I hate wasting things. So much so that I’m forever trying to find ways to use things – some less successful than others. Case in point: pumpkin seeds. I used to bake pumpkin pies for a living (much more fun than it sounds) and I’d go through kilos of pumpkin each week.I tried to do something with the seeds – after all weren’t pumpkin seeds an edible commodity? One day I was horrified to discover that stashed in the back of the bottom shelf of the fridge, I had amassed kilos of slimy pumpkin seeds. I proceeded to wash them and then was so exhausted after that that I simply gave up and threw them out. Like I said, some instances were more successful than others.
I received an email about these watermelon jellies quite a while ago (apologies to the reader, I can’t find the email 
) and I thought that they were adorable. I went to the store to buy some limes and to my horror noticed that they were up to $2.49 per lime. And I’d need a dozen. Suddenly what seemed like a fun project to delight kids took on a greater expense than I thought. So I put it to the back of my mind for when I had an excess of limes.
During this hot, humid Summer, Mr NQN and I have been making plenty of Nigella’s Vietnamese chicken and mint salad which calls for lime juice and we also love squeezing fresh lime juice in icy cold effervescent lemonade and before we knew it we had quite a few lime carcasses. I fished out the pack of strawberry jelly that I had bought so long ago for this and looked for the recipe in my email to no avail. So I winged it with the vague recollection that I had of it and what followed was a touch fiddly but seeing delighted faces on all that tried these was worth it.
I don’t think that this is worth buying limes specifically for but if you happen to need the juice of a dozen or two limes then this is the ideal way to use up the skin if you haven’t done so by grating the zest into a cake or dish. And don’t feel like you need to make 12 limes, I use that number more as the packet of jelly yields so much more than you will use so if you’re feeling dextrous you could always make more.
So tell me Dear Reader, are you diligent about waste or do you sometimes just give up?
Mini Watermelon Jellies
- 12 limes
- 1 packet strawberry jelly crystals
- black sesame seeds to decorate
You will also need some raw rice or sea salt, a pair of scissors and a very sharp knife
1. Cut lime in half and carefully squeeze out the juice being careful not to puncture a hole in the skin. You can freeze the juice for use later in an ice cube tray for teaspoon sized portions of lime juice (I also love the lime juice squeezed into a glass of chillingly cold lemonade). With a pair of scissors cut at the pulp and carefully turn the lime skin inside out and pull away at the remaining meat. This process takes time at first but gets much easier.
2. Make the jelly according to the packet instructions. Place 2 cups of rice or salt salt on a plate with edges and spoon jelly mix into lime halves. Nestle in the rice or salt to keep upright. Place in fridge until firmly set.
3. When completely set, using a sharp knife and a firm action slice each lime half down the centre with the jelly side face up. Don’t see-saw back and forth as that will ruin the jelly. Place some black sesame seeds on top as “watermelon pips”.
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99 Comments | Add your own
These are too cute for words. You’ve inspired me. You have a lovely blog. I’ll be back often to see what is going on. Have a wonderful day.
Eeee cute little melons!! How sweet.
Those are just TOO cute!!!
How clever!
Loving these!
oh these look so cute
Oh, they look so cute! What a marvelous idea!
Cheers,
Rosa
Oooh, you know what that first photo made me think of (after “squee cute!!”)? Watermelon Jelly Bellys,and how excited I was as a kid when I discovered they’re red on the inside and green on the outside. But they didn’t have black seeds as well
Another Lorraine masterpiece!
Very cute! Does the lime rind impart any flavour to the jelly at all? You could probably do this with those agar jellies they serve at CNY – the ones that set like stone. They would definitely give you nice, neat cut sides.
Lorraine,
I understand you perfectly when it comes to “not wasting anything”. It breaks my heart to see the American Iron Chefs wasting so much edible parts of the food for the sake of presentation.
Your mini watermelon jellies look refreshing and great for summer parties. Love the parasols too
these are so cute! thanks for the recipe
They are totally cute. Heheh. What a cool idea!
