Sunday, September 19, 2010

Sweet Pickled Watermelon Rind

Sweet pickled what? While planning food for a southern outdoor wedding reception I came across this recipe.  I was intrigued to say the least.  After all, this is something we throw away, something as kids we chucked in the woods, seeing who could throw the farthest.  Growing up watermelon was something we ate often.  My dad had a huge garden that promised lots of produce including watermelons.  My sister and I were once featured in a small town southern newspaper sitting next to an 18lb Congo watermelon my grandfather had grown.  We felt like movie stars.  So when I read that there is a use for this white and green stuff we usually chucked in the woods or threw in the compost  I had to try it.
The finished product is like candy!  I am not kidding.  a very soft but firm sweet tasting candy.  We tried it with BBQ pulled pork and hot dogs.  I also found it to be delicious wrapped in bacon and served as an appetizer.  So, my conclusion, Don't Ever Throw Away Watermelon Rind Again!

Here is the recipe I used:

Watermelon Rind Pickles
Yields about 5oz jars
1 large watermelon (about 7 pounds)
3/4 cup salt
2 quarts (2 trays) ice cubes
9 cups sugar
3 cups white vinegar
1 tablespoon (about 48) whole cloves
1 tablespoon whole allspice
5 cinnamon sticks, 3 inch pieces
1 lemon, thinly sliced, with seeds removed


Make the brine by mixing the 3/4 cup salt with 3 quarts cold water. Stir well.
Trim the pink flesh and outer green skin from thick watermelon rind. Cut into 1 inch squares or fancy shapes as desired. You only want the white portion. Cover with the brine solution, add the 2 trays (2 quarts worth) of ice cubes. Let stand 3 to 4 hours.
Combine whole cloves and allspice tied in a cheesecloth or other clean, thin, white cloth.
After the 3 to 4 hours has elapsed, drain and then rinse in cold water and drain again.
Cover the watermelon rind with cold water and cook until almost fork tender, about 10 minutes (do not overcook).
While the watermelon rind is cooking, combine sugar, vinegar, water and the seasoning mix bag in a large pot and boil for 5 minutes.
Drain the watermelon rind and add to the seasoned syrup solution (remove the syrup from heat). Let the watermelon rind and seasoned syrup stand overnight in the refrigerator.
Heat the watermelon rind in syrup by bringing it to a boil. As soon as a boil is reached, turn down the heat to cook slowly for 1 hour.
Fill the jars loosely, with 1/2 inch of headspace. To each jar add 1 cinnamon stick.
Pour boiling cooking liquid into each packed jar
Use a ladle or pyrex measuring cup to carefully fill each packed jar with the hot syrup solution, again allowing 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace if needed. Wipe rims of jars with a dampened clean paper towel; adjust two-piece metal canning lids.
Process for 10 minutes.

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