Every summer, millions of melons end up on our tables — sweet, juicy, and refreshing. Yet, their skins almost always end up in the trash. This “natural packaging,” however, is far from waste. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, melon skin can be reused in multiple ways.

Nutritionists and anti-waste cooking experts highlight that melon rind can serve practical purposes in cooking, skincare, and even gardening — all while helping to reduce food waste.

Here are five simple, creative, and tested ways to give melon skin a second life.

1. Jam or Candied Peel

Melon rind can be turned into a fragrant jam or sweet candied treat.

How to make it:

• Remove the thin green outer layer, leaving only the white part of the rind. Cut it into small cubes and cook with sugar, a little lemon zest, and water for about 45 minutes.
• This traditional method, used in several cuisines, preserves melon flavor in a sweet form for weeks. The rind can also be slowly candied in sugar syrup to decorate pastries or desserts.

2. Homemade Flavored Vinegar

Melon-infused vinegar adds a unique, fruity touch to salads and cooked dishes.

How to make it:

• Place small rind pieces in a jar, cover them with white wine vinegar or cider vinegar, and let them infuse for one to two weeks at room temperature. The vinegar will absorb the melon’s subtle sweetness, making it perfect for seasoning salads or deglazing meats.
• Strain the mixture and store the vinegar in a tightly sealed glass bottle.

3. Natural Skin Care

The flesh close to the melon rind is packed with water, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.

Applied directly to the skin, it helps to hydrate and soothe irritation — particularly after sun exposure. This traditional skincare practice draws on the fruit’s natural moisturizing and antioxidant properties.

Tip: Use the rind immediately after cutting to ensure maximum freshness and effectiveness.

4. Anti-Waste Snacks and Appetizers

Melon seeds are completely edible and surprisingly nutritious.

After rinsing and drying them thoroughly, toast the seeds in a pan or oven with a drizzle of olive oil and your choice of spices such as paprika, cumin, or salt. They are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

These homemade roasted seeds make an excellent alternative to processed snacks while reducing waste.

5. Compost and Natural Fertilizer

If you have a garden or even a few potted plants, melon rind can be a valuable natural fertilizer.

Cut the skin into small pieces before adding it to your compost pile, where it decomposes quickly and provides key nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus.

It helps enrich the soil and promotes plant growth. Even without a compost bin, you can bury melon peel directly at the base of your plants as an organic fertilizer.

Why It’s Worth Doing

In France alone, nearly 10 million tonnes of food are wasted every year (Ministry of Ecological Transition, 2024).

Repurposing melon rind is a small but meaningful way to combat food waste. It also introduces new culinary possibilities, reduces environmental impact, and even helps you save money.

Next time you slice into a melon, remember — its value doesn’t stop at the juicy flesh. The skin, too, has plenty to offer in your kitchen, your beauty routine, and your garden.