What an awesome idea!! I may have to try this one for MiniB’s birthday
Wow they look incredibly cute.
These are so adorable! Perfect for a summer pool party, or something along those lines. But yes, my gosh limes were getting expensive not long ago!
Ooooh they are adorable1 And yes, what a great way to use the lime skins if you have an abundance of them leftover!
Aren’t these just the cutest little things? I always try to use these things up, but usually end up throwing a couple of things out when I clean the fridge. Maybe one day when I’m all grown up…
They look so cute! And well done on winging it – they turned out great.
these are SO adorable! (: I love how they really look like watermelon! Genious! (:
Simple and festive – I like it
I am such a guts though, I will be using my green oranges instead of the limes, to get in more jelly per slice
these are too cute lorraine, seems like alot of elbow grease to get to the final product – only to just eat it quickly hehe
These are just WAY too cute!!
I hate waste. I buy & cook accordingly.
So cute!
Aren’t they cute. I think I might make some with my girls this afternoon. ♥
Fun, I used to do a similar thing with oranges for critters’ birthday parties. You can make striped versions by layering the jelly too.
ww
oh my gosh how gorgeous are these! I wish i was better with waste than I am – I recycle everything I can and rarely waste food, but I am hoping to get a compost bin in the future for food scraps.
They look fantastic! What about using actual watermelon juice and those new “make your own flavour jelly” packets you can get at the supermarket.
My guess is that you would need to add in some red food colouring to get the right colour as watermelon juice can be a little pale.
Cheers
Lorraine they are so darn cute. You can also do this with so many other fruits with hard skins. Yum
oh my goodness these are adorable!! must try these one day..
How cute are they?!
Oh, these are DARLING! How fun!
I do try to use things up, but sometimes the things I save overwhelm me. Like this week. I tossed the whole lot of frozen bread I’ve been hoarding. 
These look gorgeous, Lorraine. Great for kids parties!
MEGA cute!!
Those look too cute hon – gorgeous, I’m craving watermelon now!
Oooh this reminds me of a ‘fancy dessert’ I had as a child. Mum used to take us to a cafe that served a scoop of lemon sorbet in a lemon that had been cut in half and the middle scooped out. They also did they same with orange sorbet and an orange skin. I’ve been meaning to make my own for ages
These are gorgeous!!
Wonder if I can come up with a use for lime juice so I can make them for my daughters 4th birthday party on Sunday……..
wow i wondered how is it thaat the watermelons were so small thanks…i may have to try these.
Cute! Brilliant idea for kids parties.
Lorraine, these are so cute!
I hate wasting too! Which can be a total pain in the neck most of the time…since it’s just Mike and I (and I every recipe I make seems to make enough to feed a small army) we usually eat leftovers a good portion of the week!
These little jellies are absolutely adorable! You always post the most creative stuff, Lorraine!
Adorable looking stuff!!
How adorable! They look super delicious and refreshing. I’m a kid at heart, I still get excited over jelly! =]
adorable!!
Completely and thoroughly adorable! I’ll be making these today for my daughter’s lunch tomorrow! Thank you!!!
These are absolutely devine and perfect for a summery themed baby shower I have coming up! Stealing and trying – thanks NQN!
Great post! This is a funny one in my house because I hate waste but hubby is oblivious to it. I keep all our leftovers from dinner every night and at the end of the week turn it into a new meal… I try not to let hubby in on this because he isn’t fan – he doesn’t think its “special”- I usually tell him after he’s eaten it!!
You always surprise with something great whenever I visit your blog. This jellies are fantastic and so cute.
Haha, as soon as I read the blog title I imagined mini umbrellas
Very cute.
I try to be good with waste, but I think I’m more on the lazy side of the group. I don’t make my own stock, for instance. I do have a fair few egg whites and overripe bananas in my freezer though! Should probably do something with the…
What a lovely post to liven a grey day! Fantastic idea – have stashed this one away for future kids parties.
Wonderful! I hate letting things go to waste too.
