If you’ve ever finished a juicy slice of watermelon and tossed the rind straight into the trash, I have a delicious little secret to share with you. That rind you’ve been throwing away can actually be transformed into one of the most surprising, chewy, sweet, and slightly tangy candies you’ll ever make at home. 🍬 Watermelon rind candy has been a beloved Southern tradition for generations, and once you try it, you’ll understand exactly why.
Below you’ll find everything you need to make this old fashioned treat in your own kitchen, including step by step instructions, tips for getting that perfect chewy texture, fun flavor variations, storage advice, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this recipe. Let’s turn that rind into something amazing. 🍉✨
🍬 What Is Watermelon Rind Candy?
Watermelon rind candy is made by taking the firm, pale green and white part of a watermelon rind, the part left over after you’ve enjoyed the juicy red flesh, and slow candying it in a sugar syrup until it becomes tender, sweet, and slightly translucent. The result is a chewy, jewel like candy that tastes similar to a cross between a gummy candy and candied ginger, with a subtle watermelon flavor and a satisfying, slightly sticky bite.
This tradition dates back generations, especially in Southern kitchens where nothing from the garden ever went to waste. Turning rind into candy was, and still is, a wonderful way to reduce food waste while creating a truly unique homemade treat. It’s the kind of recipe that surprises everyone who tries it, in the very best way. 🍉
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zero food waste. This recipe transforms something you’d normally throw away into a delicious treat.
- Budget friendly. You likely already have the main ingredient sitting in your kitchen after your last watermelon.
- Unique and conversation worthy. Few people have tried watermelon rind candy, making it a fun, memorable treat to share.
- Naturally chewy texture. The candying process gives the rind a satisfying, gummy like bite.
- Customizable flavor. Easily adjust the sweetness, spice, or added flavors to your taste.
🍉 Ingredients You’ll Need
For preparing the rind:
- 4 cups watermelon rind, peeled and cut into small cubes or strips
- 2 tablespoons salt, for the soaking brine
- Water, enough to cover the rind while soaking
For the candying syrup:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for warmth)
- 2 to 3 slices of fresh ginger (optional, for a little spice)
For coating (optional):
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for rolling the finished candy
👩🍳 How to Make Watermelon Rind Candy
Step 1: Prep the rind. Start with the firm, pale part of the watermelon rind, trimming away the tough outer green skin and any remaining red flesh. You want just the white to pale green section in the middle. Cut this into small cubes or thin strips, depending on your preferred candy shape.
Step 2: Brine the rind. Place the rind pieces in a large bowl and cover with water. Stir in the salt until dissolved, then let the rind soak for about one hour. This step helps firm up the texture and draws out some of the excess water, which is important for a good final texture.
Step 3: Rinse thoroughly. After soaking, drain the rind and rinse it very well under cold water to remove all the salt. Give it a taste test at this point; if it still tastes salty, rinse again.
Step 4: Parboil the rind. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the rind pieces. Boil for about ten minutes, or until the rind becomes tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well and set aside.
Step 5: Make the candying syrup. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and ginger slices if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
Step 6: Add the rind to the syrup. Add the parboiled rind pieces to the syrup and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for about forty five minutes to one hour, stirring occasionally, until the rind turns slightly translucent and has absorbed much of the syrup.
Step 7: Cool slightly. Remove the pot from heat and let the candied rind cool in the syrup for about ten minutes. This helps the pieces firm up just enough to handle without falling apart.
Step 8: Drain and dry. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the candied rind pieces to a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spacing them apart so they aren’t touching. Let them air dry at room temperature for several hours, or up to a full day, until they’re slightly tacky but no longer dripping wet.
Step 9: Coat in sugar (optional). Once the pieces have dried enough to hold their shape, roll them in granulated sugar for that classic, slightly crunchy candy coating. This step is optional but adds a beautiful sparkly finish and a bit of extra texture.
Step 10: Store and enjoy. Once fully dried and coated, your watermelon rind candy is ready to enjoy, or to store for later (see storage tips below). 🍉
🍭 Tips for the Best Watermelon Rind Candy
- Choose the right part of the rind. You want the firm, pale section between the green outer skin and the red flesh. Both the deep green skin and any leftover red flesh should be trimmed away.
