PICKLED WATERMELON RINDS

Pickled Watermelon Rinds image

My mother never threw anything away and when it came to summer, watermelons were no exception. Seeds went in the ground for growing and the rinds were pickled!

Provided by Nancy Hansen Puig

Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Canning and Preserving Recipes Pickled

Time 9h45m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

3 quarts water
¾ cup salt
4 quarts watermelon rind, white part only, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons whole cloves
½ teaspoon mustard seed
10 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
1 quart apple cider vinegar
2 cups white sugar
4 drops green food coloring

Steps:

In a glass bowl, stir together the water and salt until the salt has dissolved. Add the watermelon rinds and any additional water needed to cover them. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
Drain the watermelon rinds from the salted water, and place into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Cover with fresh water, then place over high heat and bring to a boil. Boil rinds for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, tie the cloves, mustard seed, and cinnamon sticks in a piece of cheesecloth. Place into a large saucepan or Dutch oven along with the vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Stir in the drained watermelon rind, then return to the stove over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the rind is transparent and the syrup is slightly thickened, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove and discard the spices after 40 minutes. Stir in the food coloring if desired.
Ladle into hot sterilized 1 pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Seal jars with new lids and rings, making sure you have cleaned the jar's rims of any residue. Process jars under 1 inch of water in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let cool overnight, then press down on the lids to make sure they are sealed before storing. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and enjoy those first.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 104.6 calories, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 0.5 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 2934.5 mg, Sugar 16.7 g