Whenever I have left over egg whites I too try and find another recipe calling for them.
Check me out: http://www.brisbanebaker.blogspot.com
You are so clever! So easy and very very cute! Definitely another item to add to a kids party
awwww… so cute.
I think I will just go with a whole watermelon. Make some OMG AWESOME watermelon icecream and then fill it with jelly for the kids.
That would work, right? LOL
Oh how cute!!!
These jellies are just adorable! And, I definitely give up from time to time. I had some turnips from my CSA, and I really try to make good use of all the local produce I receive from it, but a few turnips sat and sat until I had to put them in the compost bin. Trying to get better!
They look absolutely gorgeous, just like the real thing.
Ahhh this is sooo cute!! Awesome idea using lime
these are so cute – they will brighten up any day
OH MY F GOSH.. that is genius… you are a food genius… who wouda thought?
Eeeee! PRECIOUS.
How can I not fall in love with those awesomely inspired jellies!
I try NOT to waste things so I bake/cook them…but then I’m never able to finish them…so I have to give them away. I guess that’s not wasting!
These are so adorable! Wow,at $2.49 per lime, you are probably paying for its business class air freight ticket as well…
Very colourful and cute but a tad fiddly for me
Those are so cute! I wondered how you got them to hold their shapes – making it in the halves and then cutting it is genious! These would be nice at a party – perhaps even with a splash of vodka in the jelly?
These are adorable! Ain’t it nice to have time to waste on fiddly cute things
So lovely to meet you last week at the SA dinner – how did you enjoy the evening? x
What a cute recipe. I wonder if you could make your own watermelon flavored jelly for this one.
I hate waste too but have to stop myself from doing that “chinese” thing of keeping that last 1 chicken wing in a container in a fridge. When we’ve had too much leftovers, I end up having to transform it into a new meal; ie use left over curry to make curry puffs, etc. Those watermelon jellies are cute. I’m still trying to source the recipe for one where the entire thing is made of jelly including the green section. So, if anyone knows how to do it, please share.
These are so adorable!
I’m with you there on waste! It really gets me so upset when I have to throw something out I spent good money on and no one got to enjoy it before it goes into the wastebin. These are so creative. You’re just so clever and inspiring in the kitchen Lorraine!
Totally adorable!
I used to be pretty wasteful but since being a student i’m finding new and wonderful ways to use up everything in my fridge. it feels oh so gooood
OMG!!! These are too cutez!! What creativity ;D
Ngaww- these are so cute! Using lime for the green part is a really smart idea- it looks really real!
ha!!!! you’re a genius!!!
these are the cutest thing i’ve seen since pigeons freezing their butt off! oh man i feel like jelly now! but it’s 10.30pm
That is just too cute for words and you must have the patience of a saint!
These would be ideal for a kids party…or could an alcoholic version be made for older kids? =)
Those are so adorable! I love your food styling btw; really love the colourful umbrellas.
I love this idea! How cute…now why would I need so many limes for? Something alcoholic? :p
fresh lime juice in lemonade. lime wedges decorated to look like watermelon. ah, the innovation of it all!
They look fantastic – and remind me of the orange jelly quarters one of my mum’s friends used to make for kids’ parties when I was wee.
I believe she made the jelly with the juice from the oranges, then made them up like you have here; they were one of my very favourite things
In one word “WOW”.They look cute and adorable.You are totally inspiring!!!
Oh my these are TOO cute! Such a great idea to use up limes as well.
These are just too cute for words. It reminds me of my aunty’s watermelon agar-agar.
Love them NQN……LOVE them. My girls will go nuts for them. Lately, I’ve been making loads and loads of candied peel when I’ve used up citrus, or saving the citruses as cups to freeze ice-cream or sorbets in! Love them….
Cute! Love the idea – now I need to do the same with the lemons I have stashed.
These are too cute! I’ll have to try them on April Fool’s day mwahaha.
What a cute way to decorate a plate of toast.I made the pumpkin seeds this past fall. Guess what..they are still in pantry in a mason jar. I doubt I’ll ever eat them.
