Watermelon Rind Pickles Recipe
Overview:
Momโs special Watermelon Rind Pickles recipe is a cherished childhood memory, offering a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. These pickles are not only a delicious treat but also a conversation starter, perfect for family gatherings and snack times. Theyโre surprisingly easy to make and are a great way to use up leftover watermelon rinds.
- Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 5-6 pints
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon rind, pared and pink portions removed
- 2 cups vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 4 cups sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1 cup water (for soaking)
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pare the watermelon rind, ensuring all pink portions are removed. |
| 2 | Cut the rind into pieces, either 1 x 2 inch strips or 3/4 by 1 inch cubes. |
| 3 | Weigh the prepared watermelon rind. |
| 4 | In a large container, prepare a brine by dissolving 1/4 cup of salt per quart of water. Ensure thereโs enough brine to cover the rind. Soak the rind overnight in the brine. |
| 5 | The next day, drain the rind, wash it in fresh water, and allow it to drain thoroughly. |
| 6 | In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole allspice, and lemon slices. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes. |
| 7 | Add the drained watermelon rind to the simmering mixture a few pieces at a time. Cook until the rind turns clear, approximately 30 minutes. |
| 8 | While the rind is cooking, prepare your jars by sterilizing them with hot water. |
| 9 | Once the rind is clear, pack it into the hot sterilized jars. |
| 10 | Pour the boiling syrup over the packed rind, ensuring it covers the contents completely. Seal the jars tightly. |
| 11 | Optionally, you can tie the spices in a cheesecloth bag for easier removal later. |
| 12 | Any leftover syrup can be poured over the pickles. |
| 13 | Enjoy your Watermelon Rind Pickles as a tasty snack or as a unique addition to your meals! |
Tips:
- Experiment with different spices like star anise or ginger for unique flavor profiles.
- Store the pickles in a cool, dark place for optimal preservation.
- These pickles make fantastic gifts for friends and family, especially during the holiday season.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 642.1
- Fat Content: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 5672.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 161.6g
- Fiber Content: 0.6g
- Sugar Content: 160g
- Protein Content: 0.2g
Keywords:
- Melons
- Fruit
- Vegetable
- Kid Friendly
- Canning
- Less Than 4 Hours
Embrace the tradition and flavors of homemade Watermelon Rind Pickles, and watch them disappear as quickly as they did in your childhood!
