Watermelon Pickles Recipe 🍉🥒
Description: This delightful recipe for Watermelon Pickles comes from a cherished handwritten card passed down by a Grand Southern Lady, attesting that “they’s about the same – I like this best.” These pickles offer a unique twist on traditional pickling, transforming watermelon rind into a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Category: Melons 🍈
Keywords: Fruit, Weeknight, Canning 🥫
Servings: 5 pints
Ingredients:
- 3 watermelon rinds, sliced
- 3/4 cup salt
- 3 quarts water
- Whole cloves
- 1 1/2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 cups sugar
- 8 cups white vinegar
- 3 cups water
- 1 lemon, sliced
Instructions:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | 30 minutes | 24 hours 30 minutes |
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Prepare Watermelon Rinds:
- Slice the outer green and inner pink part of the watermelon rind.
-
Brine Soak:
- Place the sliced rinds in a large glass bowl and cover with a brine made from 3/4 cup of salt and 3 quarts of water.
- Cover the bowl with ice and let it stand for 6-7 hours.
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Drain and Rinse:
- Drain the brine from the rinds, rinse them thoroughly, and drain again.
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Cook Rinds:
- In a large pot, add the rinsed rinds and cover them with cold water.
- Cook until the rinds are JUST tender, about 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.
-
Prepare Spice Bag:
- Tie the whole cloves and cinnamon sticks in a spice bag.
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Make Syrup:
- In a large pot, combine sugar, white vinegar, 3 cups of water, and the spice bag.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the spice bag, but reserve it for later use.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour the syrup over the cooked rinds and add the sliced lemon.
- Let the mixture stand overnight at room temperature.
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Heat and Boil:
- The next day, heat the rinds and lemon slices in the syrup and bring to a boil.
- Cook until the rinds are translucent, about 10 minutes.
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Pack Jars:
- Pack the hot rinds and lemon slices into clean, hot jars.
- Add 1 piece of cinnamon from the reserved spice bag to each jar.
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Seal Jars:
- Cover the packed jars with the boiling syrup, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
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Process Jars:
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for the appropriate time based on your altitude (up to 1000 feet).
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Enjoy:
- Allow the pickles to cool and seal properly before storing them in a cool, dark place. These Watermelon Pickles make a delicious addition to any meal or a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
By following this cherished recipe, you’ll create a batch of Watermelon Pickles that captures the essence of Southern tradition and the sweet flavors of summertime. 🌞🍉