FUN! This looks like the orange jello shots we made in the rind. This is going to be one to make for the summer!
Oh wow! Those look just superb!!! I cant believe limes cost so much in Sydney… I guess its the same with lemons here in Kuala Lumpur although still not as expensive as that…
Oh My Gosh, NotQuiteNige, these watermelon jellies are so fun! Something to definitely try this summer. BTW, I absolutely love your blog and have been following it for a while. I made your Pocky Forest this last Christmas and my family thought I was just the best. Keep up the great work!
God Ive been having trouble getting to ur website the past 2 days! it was frustrating esp when I saw yr thumbnail with these adorable watermelon cuties…I was dying to know how u made them and yet i cldnt get thru….finally…and what a brilliant idea! It must be like eating real watermelons when u bite into it…the act of it at least ^^ wonderful Lorraine!
And now you’ve done it: you’ve actually outdone yourself in the “incredibly, madly cute food” department! Those are so adorable – and so perfect for the sweltering heat!
These are the business! I can’t understand why your limes are so much though, they are only about 30p here.
These are adorable! I know what you mean about the price of limes – it breaks my heart every time. Wish I had a backyard to put a tree in! I imagine these could also be fun with some vodka in the jelly
Yes, limes and lemons are $$ here, too. Geesh. These are creative and fun–and I’d love to give them a try. Wonder if there’s a way to spike them
Goodness! So cute. I made something similar but with a bit of vodka in the jello as a creative way to serve jello-shots. Delish!
Hi Mary-Thankyou so much! That’s very sweet of you to say!
Hi Julie-Hehe thankyou Julie!
Hi Rose-thankyou!
Hi Maria-thanks so much!
Hi snooky doodle-Thankyou!
Hi Rosa-Thankyou!
Hi Hannah-Aww I didn’t know that! That’s really cool! I must try some
Aww thanks Hannah!
Hi Celia-Thankyou!
It does a little bit but not much. Yes you could (although I prefer jelly to agar)
Hi Tuty-Aww cool!
Yes I know, such a shame! Thankyou so much! 
Hi Carly-Thanks so much Carly!
Hi Esz-Thankyou Esz!
Hi Shanks-Hehe what a great idea!
Hi sandra-Thankyou!
Hi Steph-Thanks! Yes thankfully now they’ve come down in price
Hi Lisa-yes we always seem to use so many limes here!
Hi Adele-thankyou so much! Yes sometimes it’s not always possible to use everything up!
Hi BuBbles-thankyou! I was really worried about it for a while
Hi Lianne-thanks so much!
I think the pips did it 
Hi romaveronaThankyou!
Haha now that’s an idea!
Hi Betty-Well it’s worth it but depends on how much effort one is willing to put in!
Hi Katrin-Thankyou!
Hi Mary-Yes I try to!
Hi Minou-thankyou!
Hi Megan-Wonderful! I hope they like them!
HI Woof-That would be so cute!
Hi Sarah-thankyou! Ah yes me too. Just doing the bast you can is great!
Hi Donna-Thankyou! Hmmm I like the sound of that! Yes I think some food colouring would be needed
Hi Katherine-Thankyou!
Yes like others have mentioned orange or even whole watermelons!
Hi Krystle-Thankyou so much!
Hi Kavey-Thankyou!
Hi Krista-Thanks so much Krista!
Yes I know what you mean, some weeks are better than others 
Hi Amanda-Thankyou very much!
Hi Vita-Thankyou!
HI Mowielicious-Aww thanks Mowie darling!
Hi ljb-Ooh yes I remember those!
I used to love them!
Hi Jody-Thankyou!
I love it in ice cold lemonade 
Hi Annakay-Haha yes they’re limes!
Hi Cakelaw-thankyou so much!
Hi Phuoc-Thankyou!
Hi Faith-Ahhh yes I know what you mean. Luckily Mr NQN loves to eat
Thankyou Faith!
Hi Sean-Thankyou!
Hi Lis-hehe you are too funny!
