If there’s one fruit that I associate most with a summer day it’s watermelon. One bite into the sweet fruit is all it takes to cool off when the sun’s rays are shining down. That beautiful slice of watermelon is a welcome sight whether you’ve been out working in the garden, exercising, or just sitting on the porch with your dog watching the world go by.

Watermelon is a delight by itself, but you’ll also find it in any number of recipes from a watermelon margarita to a watermelon and feta salad. However, there is one part of the watermelon that usually gets overlooked and ends up in the compost heap: the rind. I have some news for you about that, though. The rind is its own special treat in this Watermelon Rind Smoothie.

That’s right. Don’t throw the watermelon rind away—make smoothies instead! This is a great option for people who like to use the whole food (especially since the rind has health benefits of its own), but aren’t crazy about pickled rind, a southern staple.

I know if you’re used to discarding the rind that the idea of a watermelon rind smoothie seems a little strange. Trust me on this one, though, because you don’t want to miss out on this treat!

And if you’re worried that it will taste bitter, there are quite a few ingredients that balance things out. You get some sweetness from the dates and pear, while the mango cubes give you a nice tangy vibe. The chia seeds, if you opt to include them, are super nutritious, and they’ll also thicken your smoothie. If you prefer smoothies on the thinner side, you can leave those out.

Watermelon Rind Smoothie

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Here’s a way to have your rind and eat it, too, with a surprisingly delicious and refreshing watermelon rind smoothie.

• Author: Norann Oleson
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 70 ounces 1x
• Category: Beverages

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups water
• 3 to 4 cups watermelon rind
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds (optional)
• 1 ripe red Bartlett pear
• 4 to 5 pitted Medjool dates
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups frozen mango cubes
• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
• 1 tablespoon black maca powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cinnamon powder
• 1 cup frozen cherries or strawberries

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Instructions

1. Place all ingredients, but the frozen cherries or strawberries into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add frozen cherries or strawberries and blend for an additional 20+ seconds, until well-integrated.
3. Refrigerate leftover smoothie in a glass container for up to two days.

Watermelon is a delicious treat and a powerful superfood! With our Wonderful Watermelon Gardening Guide, you’ll have everything you need to know about growing and enjoying this delicious fruit, history and background of this sweet summer plant to specific advice on growing, harvesting, and enjoying your hard work!

Have you tried this recipe? You’ve probably never had a smoothie quite like this—please tell us how it turned out for you.