Increasing the Economic Value of Nutritionally Rich Watermelon Rind by Preparing Edible Value-added Products

Watermelon (Citrulluslanatus) which originated in Africa is widely cultivated throughout the world including India. This fruit is known for its nutritional value and is relished by many people. Only the pulp of this fruit is used commercially and the rind which is also rich in so many nutrients is considered agricultural waste. To add economic value to nutritionally rich agricultural waste i.e., watermelon rind, three edible value-added products of watermelon rind were prepared and evaluated by comparing them with their controls. They were found to be better than the controls in appearance, taste, flavour, texture, colour and overall acceptability. The cost of their preparation was also economical when compared with their controls. Hence, farmers and self-help group women may be trained to prepare and market these products so that watermelon rind which is considered agricultural waste can be used commercially. *