In the summer, watermelon is a popular choice for its refreshing flavor and cooling effect, often used in desserts like watermelon sago. While the sweet, juicy flesh is commonly eaten, the rind is usually thrown away.
However, the rind can be turned into a tasty snack – watermelon candy! Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients:
- Several pieces of watermelon rind (with a bit of red flesh remaining).
- An appropriate amount of sugar.
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Watermelon Rind:
- Start by scrubbing the outer layer of the watermelon rind to remove impurities and wax.
- Cut the rind into even pieces, then slice them into strips.
- Place the rind strips in a bowl, sprinkle sugar generously over them, and mix by hand until each strip is evenly coated with sugar.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This process helps draw out moisture from the rind and allows the sugar to penetrate it fully.
2. Preparing the Syrup:
- The next day, drain the liquid from the watermelon rind and let the pieces air-dry.
- In a pan, add sugar and just enough water to cover it. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue stirring the syrup as it thickens. After about eight minutes, small, dense bubbles will form. At this point, turn off the heat and let the syrup cool for a few minutes.
3. Making the Watermelon Candy:
- Add the dried watermelon rind to the cooled syrup, then heat on low, stirring continuously. Patience is key, as you need to ensure the rind is evenly coated with the syrup.
- As the syrup thickens, reduce the heat or turn it off, continuing to stir until the syrup clings to the rind.
- After a while, the mixture will begin to crystalize into a sugary coating. You’ll know the candy is ready when you hear a slight crackling sound. At this point, remove the watermelon candy and place it on a plate to cool.
Unique Features:
Distinctive Texture and Flavor
Watermelon candy offers a delightful combination of chewy sweetness from the rind with a sugary coating. The natural crispness of the watermelon rind balances the candy’s rich sweetness.
Reducing Food Waste
This recipe makes great use of watermelon rind, preventing waste and providing a creative, eco-friendly way to make a fun summer snack.
Why not try making this unique watermelon candy and turn those watermelon rinds into a delicious treat this summer?

Watermelon Candy – A Unique Summer Treat
Ingredients
- Several pieces of watermelon rind with a bit of red flesh remaining.
- An appropriate amount of sugar
Instructions
Preparing the Watermelon Rind:
- Start by scrubbing the outer layer of the watermelon rind to remove impurities and wax.
- Cut the rind into even pieces, then slice them into strips.
- Place the rind strips in a bowl, sprinkle sugar generously over them, and mix by hand until each strip is evenly coated with sugar.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This process helps draw out moisture from the rind and allows the sugar to penetrate it fully.
Preparing the Syrup:
- The next day, drain the liquid from the watermelon rind and let the pieces air-dry.
- In a pan, add sugar and just enough water to cover it. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue stirring the syrup as it thickens. After about eight minutes, small, dense bubbles will form. At this point, turn off the heat and let the syrup cool for a few minutes.
Making the Watermelon Candy:
- Add the dried watermelon rind to the cooled syrup, then heat on low, stirring continuously. Patience is key, as you need to ensure the rind is evenly coated with the syrup.
- As the syrup thickens, reduce the heat or turn it off, continuing to stir until the syrup clings to the rind.
- After a while, the mixture will begin to crystalize into a sugary coating. You’ll know the candy is ready when you hear a slight crackling sound. At this point, remove the watermelon candy and place it on a plate to cool.
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