We'll never tire of saying it: nothing goes to waste in the kitchen, which is why, from time to time, we offer you some delicious ideas for reusing or recycling food scraps. Here we want to talk about a summertime evergreen, melon: enjoyed on its own or in many delicious recipes, it's one of those foods that should never be missing from your fridge during the warmer months. And if you're one of those who throw away the peel and seeds, then you've come to the right place: because yes, even these parts of the melon can be used to make tasty drinks or snacks. Let's find out together how to give new life to melon peels and seeds.
How to Use The Seeds
Maybe you don't know it, maybe no one knows it, but melon seeds are incredibly rich in beneficial properties: a precious source of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, and manganese, they help intestinal function, the immune system, and cardiovascular health. They are also extraordinarily rich in protein: just think that they contain about 25-30 grams per 100 grams of product. So, how can you throw away such an inexhaustible source of benefits?
If you love nuts, the first tip is to toast the seeds for a quick and delicious snack. Rinse them thoroughly under running water, pat them dry, and pour them into a bowl with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and spices to taste, such as paprika, turmeric, or pepper. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 150°C (300°F) for about 15 minutes, or until crispy and lightly golden. You can also toast them in a pan for about 5-7 minutes. Once cooled, you can take them with you to the office, the gym, or wherever you like. You can also use them to enhance your salads and soups, or add them to your homemade protein bars.
Roasting them isn't the only way to consume them, however: you can also make a delicious smoothie. Simply wash the seeds thoroughly, pour them into a blender with 400 ml of water, ice, and, if you like, add other fruit to taste. Finally, strain the mixture through a sieve to remove any residue, and enjoy this delicious, refreshing, and thirst-quenching drink.
How to Use The Peel
Before showing you how you can use the peel, it's important to specify that it's preferable to use an organic melon and wash its peel thoroughly before use.
Now, back to our topic, melon rind, like seeds, can be a valuable ingredient in some delicious recipes. First, you can make a delicious liqueur: we've previously shown you how to make homemade meloncello using the pulp.
In this case, you can use pieces of washed peel (about 700-800 grams) combined with 95° food-grade alcohol (750 ml) and leave to macerate for about 15 days in a cool, dry, dark place. After this time, prepare a syrup with 500 grams of water and 400 grams of sugar, heat until the sugar dissolves . Once ready, let it cool and add it to the peel and alcohol mixture, placing everything in a closed container for another 30 days. Once the resting time is up, pour it into a bottle and place it in the freezer overnight: your liqueur is finally ready.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink, we recommend making a delicious decoction. Pour a liter of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil, then add the peels, once again washed, and cook over low heat for about 15 minutes. For an extra touch of sweetness, you can also add a spoonful of honey. Let it cool, strain it through a sieve, and refrigerate. Enjoy this wonderful drink with a little ice for a tasty and light break.
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