Watermelon rind\u00a0nutrition<\/a> has previously been analyzed by other institutions around the world, but not according to the USDA\u2019s standardized requirements, Stephanie Barlow, senior director of communications for the Florida-based National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\nThe NWPB funded the watermelon rind analysis and spearheaded the effort to add watermelon rind to the USDA\u2019s FoodData Central database, Barlow said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost consumers do not know the rind is edible,\u201d she said. \u201cPlain and simple.\u201d<\/p>\n
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently added an official\u00a0nutrition profile\u00a0for watermelon rind, providing new information about its nutritional value while highlighting a potential way to reduce food waste. lessimol \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
A watermelon is, on average, 70% flesh and 30% rind, and 62% of consumers throw out the rind, according to the NWPB\u2019s 2023 Watermelon Consumer Usage Study.<\/p>\n
Barlow said that amounts to an average of five pounds of rind that could instead be used in a wide range of\u00a0recipes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe watermelon rind is an interesting addition to the nutrition conversation, especially because it is a part of the fruit we typically throw away,\u201d Lisa Young, registered dietitian and adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University, told Fox News Digital. \u201cEating the rind can be a simple way to get a little more nutrition while reducing food waste.<\/p>\n
A watermelon is, on average, 70% flesh and 30% rind, and 62% of consumers throw out the rind, according to the NWPB\u2019s 2023 Watermelon Consumer Usage Study. Inga \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
Young added that she wouldn\u2019t call watermelon rind a nutritional powerhouse or suggest eating it instead of the juicy flesh.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe flesh provides important nutrients and antioxidants, including lycopene,\u201d she said. \u201cRind is tougher and less sweet, so preparation matters. \u2026 Just be sure to wash the watermelon well before cutting and eating the rind.\u201d<\/p>\n
As more consumers look for ways to\u00a0stretch their food budgets\u00a0and use food in new ways, interest in watermelon rind recipes and the rind\u2019s versatility has increased year after year, Barlow said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFood\u00a0creators on TikTok and YouTube have contributed to watermelon rind awareness in recipes from around the world, and interest continues to grow,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Because of increasing consumption of the rind, \u201cwe wanted to explore what the nutritional benefits of the rind were,\u201d Megan McKenna, NWPB\u2019s senior director of marketing and food service, told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis required employing the services of a USDA-approved lab to do the testing, as well as working with\u00a0health\u00a0professionals to verify the results.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe new USDA nutrient profile gives dietitians and health professionals standardized data they need to confidently incorporate watermelon rind into recipes and nutrition guidance,\u201d Barlow added.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helps consumers \u2013 and also food service \u2013 get even more value from every watermelon they bring into their kitchens.\u201d<\/p>\n
For someone interested in trying watermelon rind, one of the easiest preparations is adding it to a smoothie, she said.<\/p>\n
Watermelon rind\u00a0nutrition has previously been analyzed by other institutions around the world, but not according to the USDA\u2019s standardized requirements. shaiith \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
Her favorite way to incorporate it is in a rind slaw that involves shredding pieces of rind and adding vinegar, sugar, salt and oil.<\/p>\n
The recipe \u201ceven leaves on the edible outer green skin and is easily made with simple ingredients,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Watermelon rind can also be pickled, used in stir-fries, roasted or incorporated into\u00a0baked goods.<\/p>\n
\u201cProper food-safe handling at home with all watermelon must start with washing the watermelon under cool, running water,\u201d Barlow said.<\/p>\n
Watermelon rind can also be pickled, used in stir-fries, roasted or incorporated into\u00a0baked goods. gpointstudio \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n
\u201cA simple rinse is best, no need for any abrasive scrubbing or solutions. Once your whole watermelon is rinsed and dried, it\u2019s ready for cutting into slices, dices, sticks and cubes, reserving that rind for recipes.\u201d<\/p>\n
If a recipe calls for removing the green outer skin, a vegetable peeler works well, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rind skin is similar to its cousin, the cucumber, and it peels right off,\u201d Barlow said.<\/p>\n
For storage, the NWPB recommends refrigerating cut watermelon in a glass or plastic container, where it should keep for three to five days, McKenna said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur watermelon rind pickles keep for up to two weeks when sealed in a glass jar and refrigerated,\u201d she said.
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