- Don’t rush the brining step. Soaking in salt water helps firm up the rind’s texture, which is key to getting that satisfying chew in the final candy.
- Simmer low and slow. Cooking the rind gently in the syrup allows it to fully absorb the sweetness and develop that slightly translucent, jewel like appearance.
- Be patient with drying. Allowing the candy to air dry properly prevents a sticky, overly wet texture and helps the sugar coating stick evenly.
- Cut pieces evenly. Uniform sized pieces cook and dry at the same rate, giving you a more consistent batch.
🌈 Fun Variations to Try
Spiced Watermelon Rind Candy 🌶️ Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a small pinch of cayenne to the candying syrup for a warm, slightly spiced version.
Citrus Watermelon Rind Candy 🍋 Add fresh orange or lime zest to the syrup along with the lemon juice for a brighter, citrus forward flavor.
Chocolate Dipped Watermelon Rind Candy 🍫 Once the candy has dried, dip half of each piece in melted dark chocolate for an elegant, slightly indulgent twist.
Ginger Watermelon Rind Candy 🫚 Increase the amount of fresh ginger in the syrup for a candy with a more pronounced, warming spice, similar to candied ginger.
Mint Watermelon Rind Candy 🌿 Add a few fresh mint leaves to the syrup while simmering for a cool, refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with the natural watermelon flavor.
🧊 How to Store Watermelon Rind Candy
Because this candy goes through a slow candying and drying process, it actually stores quite well, making it a great treat to prepare ahead of time.
- Room temperature: Store the candy in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, for up to two weeks in a cool, dry spot.
- Refrigerator: For longer freshness, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one month.
- Freezer: You can also freeze the candied rind pieces in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer safe bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Reviving stickiness: If the candy becomes overly sticky during storage, a light re roll in granulated sugar will freshen it right up.
🍉 Perfect Occasions for Watermelon Rind Candy
This unique, nostalgic candy fits beautifully into all kinds of moments, both casual and special:
- Summer picnics and backyard barbecues 🌞
- A creative way to use up rind after a big cookout 🍉
- Homemade gift bags and holiday candy tins 🎁
- County fair and farmers market inspired treat tables 🌾
- A fun, hands on kitchen project to do with kids or grandkids 👵
Its old fashioned charm makes it a wonderful conversation starter, especially for anyone who’s never tried it before.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Watermelon Rind Candy
Can I use rind from a seedless watermelon? Yes, seedless watermelon rind works perfectly well in this recipe. The important part is using the firm, pale section between the outer skin and the red flesh, regardless of the watermelon variety.
Why do I need to brine the rind first? Brining helps firm up the rind’s texture before cooking, which prevents it from turning mushy during the candying process and helps it hold its shape as a chewy candy.
How long does watermelon rind candy take to make from start to finish? Including soaking, simmering, and drying time, plan for about one full day, though most of that time is hands off waiting rather than active preparation.
Can I speed up the drying process? Yes, you can dry the candied rind in a low oven, around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, for one to two hours instead of air drying, checking frequently to prevent over drying or burning.
Does watermelon rind candy actually taste like watermelon? It has a subtle, mild watermelon note, but the overall flavor is closer to a sweet, slightly tangy candied fruit, similar to candied ginger or citrus peel, rather than a strong watermelon candy flavor.
Can I make this recipe with less sugar? You can reduce the sugar slightly, though keep in mind that sugar plays an important role in both the candying process and the preservation of the final candy, so significant reductions may affect texture and shelf life.
🍉 Final Thoughts
Watermelon rind candy is a wonderful reminder that some of the best treats come from getting a little creative with what you already have on hand. With a bit of patience and a simple candying process, that leftover rind transforms into a chewy, sweet, slightly nostalgic candy that’s sure to surprise and delight everyone who tries it. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or making this for the very first time, it’s a fun, rewarding recipe that turns kitchen waste into something truly special. 🍬✨
Give it a try after your next watermelon, and enjoy every sweet, chewy bite. Happy candying! 🍉🎉