Watermelon Rind Pickles

Watermelon Rind Pickles Recipe - Make Your Own Homemade Pickles

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Watermelon rind pickles are a unique and delicious way to use every part of the watermelon, reducing waste and creating a tasty treat. These pickles have a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.

History

Watermelon rind pickles have been a popular recipe in Southern cuisine for generations. Originally created as a way to use up every part of the watermelon, these pickles have become a beloved staple in many households.

Ingredients

4 qt (3.78 liters) of prepared watermelon rind
2 tbsp of salt
4 cups of white vinegar
8 cups of sugar
3 broken cinnamon sticks
1 tbsp of whole cloves
1 (1 inch) piece of gingerroot (optional)

How to prepare

To prepare watermelon rind, cut the rind into pieces measuring 2 x 1 inches.
Trim the green skin and pink flesh from the rind.
Place the prepared rind in a large kettle and add salt and enough boiling water to cover.
Simmer the rind until it becomes tender.
Drain the rind and chill it in very cold water for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Combine vinegar, sugar, and a mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and gingerroot tied in cheesecloth.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 5 minutes.
Drain the watermelon rind and add it to the syrup.
Simmer the rind until it becomes translucent, which takes about 10 minutes.
Remove and discard the spices.
Pack the rind and syrup into hot sterilized quart jars, leaving a 0.25 inch headspace.
Adjust the lids and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.

Variations

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Experiment with different spices such as star anise or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to trim the green skin and pink flesh from the watermelon rind before preparing it for pickling.

- Chilling the rind in cold water helps to ensure a crisp texture in the finished pickles.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to suit your personal taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Watermelon rind pickles can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, or served alongside grilled meats or sandwiches for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious watermelon rind pickles is to simmer the rind until it becomes translucent, ensuring a tender and flavorful pickle.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have white vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Watermelon rind pickles can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Serve watermelon rind pickles in a decorative jar or bowl for a beautiful presentation at your next gathering.

Pairing Recommendations

Watermelon rind pickles pair well with grilled meats, cheese platters, and sandwiches.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store watermelon rind pickles in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply remove from the refrigerator and serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of watermelon rind pickles contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of watermelon rind pickles contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Watermelon rind pickles are low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

Watermelon rind pickles do not contain any significant amount of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Watermelon rind pickles are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. They also contain small amounts of calcium and iron.

Alergens

Watermelon rind pickles do not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten.

Summary

Watermelon rind pickles are a low-fat, low-calorie snack that provides a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Watermelon rind pickles are a delicious and unique way to enjoy every part of the watermelon. With a sweet and tangy flavor, these pickles are a perfect addition to any meal or snack.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a hot summer day, much like today, when I was visiting my dear friend Martha. She was known for her delicious homemade pickles, and I had been begging her for the recipe for years. Finally, on that fateful day, she opened up her recipe book and shared with me the secret to her famous Watermelon Rind Pickles.

Martha explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who had lived through the Great Depression. Back then, nothing went to waste, not even the rind of a watermelon. Martha's great-grandmother had created this recipe as a way to preserve the rind and enjoy a tasty treat long after the watermelon had been devoured.

I listened intently as Martha recited the ingredients and steps needed to make these unique pickles. The first step was to carefully peel off the tough green skin of the watermelon rind, leaving behind the tender white flesh. The rind was then cut into small cubes and soaked in a brine of vinegar, sugar, and spices for several hours to soften and absorb the flavors.

As Martha continued to explain the process, I could already taste the tangy sweetness of the pickles in my mouth. I knew I had to try making them myself. Martha graciously wrote down the recipe for me, and I left her house that day with a newfound excitement to create my own batch of Watermelon Rind Pickles.

Once I returned home, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. As I carefully peeled the watermelon rind and diced it into cubes, I couldn't help but think about Martha and her family's tradition of preserving food for future enjoyment. It was a reminder of the simple yet invaluable lessons I had learned from my own grandmother growing up.

The pickles soaked in the brine for several hours, filling my kitchen with a delightful aroma of vinegar and spices. I patiently waited for them to be ready, eager to taste the fruits of my labor. Finally, the moment of truth arrived as I took a bite of the Watermelon Rind Pickle.

The burst of flavors in my mouth was beyond anything I had ever experienced. The tangy vinegar paired perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the watermelon rind, creating a harmony of tastes that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't believe that something so simple and humble could be so incredibly delicious.

I shared the pickles with my family and friends, all of whom were amazed by the unique and delightful flavor. They couldn't believe that I had made them myself, and they begged me for the recipe. I happily obliged, passing on Martha's family tradition to others who appreciated the art of preserving food and creating something truly special.

As I continued to make Watermelon Rind Pickles throughout the summer, I found joy in the process of creating something from scratch and sharing it with loved ones. Each batch reminded me of Martha and her generosity in sharing her family recipe with me, a gesture that had brought so much happiness and fulfillment into my life.

The recipe for Watermelon Rind Pickles will always hold a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious taste, but for the memories and traditions it represents. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving family recipes and passing them down through generations, ensuring that they continue to bring joy and connection for years to come. And for that, I am forever grateful to Martha and her great-grandmother for sharing this timeless recipe with me.