Vegan Watermelon Rind Candy

Don’t toss those watermelon rinds! Turn them into a delicious, chewy Vegan Watermelon Rind Candy that’s naturally sweet, slightly tangy, and completely plant-based. This recipe is a great way to reduce food waste while creating a delightful treat perfect for snacking or gifting. Not only does this Vegan Watermelon Rind Candy taste amazing, but it’s also budget-friendly and eco-conscious. The result is a chewy, glossy candy that’s sweetened with natural sugar and flavored with a hint of citrus and vanilla. Whether you’re a fan of traditional candied fruit or looking for a unique vegan dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

NUMERICAL REVIEW:

• Diet: Vegan
• Course: Dessert or snack
• Cuisine: American
• Cook time: 75 minutes
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Working time(total): 95 minutes
• Single portion size: Around six pieces
• Yield: 4 servings(24 pieces)
• Cooking method: Oven(drying) + stovetop
• Difficulty level: Easy

TOOLS

• Vegetable peeler
• Baking tray(parchment-lined) or cooling rack
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Small mixing bowl
• Slotted spoon

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
• Watermelon rind, four cups
• A pinch of salt
• 2 cups of water
• Extra sugar for coating
• 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• Lemon juice, two tbsp.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence

INGREDIENT NOTES

VANILLA ESSENCE

• It balances the flavor, providing a sweet, warm aroma. You may use the almond essence as a replacement.

WATERMELON RIND

• We will require the white part under the green skin for this recipe. Don’t include the red flesh.

LEMON JUICE AND ZEST

• Both juice and zest of lemon will bring the sharp, bright aroma and flavor to the candy. You may go for the lime juice as a replacement.

SUGAR

• The regular white sugar is sometimes treated with bone char, so try to avoid it. Use either organic cane sugar or any authentic vegan granulated sugar to sweeten the candies. If you want to keep the carbs lower as well, then use coconut sugar.

SALT

• A pinch of salt balances all the flavors.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Take the watermelon rind and peel its green skin well.
2. Now, remove the traces of flesh if there are any.
3. Cut the rind into bite-sized cubes or strips.
4. Place a water-filled saucepan on a normal flame.
5. Add the rind pieces to the water as it boils.
6. Drain them as they become slightly soft after about five minutes.
7. Add lemon juice and zest, water, sugar, salt, and vanilla essence to that similar saucepan.
8. Mix and bring it to a boil, then lower the flame.
9. Add the softened rind pieces to the syrup.
10. Cook them for about an hour while stirring occasionally.
11. Wait till the rinds become translucent after absorbing the syrup.
12. Then use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the tray(parchment-lined).
13. Now, leave them to dry for around twenty-four hours.
14. Once they are dry but still sticky, roll them in powdered sugar and dry them fully.
15. Your Vegan Watermelon Rind Candy is ready to stock up or enjoy.

TIPS

• Be precise while cutting the rind into pieces. They must be of the same size so that they cook and dry together.
• When you cook the softened rinds, keep the flame low so that the syrup penetrates without burning.
• Add a few cloves or a cinnamon stick for a classical aroma.
• If you are in a hurry, you can dry them in the oven. Your 24-hour work will just done in two hours.

HOW TO STORE THE LEFTOVERS

CHILLING

• When the candies dry and cool completely, save them in the jar secured with an airtight lid. Refrigerate for around two weeks.

FREEZING

• Pack the candies as directed above. Freeze them for around ninety days. Defrost them in the fridge before eating.

FAQs

Why is my rind not getting translucent?

• You need to give it more time to simmer at low flame until they turns shiny and soft.

Is that possible to make them without sugar?

• Yes, you can use any keto-friendly sweetener for a keto version. You will find the difference in texture and also lower in carbs.

Does this candy just taste like watermelon?

• Nope! It gives you the chewy texture with sweet and sour flavour like candies.

NUTRITIONAL FACTS/SERVING

Single portion size: ~Six pieces
Calories: ~70 kcal
Carbs(total): Eighteen grams
Fats: 0
Net carbs: 17.5 g
Fats: Zero grams
Sugar: 17 g
Proteins: Half a gram
Sodium: 2 mg