. **Remove the Pink Flesh:** Use a sharp knife to carefully remove all the pink flesh from the rind. It’s important to remove as much of the flesh as possible, as it can make the candy too soft.
4. **Remove the Green Outer Skin:** Using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife, carefully remove the tough green outer skin from the rind. This layer is too bitter and fibrous to be used in candy.
5. **Cut into Desired Shapes:** Cut the remaining white rind into your desired shapes. Cubes, strips, or even decorative shapes work well. Consider the final appearance you want to achieve.
6. **Weigh the Rind:** Weigh the prepared rind. This measurement is crucial for determining the correct amount of sugar and other ingredients.

## Basic Watermelon Rind Candy Recipe

This recipe provides a foundation for making delicious watermelon rind candy. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and spices to customize it to your liking.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound prepared watermelon rind (cubed or sliced)
* 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust based on the weight of the rind – a 1:1 ratio of rind to sugar by weight is a good starting point)
* 1 cup water
* 1/4 cup lemon juice (or lime juice)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
* Pinch of salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Blanch the Rind:** Place the prepared watermelon rind in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and boil for 5-10 minutes, or until the rind is slightly translucent. This step helps to soften the rind and remove any lingering bitterness. Drain the rind and rinse with cold water.
2. **Prepare the Sugar Syrup:** In the same pot, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce heat to a simmer.
3. **Simmer the Rind in Syrup:** Add the blanched watermelon rind to the simmering sugar syrup. Ensure the rind is submerged in the syrup. Simmer gently for 1-2 hours, or until the rind becomes translucent and the syrup thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
4. **Monitor the Syrup:** The key to perfect candy is the syrup consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the rind but not so thick that it crystallizes. As the syrup reduces, it will become thicker and more viscous. You can test the consistency by dropping a small amount of syrup into a glass of cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.
5. **Add Flavorings (Optional):** In the last 15 minutes of simmering, add vanilla extract or any other flavorings you desire.
6. **Drain the Rind:** Once the rind is translucent and the syrup has thickened, remove the pot from the heat. Carefully drain the rind, reserving the syrup for other uses (such as flavoring drinks or desserts). You can use a slotted spoon or a colander.
7. **Dry the Rind:** There are several ways to dry the candied watermelon rind:
* **Oven Drying:** Preheat your oven to the lowest setting (usually around 170-200°F or 75-95°C). Spread the drained rind in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dry in the oven for 2-4 hours, or until the rind is slightly dry and chewy. Turn the rind occasionally to ensure even drying. Check frequently to prevent burning.
* **Dehydrator Drying:** If you have a dehydrator, spread the drained rind in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 6-12 hours at a low temperature.
* **Air Drying:** For a more traditional method, spread the drained rind on a wire rack and let it air dry for several days, or until it is no longer sticky. This method requires patience and a dry environment.
8. **Optional: Sugar Coating:** Once the rind is dried, you can toss it in granulated sugar for a classic candied look and extra sweetness. Place the dried rind in a bowl with a generous amount of sugar and toss until evenly coated.
9. **Store Properly:** Store the finished watermelon rind candy in an airtight container at room temperature. It should keep for several weeks.

## Variations and Flavor Combinations

Now that you have mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore some exciting variations and flavor combinations:

