Watermelon rind—the crisp, pale green part we usually toss out—is actually a hidden gem! It’s been used in traditional cooking for generations, but adding a little baking soda to the preparation process is a genius trick that leads to a super delicious and unexpected treat.
💡 The Science of the “Alkaline Crisp”
Why add baking soda to something you plan to eat? Baking soda is an alkaline substance, and it performs an incredible function when cooking firm vegetables or fruits:
- Tenderizing Power: The alkaline environment created by the baking soda helps break down the pectin in the rind’s tough outer cell walls. This doesn’t make it mushy; instead, it allows the rind to become wonderfully tender yet still slightly crisp, perfectly prepared to absorb flavor.
- Brightening Color: It can also help maintain or even brighten the rind’s pale color during the cooking process.
🍬 Making a Delicious Rind Preserve (Pickle or Candy)
The most popular and rewarding way to use this technique is to create a sweet Watermelon Rind Preserve or “Watermelon Rind Candy.”
- Prep the Rind: Peel off the tough, dark green outer skin and dice the pale rind into chunks.
- The Baking Soda Soak: This is the key step! Soak the diced rind in a large bowl of water mixed with about a tablespoon of baking soda for several hours, or even overnight. This is called the “alkaline bath.”
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain and rinse the rind very well several times to remove all traces of the baking soda.
- Simmer and Sweeten: Now the rind is ready to be simmered in a mixture of water and natural sweeteners (like sugar or honey), often with spices like cinnamon, cloves, or fresh ginger. The simmering process infuses the now-tender rind with flavor, turning it into a beautiful, jewel-like preserve or sweet pickle.
😋 A Truly Unexpected Delight
This preserve can be enjoyed in so many ways:
- Served alongside cheese and crackers.
- Chopped and added to baked goods like muffins.
- Eaten straight from the jar as a unique, sweet snack.
Don’t let that valuable rind go to waste next time you enjoy a watermelon! With a simple soak in baking soda, you can create a truly delicious and thrifty treat that will surprise everyone.
