Watermelon rind is a delicious ingredient.
Watermelon rinds usually go in the garbage; however, earlier generations used them in numerous other ways. They found unique methods to preserve rinds and use them as accents for other foods. While not as popular as an ingredient as it once was, watermelon rind continues to make its way into various dishes and condiments.
Thai Gaeng Leang Soup
The traditional Thai Gaeng Leang soup uses watermelon rind as one of its main ingredients. Other ingredients are Thai Kabocha pumpkin and young corn. It is served warm and adds delicious lemon basil as a final flavor. The watermelon rind adds sweetness and firmness.
Sweet
Sugared watermelon rind is a delicious and traditional sugared fruit candy. It is very sweet and sugar-coated. It has a rather firm and chewy texture, with a slight crunchiness from the granulated sugar. But underneath there is a tart edge to the flavor. It is generally unavailable in retail stores, but you can it online or via certain culinary catalogs.
Sour
Pickled watermelon rinds is one of the well-known uses of watermelon rind. This is not surprising, since cucumbers (from which pickles are usually made) and watermelon are related. The process is similar to making pickles from cucumbers, and the result is just as delicious. You may be able to find it in if you live in the South. Otherwise, you will have to make it at home.
Preserves
It may come as a surprise for those accustomed to jams and jellies made with berries and other sweet fruits, but watermelon rind makes an excellent preserve. It has an interesting greenish-clear texture, and has a delicious mild flavor. If you are lucky, you can find some produced locally. Otherwise, you will have to seek out a producer who ship it to you.
Salad
A sweet salad can be made from watermelon rinds, carrots and ginger, as well as sugar and some sour ingredients like vinegar. The rinds marinate in a delicious sweet-and-sour syrup, and gain its flavor. The result is an exotic and refreshing salad.
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