How To Make Sour Gummy Worms Out Of Watermelon Rinds @NickDiGiovanni

How To Make Sour Gummy Worms Out Of Watermelon Rinds @NickDiGiovanni is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Boyardeez on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $5.47 total, $1.37 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 small Watermelon (rind only, white inner layer removed)
  • 1 cup Water (room temperature)
  • 1 packet (3 oz) Blue Raspberry Jell‑O (or any blue fruit flavored gelatin mix)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for the glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon Citric Acid (for sour coating, optional if unavailable use lemon juice powder)

Instructions

  1. Remove the White Inner Rind

    Using a box grater, grate off the white layer that lies between the green rind and the pink flesh of the watermelon until only the green outer rind remains.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Trim the Green Rind

    Place the remaining green rind on a cutting board and slice off a thin layer (about 1‑2 mm) from the outer surface to make the rind more flexible for shaping.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Cut Rind into Worm‑Shaped Strips

    Cut the trimmed rind into long, thin strips about 1 inch wide and 4‑5 inches long, resembling gummy worms.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare the Glaze Base

    In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water, the packet of blue raspberry Jell‑O, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir until the powder is dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Cook the Glaze

    Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and simmer for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the rind strips become tender.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Cool Slightly and Transfer

    Remove the pan from heat and let the coated strips sit for 2 minutes so they are cool enough to handle but still tacky.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Prepare Sour Coating

    In a shallow bowl, mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon citric acid until evenly combined.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Roll Worms in Sour Sugar

    Working one strip at a time, roll the slightly cooled gummy worms in the sour‑sugar mixture until fully coated. Place coated worms on a clean plate to set.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Serve or Store

    Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Contains gelatin, Vegetarian (if gelatin‑free substitute used)

Allergens: Gelatin

Last updated: March 18, 2026

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How To Make Sour Gummy Worms Out Of Watermelon Rinds @NickDiGiovanni

Recipe by Chef Boyardeez

Turn watermelon rind into tangy, sour gummy‑worm snacks using a simple Jell‑O glaze and a dusting of citric‑acid sugar. A fun way to use up leftover rind and surprise kids (and adults) with a candy‑like treat.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
19m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.47
Total cost
$1.37
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Removing the white inner rind with a box grater
  • Cutting the rind into uniform worm‑shaped strips
  • Cooking the glaze until the rind becomes tender
  • Rolling the worms in the citric‑acid sugar coating

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the boiling glaze with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a pot holder when moving the hot saucepan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sour watermelon rind gummy worms in American snack culture?

A

Using fruit rind to create candy‑like treats reflects the American tradition of minimizing waste and turning leftovers into fun foods, especially popular in school‑yard and party settings where novelty snacks are prized.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of fruit‑rind gummy treats in the United States?

A

In the Southern U.S., orange or lemon rind is sometimes candied with sugar; in the Midwest, pumpkin rind can be glazed similarly. The watermelon version is a newer, summer‑focused twist.

cultural
Q

How is sour watermelon rind gummy worm traditionally served in American gatherings?

A

They are usually presented on a platter as a bite‑size snack, often alongside other novelty candies or as a garnish for fruit salads at picnics and backyard barbecues.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are sour watermelon rind gummy worms associated with in American culture?

A

They are popular at summer parties, Fourth of July picnics, school fundraisers, and as a playful addition to birthday dessert tables.

cultural
Q

What makes sour watermelon rind gummy worms special compared to other American candy snacks?

A

They use an entire part of the fruit that is normally discarded, offering a chewy texture and a tangy sour flavor that mimics commercial gummy worms while being homemade and zero‑waste.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sour watermelon rind gummy worms?

A

Common errors include over‑grating the white rind (which removes too much flesh), under‑cooking the glaze so the rind stays tough, and coating the worms before the glaze has set, causing the sour sugar to slip off.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a box grater instead of a knife to remove the white inner rind?

A

A box grater removes the thin white layer quickly and evenly without cutting into the pink flesh, saving time and preserving the rind’s shape for worm strips.

technical
Q

Can I make sour watermelon rind gummy worms ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, store the coated worms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for optimal chewiness.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the glaze is ready?

A

The glaze should be glossy, slightly thickened, and coat the rind strips evenly. The strips should feel tender when pierced with a fork but still retain a slight bite.

technical
Q

How do I know when the sour watermelon rind gummy worms are done cooking?

A

When the glaze reaches a gentle boil and the rind strips become tender after about 7 minutes of simmering, they are ready. A quick taste test should reveal a soft yet chewy texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Chef Boyardeez specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Chef Boyardeez focuses on creative, waste‑reduction cooking hacks and fun snack transformations that turn everyday ingredients into novelty foods.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Chef Boyardeez's approach to American snack cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Chef Boyardeez emphasizes playful, low‑cost experiments using leftovers and unconventional ingredients, whereas many other channels stick to classic recipes or gourmet techniques.

channel

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