6 Uses for Watermelon Rind

Watermelon rind is undervalued, as it often ends up in the trash can. However, there are many ways to recycle it and bet on your health.
6 Uses for Watermelon Rind
Elisa Morales Lupayante

Reviewed and approved by the pedagogue in physical education and nutritionist Elisa Morales Lupayante.

Written by Ángela Aragón

Last update: 30 May, 2022

During the summer, to quench thirst and hunger pangs, many people don’t resist having a serving of water-rich fruits, such as watermelon. Although its slightly sweet, it’s very refreshing taste is great during the summer. Now, what about watermelon rind?

Most people who eat fruits don’t know how to take advantage of their peels and, therefore, discard them. However, it’s possible to use this part of the fruit.

If you want to know some of the uses that you can give to watermelon rind, keep reading everything that we’re going to tell you in greater detail below.

1. Watermelon rind tea

Watermelon rind tea.

Yes, the peel of many fruits, such as watermelon or pineapple, can be used to make a fruit tea or homemade infusion. Unlike what’s done with the apple peel, which is dried before using, you don’t need to do this with the watermelon rind.

Once the rest of the watermelon has been used, all you need to do is take the rind, cut it into small cubes, and submerge them in a pot of boiling water.

After a few minutes, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it boil. Then, add the desired spices to the tea or infusion, cinnamon, for example, and if desired, a few drops of lemon juice. The result? A delicious and refreshing homemade drink that you can enjoy both at room temperature and cold with a few ice cubes.

Note: some combine their mint or lavender with lemon infusion with watermelon rind.

2. Diuretic and slimming drink

Following the above point, it’s also possible to prepare a rich diuretic and slimming drink with watermelon rind. In this sense, you must bear in mind that, if the fruit itself is very low in calories, the drink would be completely light.

The procedure would be similar to the cases we already exposed. All you need to do is combine the infusion of watermelon rind with the juice of another fruit to enhance the flavor. A good option is to combine the watermelon peel tea with orange or pineapple juice.
Note: If you suffer from fluid retention, this type of drink could come in handy to fight it.

3. Refreshing tone

If the mild flavor of watermelon rind doesn’t appeal to you as a summer drink, then perhaps you should consider taking advantage of this part of the fruit to make a refreshing toner for your skin.

All you have to do is take the watermelon rind, bring it to a boil in a pot of water, and then let it cool. Later, you should pour the resulting liquid into a container and put it in the refrigerator overnight.

The next morning, you can transfer the liquid to a spray bottle to start applying it as a refreshing tonic when it gets hot.

4. Compost for plants

Compost for plants.

If you have a mini-garden or orchard, you know that compost is very beneficial for plants because it nourishes the soil and helps them grow.

Gather the watermelon rind with the egg shells and the other organic waste of vegetables and fruits, mix them well, and take them to your mini-garden.

5. A snack for birds

If you have a house with a garden and you have a bird feeder, you should know that you can take advantage of watermelon rind to offer something different to your winged visitors during the summer.

You only need to cut the watermelon rind into small pieces and leave them at a high point, where you know that it’ll be easily detected by the sparrows and other birds in the surroundings.

6. Secret ingredient for desserts

A dessert with watermelon rind.

If you aren’t interested in preparing a refreshing watermelon rind drink, don’t worry. You can also take advantage of the infusion of this part of the fruit to add it to a cake or gelatin recipe. It’ll enhance the flavor!

As you can see, there are several ways to take advantage of watermelon rinds. The key is to let your imagination fly and dare to try new ideas!


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.