* **Spiced Watermelon Rind Candy:** Add spices like cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg to the sugar syrup for a warm and festive flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle kick.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of lemons, oranges, or limes to the sugar syrup for a bright and refreshing citrusy flavor. The zest complements the mild flavor of the watermelon rind perfectly.
* **Ginger Watermelon Rind Candy:** Use fresh ginger, thinly sliced or grated, in the sugar syrup for a spicy and aromatic candy. Ginger pairs exceptionally well with watermelon.
* **Mint Watermelon Rind Candy:** Add fresh mint leaves to the sugar syrup for a cool and refreshing candy. This is a great option for summer.
* **Rosemary Watermelon Rind Candy:** For a more sophisticated flavor, add a sprig of fresh rosemary to the sugar syrup. The rosemary imparts a subtle earthy and piney aroma to the candy.
* **Star Anise Watermelon Rind Candy:** Infuse the sugar syrup with star anise for a licorice-like flavor that is both intriguing and delicious.
* **Maple Syrup Watermelon Rind Candy:** Substitute some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer and more complex flavor. This variation adds a hint of caramel notes to the candy.
* **Honey Watermelon Rind Candy:** Similarly, you can substitute some of the granulated sugar with honey for a floral and subtly sweet flavor. Choose a honey with a flavor profile that complements watermelon, such as wildflower or clover honey.
* **Chocolate Dipped Watermelon Rind Candy:** Once the candied rind is dried, dip it in melted chocolate for a decadent treat. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate all work well. Sprinkle with sea salt or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
* **Crystallized Ginger and Watermelon Rind Candy:** Combine crystallized ginger with the watermelon rind during the drying process for a double dose of spicy-sweet flavor and chewy texture.
* **Watermelon Rind Marmalade:** Instead of drying the candied rind, you can continue to cook it down with the syrup until it becomes a thick, jam-like consistency. This makes a delicious watermelon rind marmalade that can be spread on toast or used as a filling for pastries.
* **Pickled Watermelon Rind:** For a savory twist, try pickling the watermelon rind instead of candying it. This involves soaking the rind in a vinegar-based brine with spices and herbs. Pickled watermelon rind is a popular Southern delicacy.

## Troubleshooting Tips

Making watermelon rind candy is a relatively simple process, but here are some common issues and how to avoid them:

* **Rind is Too Bitter:** Blanching the rind before candying it helps to remove bitterness. Make sure to boil the rind for the recommended time.
* **Candy is Too Soft:** This is usually caused by not removing enough of the pink flesh from the rind or by not cooking the syrup long enough. Ensure you remove all the pink flesh and simmer the rind in the syrup until it thickens sufficiently.
* **Candy is Too Hard:** This can happen if the syrup is overcooked or if the drying process is too long. Monitor the syrup carefully and check the candy frequently during drying.
* **Syrup Crystallizes:** This can happen if there are sugar crystals on the sides of the pot. To prevent crystallization, use a clean pot and stir the syrup frequently. You can also add a tablespoon of corn syrup to the sugar syrup to help prevent crystallization.
* **Rind is Sticking to the Pot:** Stir the rind occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also use a non-stick pot.

## Serving Suggestions

Watermelon rind candy is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways:

* **Enjoy it as is:** The simplest way to enjoy watermelon rind candy is to eat it straight from the container. It’s a perfect sweet treat for any time of day.
* **Use it as a topping:** Sprinkle chopped watermelon rind candy on top of ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, or other desserts for added flavor and texture.
* **Incorporate it into baked goods:** Add chopped watermelon rind candy to cookies, muffins, cakes, or breads for a unique twist.
* **Include it in trail mix:** Combine watermelon rind candy with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a homemade trail mix.
* **Give it as a gift:** Package watermelon rind candy in a decorative jar or box and give it as a thoughtful and unique gift.
* **Pair it with cheese:** Surprisingly, watermelon rind candy pairs well with certain cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or goat cheese. The sweet and savory combination is a delightful surprise.
* **Garnish cocktails:** Use small pieces of watermelon rind candy as a garnish for cocktails. It adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

## A Note on Food Safety

When making any kind of food, it’s important to follow basic food safety guidelines:

* **Wash your hands thoroughly:** Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food.
* **Use clean utensils and equipment:** Ensure that all utensils and equipment are clean and sanitized.
* **Store food properly:** Store watermelon rind candy in an airtight container at room temperature. Discard any candy that shows signs of spoilage.
* **Be aware of allergies:** If you are making watermelon rind candy for someone else, be aware of any allergies they may have.

## Conclusion

Watermelon rind candy is a delicious and sustainable way to transform a seemingly useless part of the watermelon into a delightful treat. With its unique flavor, chewy texture, and numerous variations, this candy is sure to impress. By following the recipes and tips in this blog post, you can create your own batch of watermelon rind candy and enjoy a guilt-free sweet treat that also helps to reduce food waste. So, the next time you enjoy a juicy watermelon, don’t throw away the rind – turn it into something amazing! Embrace the challenge, experiment with flavors, and share your creations with friends and family. Happy candying!