Southern Melon Pickle Delight

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:

1. Prepare Watermelon Rinds:

   • Slice the outer green and inner pink part of the watermelon rind.

2. 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.

3. Drain and Rinse:

   • Drain the brine from the rinds, rinse them thoroughly, and drain again.

4. 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.

5. Prepare Spice Bag:

   • Tie the whole cloves and cinnamon sticks in a spice bag.

6. 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.

7. Combine Ingredients:

   • Pour the syrup over the cooked rinds and add the sliced lemon.
   • Let the mixture stand overnight at room temperature.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Seal Jars:

    • Cover the packed jars with the boiling syrup, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.

11. Process Jars:

    • Process the jars in a boiling water bath for the appropriate time based on your altitude (up to 1000 feet).

12. 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. 🌞🍉