Rind

Rind is the thick and firm outer layer or skin of certain fruits and cheeses. It can also refer to the outer layer of a cut of meat. Rinds may have a rough or smooth texture, and they can be eaten or discarded depending on the type of food and personal preference.

Types of Rinds

Fruit Rinds

Fruit rinds are the protective outer coverings of fruits. They can vary greatly in texture and thickness depending on the type of fruit. For example, the rind of a banana is thin and soft, while the rind of a watermelon is thick and hard. Some fruit rinds, such as those of citrus fruits, contain essential oils and can be used in cooking or to make marmalade.

Cheese Rinds

Cheese rinds are formed during the aging process of cheese. They can be natural, washed, or bloomy. Natural rinds are formed from the drying of the cheese surface and are usually hard and inedible. Washed rinds are bathed in a solution of salt and bacteria, which gives them a distinctive flavor and a moist, sticky texture. Bloomy rinds are covered in a layer of white mold, which is edible and contributes to the flavor of the cheese.

Meat Rinds

Meat rinds, such as pork rind, are the skin of a meat, usually pork, that has been cooked until it is crispy. They are often used as a snack food, and can be flavored with a variety of seasonings.

Uses of Rinds

Rinds can be used in a variety of ways in cooking. Fruit rinds can be used to add flavor to dishes, or they can be candied or pickled. Cheese rinds can be used to flavor soups and sauces. Meat rinds can be eaten as a snack, or they can be used as a topping for dishes like salads and tacos.

See Also

• Peel (fruit)
• Zest (ingredient)

Rind Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.