The rind of a watermelon is often discarded but it’s rich in vitamins and is delicious when prepared correctly

THE rind of a watermelon is often discarded but it's rich in vitamins and is delicious when prepared the correct way.

Most people who eat watermelon are usually seen eating the refreshing fruit's red interior, spitting out the seeds, and steering clear of its nutritious shell.

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However, the fruit's shell, known as the rind, is low-calorie and high in nutrients.

"Watermelon rind is the tough, outer layer of a watermelon, and is typically green on the exterior, fading to a pale white inside, before giving way to the red and pink flesh of the fruit itself," according to .

"This rind is decidedly harder and less juicy than the fruit it protects, but contrary to what many people think, it is completely edible. "

The rind contains high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Zinc, as well as other minerals.

It is also condensed with chlorophyll, citrulline, lycopene, flavonoids, phenolic, and amino acids, Organic Facts explains.

The most significant benefits that come with eating watermelon rind are that it can boost the appearance of the skin, reduce blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, increase libido, and lessen pregnancy symptoms.

Healthline notes that some research shows amino acid citrulline, which is inside the rind, "may help men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. "

The health information website suggests with lemon juice and chili powder to make it tastier.

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According to , five smart ways to use watermelon rind is by pickling it, making it into a chutney, using it in an Indian curry, creating gazpacho, and candying it.

If the watermelon rind is pickled, it could be used either as a condiment or as an addition to your tuna or salad.

lists the ingredients used for pickling rind as watermelon, kosher salt, lime juice, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, a cinnamon stick, and a kaffir lime leaf.

Speaking to (MBG), registered dietitian Brenna Wallace explains: "Believe it or not, you actually can (and should) eat watermelon rind."

In regards to pickling watermelon, Wallace told the outlet: "Much like cucumber, pickling watermelon rind is a popular way to reap its many benefits."

It's also possible to juice the rind and make smoothies.

Registered dietician Ella Davar tells MBG that blending strawberries, ice, lemon juice, and watermelon slices with the rinds, are the perfect ingredients for a rind beverage.

She also suggests honey and ginger could be good to add to the mix.

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