< Back to all clusters
[HEALTH] · United States · 28 sources

started · updated

USDA recognizes nutritional benefits of watermelon rind

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has officially recognized the nutritional value of watermelon rind by including it in the FoodData Central database. This move aims to provide standardized data for dietitians, researchers, and food developers, helping to transition the rind from a common food waste product to a culinary ingredient.

According to the USDA profile, a 50-gram portion of raw watermelon rind contains 10 calories, 1 gram of dietary fiber, 140 mg of potassium, and 4 mg of vitamin C. While experts note it is not intended to replace the nutrient-dense flesh, the rind serves as a valuable supplement. Potential culinary uses include incorporating it into smoothies, salads, marinades, or sauces.

Megan McKenna, senior director of the National Watermelon Promotion Board, encourages consumers to utilize the entire fruit to reduce waste. Research published in Nutrients suggests that watermelon consumption is linked to higher diet quality, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and lycopene.

Entities

FoodData Central · Megan McKenna · National Watermelon Promotion Board · United States Department of Agriculture

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources