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!