Watermelon Rind Tea: A Refreshing & Healthy Summer Brew
Watermelon Rind Tea: A Refreshing & Healthy Summer Brew
Homemade Watermelon Rind Tea
Hello there! Today, we’re diving into a wonderful way to reduce waste and boost your health with watermelon rind tea. You might be surprised to know that every part of a watermelon is beneficial! The vibrant red flesh is packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-aging properties and potential role in preventing prostate cancer. The seeds contain healthy unsaturated fatty acids, great for heart health. And the white part of the rind? It’s a treasure trove of ‘citrulline,’ a nutrient that helps your body excrete sodium, potentially lowering blood pressure. Brewing tea from watermelon rind can help reduce puffiness in the body and is a delightful addition to a weight management journey. Let’s get started on making this incredibly simple yet beneficial watermelon rind tea!
Essential Ingredients- 3g Dried watermelon rind
- 1 cup (approx. 200ml) Warm water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your watermelon rinds for tea. Carefully remove the tough outer green peel and as much of the red flesh as possible, leaving only the firm, white inner part of the rind. Ensure it’s thoroughly cleaned.
Step 2
Using a vegetable peeler, thinly shave the white part of the watermelon rind. Peeling it thinly with a peeler is highly recommended, as it speeds up the drying process significantly and makes for a better-tasting tea. Aim for thin, consistent strips.
Step 3
To further expedite the drying process, cut the thinly peeled rinds vertically into two halves. This increases the surface area exposed to air, allowing for faster and more efficient drying.
Step 4
Spread the cut watermelon rind pieces on a drying rack or a fine-mesh sieve. Place them in a well-ventilated area with good sunlight. If drying indoors, using a fan can help circulate the air and speed up the process.
Step 5
The rinds typically take about 3 to 4 days to dry completely. They are ready when they become crisp and easily snap or break. Properly dried rinds will store well for extended periods.
Step 6
Once fully dried, you’ll notice a significant reduction in volume. Combine all the dried pieces from different batches or drying racks into one collection. Don’t be surprised if the quantity seems much smaller than when fresh!
Step 7
Store the dried watermelon rinds in an airtight container or a resealable bag to protect them from moisture. Proper storage will keep them fresh for future use.
Step 8
There are a couple of enjoyable ways to prepare your watermelon rind tea. Method one involves boiling the dried rind with water in a pot. You can drink it hot, or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold tea. For a quicker, simpler method: place a desired amount of dried rind in a mug, pour in water heated to about 80°C (175°F), and let it steep for 2-3 minutes before enjoying. Using boiling 100°C (212°F) water might enhance a slight ‘grassy’ or ‘rind-like’ flavor, so a slightly cooler temperature is often preferred. You can add a touch of honey if you like.