I’m a kid at heart too 
Hi Marlo-Thankyou!
Hi Shelby-thanks Shelby!
I hope she likes it!
Hi Elise-Aww how cute! What a great idea, you’re welcome!
Hi Joy-Thankyou!
haha I like how you do it! What they don’t know won’t hurt them!
Hi Divina-Aww thankyou Divina!
you are too kind!
Hi Conor-Hah are you psychic?
Hey that’s being good and not wasting!
Hi sally-Thankyou so much! Wonderful, I hope everyone likes it!
HI Brisbane Baker-Ahh yes egg whites! I currently have 8 in the freezer
Hi Brenda-Thankyou so much! You are too sweet
Hi Kelley-Thankyou!
Haha watermelon ice cream? Love it! 
Hi Angie-thanks!
Hi lisa-Thankyou so much! Ahh we do the best we can which is good!
I’m sure you’re very good at other times 
Hi Angela-thanks so much! I was so glad I had the black sesame seeds
Hi Yas-Thanks so much Yas!
Hi Johanna-hehe we may need some of it come Winter!
Hi Girl Japan-Aww thanks hon!
Hi anna-Thankyou so much!
Hi Sweets By Vicky-Yes that’s not wasting at all! it’s spreading the love!
Hi shirley-Thankyou! Haha I think so!
Hi Matilda-Yes but wait til you see everyone’s faces!
Hi Katie-Thankyou! Aha now you’re talking!
Hi Yasmin-Thankyou! Yes it was so nice to meet you too! I had a lot of fun and you?
X
Hi Mark-I think that’s a great idea!
Hi Perthgal-Oh very clever!
I’ve never seen that one but it sounds fantastic!
Hi Karen-thankyou!
Hi diva-Absolutely!
Thankyou so much Diva, you are so sweet!
Hi Shmii-Thankyou!
Oh good stuff!
Hi Ting’er-thankyou!
Hi Von-Hehe thankyou very much!
Hi lily-Thankyou so much!
LOL at pigeons freezing their butt off!
Hi shaz-hehe you know that’s so not what I’m known for!
Hi mlle délicieuse-Yes I totally agree!
HI Jenny-Thankyou! Aww thanks you are too kind!
Hi penny-Thanks very much! Haha good idea! Plenty of lime related cocktails!
Hi grace-Hehe what can I say? I like limes!
Hi wenchie-thankyou! Yes they’re very much like that!
HI Nina-Thanks so much!
Aww shucks thankyou!
Hi Su-yin-Hehe thankyou Su-yin!
Hi The Cooking Ninja-Thankyou! D Does she do it with watermelon juice?
Hi Kitchen Butterfly-Thankyou thankyou! Ahhh very clever making candied peel!
Hi Trissa-yes good idea!
Hi Xiaolu-Haha thinking ahead I see!
Hi Angela-A plate of toast? Hehe I ended up chucking mine out which was even worse! :p
Hi The Duo Dishes-Thankyou!
Sounds like a good plan for Summer!
Hi Dharm-I know, they’re now a bit better but yes $2.49 for a single lime was getting ridiculous!
Hi Lucia-hehe thankyou!
Aww thankyou so much! I’m so glad to hear that! 
Hi zurin-Oh really? I wonder why! Thankyou so much Zurin!
Hi Midge-hehe thankyou! I like it-incredibly madly cute food dept
Hi Sarah-Hehe thankyou! I suspect importing-we’re quite far away!
Hi Alex-Thankyou very much!
Ooh yes now that would be a great idea. I’d like a fig tree too! 
Nice idea!
Hi Megan-Not good is it
thankyou and I bet there is! 
Hi Megan-Thankyou!
Very creative indeed! 
So cute!!!!I am going to make them for my son’s birthday party!
Yes I will do these!
How adorable!!! I’ll bet you could even add some cream cheese to the jelly and make tiny pink watermelon cheesecakes. I think I’m gonna try that!
Oh this is the adorablest of adorable!! Thank you soo much!
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