Quick And Delicious Watermelon Rind Pickles
Sweet and tangy watermelon rind pickles offer a unique treat with warm spices, perfect for summer gatherings or as a crunchy, flavorful condiment.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the rind of the watermelon into 1-inch blocks.
- Boil the rind in a mixture of 2 gallons of water and 1/2 cup salt for 5 minutes or until tender.
- Drain the rind, then soak and wash through three cold waters.
- Drain the rind again.
- Combine vinegar, sugar, whole cloves, and cinnamon in a pot and cook until the mixture becomes clear.
- Put the hot pickles into sterilized jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider infusing the pickling liquid with fresh ginger or using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. If you want a spicier kick, try adding red pepper flakes to the mixture. Make sure to cut the watermelon rind into uniform pieces for even cooking. This recipe for Quick And Delicious Watermelon Rind Pickles is a great way to use parts of the watermelon that are often discarded.
Serving Suggestions
These watermelon rind pickles are a delightful accompaniment to charcuterie boards or can be served as a tangy side dish with barbecue meats. They also pair beautifully with sandwiches and salads. For a refreshing drink, try serving them with No. 3 Tropical Treat Punch Non-Alcoholic Drink for a perfect summer meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once sealed, the pickles can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. After opening, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks. If you have leftover pickles, serve them cold or at room temperature. Reheat by gently warming them in a saucepan over low heat, being careful not to boil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Delicious Watermelon Rind Pickles contains roughly 1219 calories, with 17g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (209% of the Daily Value), iron (123% of the Daily Value), and calcium (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1555mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the watermelon flesh for this recipe?
No, this recipe specifically uses the rind for pickling. However, you can enjoy the flesh of the watermelon in smoothies or salads while preserving the rind for this delicious pickling process.
How long do these pickles last after opening?
Once opened, the pickles should be refrigerated and are best consumed within 2-4 weeks for optimal flavor and crunch. If you notice any off smells or changes in texture, it's best to discard them.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar to suit your taste, or even substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Just be mindful that this may alter the final texture and flavor of the pickles.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).