Watermelon Salt: The Surprising Culinary Delight Taking Over Summer

Forget your typical table salt – a new culinary star is shining brightly, and it’s surprisingly sweet and salty: watermelon salt. This unique seasoning is more than just a summer trend; it’s a versatile ingredient that adds a surprising depth of flavor to a wide range of dishes. From cocktails to desserts, and even savory applications, watermelon salt offers a refreshing twist that elevates the everyday.

What is Watermelon Salt?

Watermelon salt is precisely what it sounds like: salt infused with the flavor of watermelon. The process typically involves dehydrating watermelon (often the rind, which is often discarded) and then grinding it into a fine powder that is then combined with salt. This creates a unique blend that captures the sweet and juicy essence of watermelon, tempered by the salt’s briny sharpness. The result is a surprisingly complex flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds.

Why Use Watermelon Rind?

While you can use the watermelon flesh, the rind offers a more sustainable and cost-effective way to create watermelon salt. The rind, often discarded, contains a significant amount of flavor and is perfect for dehydration and powdering. This makes watermelon salt a surprisingly eco-friendly culinary choice.

Making Watermelon Salt at Home

Creating your own watermelon salt is surprisingly easy and a fun culinary project. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Watermelon: Wash and thoroughly dry the watermelon rind. Remove any remaining flesh and cut the rind into small, even pieces. Thinner pieces will dehydrate faster.
2. Dehydrate the Rind: You can dehydrate the rind using a dehydrator, oven, or even by sun-drying it. The key is to remove all the moisture. For oven drying, set the oven to the lowest temperature and leave the rind pieces spread on a baking sheet for several hours, flipping them occasionally. Dehydrators typically take less time.
3. Grind into a Powder: Once completely dry and brittle, grind the dehydrated rind using a food processor or spice grinder until you obtain a fine powder.
4. Combine with Salt: Mix the watermelon powder with your preferred type of salt (sea salt, kosher salt, etc.). The ratio depends on your preference, but a good starting point is a 1:1 ratio of watermelon powder to salt.
5. Store Properly: Store your homemade watermelon salt in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and freshness.

Culinary Uses of Watermelon Salt

Watermelon salt’s versatility shines through in its diverse culinary applications. Its unique flavor profile enhances both sweet and savory dishes:

Sweet Applications:

• Fruit Salads: Add a sprinkle for a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
• Watermelon Desserts: Enhance the natural sweetness of watermelon granitas, sorbets, and other desserts.
• Ice Cream & Yogurt: A pinch adds a sophisticated touch.
• Baked Goods: Experiment with incorporating it into cookies, cakes, or muffins for a unique flavor twist.

Savory Applications:

• Grilled Meats & Fish: Sprinkle on before grilling for a subtle sweet and salty crust.
• Salads: Add a surprising element to green salads or fruit salads.
• Rimmed Glasses: Use it to rim glasses for summer cocktails.
• Cheese Boards: An unusual yet delicious addition to a cheese and charcuterie board.
• Vegetables: Enhance the flavor of roasted or grilled vegetables.

Health Benefits of Watermelon

While watermelon salt itself isn’t a superfood, the watermelon component brings several health benefits. Watermelon is rich in:

• Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant associated with reduced risk of certain cancers.
• Citrulline: An amino acid that can improve blood flow and may help lower blood pressure.
• Vitamins A and C: Important for immune function and overall health.
• Potassium: Essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function.

However, it’s important to remember that the dehydration process reduces some nutritional content. Watermelon salt should be considered a flavorful seasoning, not a primary source of vitamins and minerals.

Watermelon Salt: A Sustainable Choice

By using the often-discarded watermelon rind, watermelon salt offers a sustainable approach to food preservation and minimizes waste. This eco-conscious aspect adds another layer of appeal to this trending culinary ingredient.

Conclusion

Watermelon salt is more than just a fleeting culinary trend; it’s a versatile, flavorful, and surprisingly sustainable seasoning that deserves a place in your kitchen. Its unique sweet and salty profile elevates both sweet and savory dishes, adding a refreshing twist to your summer cooking. So, give it a try – you might just discover your new favorite seasoning!