Ever heard of candy made from something most people toss in the trash? Yep, watermelon rind candy is exactly that—a chewy, sweet treat made from the green-and-white part of a watermelon you usually discard. Think of it as the ultimate zero-waste dessert. It’s got an old-school charm, too, with roots in Southern American kitchens and traditional preservation practices across cultures. Unlike store-bought candies that are loaded with chemicals and hard-to-pronounce ingredients, this one’s made right in your kitchen with love, sugar, and a whole lot of resourcefulness.
Ingredients
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4 cups watermelon rind, green peel and pink flesh removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
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2 cups granulated sugar
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2 cups water
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1 tablespoon lemon juice or a few lemon slices
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Optional: spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, or vanilla extract)
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Optional: extra sugar for coating
Instructions
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Prepare the rind: Peel off the green skin and pink flesh, leaving only the white rind. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
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Soften the rind: Boil in plain water for 10–15 minutes until slightly tender. Drain.
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Make syrup: In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and optional spices. Bring to a boil.
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Cook the rind: Add the softened rinds to the syrup. Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes until translucent and infused with flavor.
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Dry the candy: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray. Let dry for 6–12 hours or use a low-heat oven (150°F) for 1–2 hours.
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Optional coating: Roll pieces in granulated sugar for a sparkly finish.
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Store: Once completely dry, store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
How to Store and Preserve Watermelon Rind Candy
Shelf Life and Storage Tips
If stored correctly, your watermelon rind candy can stay fresh for weeks—maybe even months. Here’s how to make that happen:
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Airtight containers are your best friend. Use glass jars, plastic tubs, or resealable bags.
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Keep the candy in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is perfect.
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If you’ve coated them in sugar, give them a gentle shake occasionally to prevent sticking.
For longer shelf life, you can store the candy in the fridge. Just be sure it’s sealed tightly to keep moisture out.
Freezing for Longevity
Yes, you can even freeze watermelon rind candy! This works well if you’ve made a big batch and want to stretch it out. To freeze:
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Lay the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
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Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
When you’re ready to snack, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. They’ll retain their texture and flavor surprisingly well. Pro tip: frozen pieces make a refreshing, chewy treat on a hot day!
Pairing Watermelon Rind Candy with Other Foods
Tea Time Treats
Watermelon rind candy makes a fantastic companion to a cup of tea. Think of it as your new go-to tea-time nibble, especially when you want something light, fruity, and slightly nostalgic. Pair it with:
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Earl Grey: The citrus notes in the tea highlight the lemon or orange peel in the candy.
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Green tea: The earthiness of green tea complements the sweetness of the rind perfectly.
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Herbal teas like chamomile or mint: These lighter teas allow the candy’s flavor to shine.
Set it out on a small serving plate, maybe with some nuts or dried fruits, and you’ve got yourself a classy, zero-waste treat to serve guests or enjoy solo. If you’re entertaining, adding rind candy to a charcuterie board brings both color and curiosity to the spread.
As a Dessert Garnish
Looking to upgrade your dessert game? Watermelon rind candy is not only delicious—it’s visually stunning. Its glistening, translucent look adds a touch of whimsy and elegance to just about anything. Here’s how you can use it:
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On top of cakes and cupcakes: A few pieces of sugared rind candy can serve as edible decorations.
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In yogurt or parfaits: Chop them up and sprinkle for a sweet surprise.
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Alongside ice cream: Use them as a chewy, fruity topping that contrasts beautifully with creamy desserts.
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In holiday baking: Add chopped rind to fruitcakes, scones, or even muffins.
Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or just treating yourself to something special, watermelon rind candy is the unexpected dessert addition you didn’t know you needed.
Health Benefits of Watermelon Rind
Nutritional Value of Watermelon Rind
You might be surprised to learn just how much goodness is hiding in that tough green skin. Watermelon rind contains important nutrients like:
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Citrulline: An amino acid that may boost heart health and improve blood flow.
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Vitamin C: Known for supporting immunity and skin health.
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Fiber: Good for digestion and gut health.
While the rind doesn’t have the sugary punch of the pink fruit, it offers subtle nutrients that support a balanced diet. Plus, when turned into candy, it’s a smarter choice than artificial alternatives that spike your blood sugar and add no real value to your body.
Health Boosters in the Rind
Besides the core nutrients, watermelon rind is known to have:
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Antioxidants: Which fight off free radicals and keep cells happy.
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Low Calories: Making it a guilt-free base for sweet treats.
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Hydrating Properties: Like the flesh, the rind has a high water content, which supports hydration.
When transformed into candy, the rind doesn’t lose all its benefits. Yes, sugar is involved—but it’s a treat with a touch of health, especially compared to commercial candies packed with preservatives and dyes. So next time you think about tossing that rind, remember—it’s practically a hidden health snack waiting to happen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watermelon Rind Candy
Is watermelon rind candy healthy?
While it’s still a candy (and contains sugar), it’s made with natural ingredients and provides small amounts of fiber and antioxidants. It’s a better choice than most processed sweets.
Can I use other melons like cantaloupe or honeydew?
Watermelon rind is the most popular due to its thickness and mild flavor, but some people do experiment with other melons. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How long does watermelon rind candy last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, it can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature or up to 2 months refrigerated.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes! Try using a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, but you may need to tweak the recipe slightly as they behave differently than regular sugar.
What do I do with leftover syrup?
Don’t throw it out! Use the syrup in iced tea, lemonade, cocktails, or drizzle it over pancakes for a deliciously sweet twist.
Conclusion
Who knew that something we usually toss in the trash could become such a delightful, chewy, sweet treat? Watermelon rind candy is more than just a dessert—it’s a journey into sustainable living, kitchen creativity, and flavor exploration. Whether you’re a culinary adventurer, a frugal foodie, or someone just looking for a fun kitchen project, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
So next time you’re slicing into a juicy watermelon, don’t even think about throwing out that rind. Instead, transform it into something delicious. Something you can proudly share, savor, and show off. Your taste buds—and the planet—will thank you.
Print
Watermelon Rind Candy
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups of candy 1x
Description
Don’t toss that rind! This homemade Watermelon Rind Candy is a sweet, chewy delight made from the often-discarded white part of watermelon. Boiled in a sugar syrup and optionally flavored with spices or citrus, this candy is a zero-waste, eco-friendly alternative to store-bought treats.
Ingredients
4 cups watermelon rind, green peel and pink flesh removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1 tablespoon lemon juice or a few lemon slices
Optional: spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, or vanilla extract)
Optional: extra sugar for coating
Instructions
Prepare the rind: Peel off the green skin and pink flesh, leaving only the white rind. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Soften the rind: Boil in plain water for 10–15 minutes until slightly tender. Drain.
Make syrup: In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, lemon juice, and optional spices. Bring to a boil.
Cook the rind: Add the softened rinds to the syrup. Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes until translucent and infused with flavor.
Dry the candy: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or parchment-lined tray. Let dry for 6–12 hours or use a low-heat oven (150°F) for 1–2 hours.
Optional coating: Roll pieces in granulated sugar for a sparkly finish.
Store: Once completely dry, store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Don’t skip the peeling process—leaving green skin or pink flesh can affect texture and taste.
Try adding citrus zest, vanilla, or cinnamon for custom flavors.
Use leftover syrup in teas, drinks, or drizzle over pancakes.
For quicker drying, use a dehydrator or low-temp oven.
Great for gifting—package in mason jars with a cute ribbon!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour