Ranch Style Watermelon Rind Preserves
Sweet and tangy watermelon rind preserves with a hint of sugar and syrupy consistency, perfect for spreading or gifting to those who enjoy unique fruit preserves.
Ingredients
- 2 qt prepared watermelon rinds ⓘ
- 1 qt sugar
Instructions
- Cut green skin and pink flesh from thick watermelon rind.
- Cut the rind into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large porcelain pot, cover the rind with sugar at a ratio of 1 part sugar to 2 parts rind.
- Let stand for 4 hours until the rind shrinks and releases a lot of juice.
- Bring to a boil and simmer until the rind becomes translucent, which may take about 4 hours.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning.
- Let stand for 24 to 36 hours.
- Bring the mixture to a boil again.
- Simmer uncovered until the liquid reaches a syrupy consistency but still covers the fruit.
- Pour the hot preserves into sterilized jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger while simmering the preserves. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the amount of sugar to 3/4 quart. Make sure to use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking and burning. If you have leftover rind, try making Refrigerator Cucumber-Pepper Relish as a refreshing side dish.
Serving Suggestions
These preserves are delightful when served with toasted bread or biscuits for breakfast. They also pair wonderfully with cheeses on a charcuterie board, adding a sweet contrast. For a unique twist, try them as a topping for Nana Nelson'S Sloppy Joes or alongside Buttermilk Ranch Pretzels for a fun appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of watermelon rind preserves in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep refrigerated and consume within 2-3 weeks. To reheat, simply warm the preserves gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, making sure to stir well to maintain consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranch Style Watermelon Rind Preserves contains roughly 445 calories, with 10g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of rinds for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other rinds such as cantaloupe or cucumber, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly. Make sure to adjust the sugar and cooking time accordingly, as different fruits have varying water content.
How can I tell when the preserves are done cooking?
The preserves are done when the rind becomes translucent and the liquid has thickened to a syrupy consistency. You can test this by drizzling some of the mixture on a cold plate; if it holds its shape, it's ready to be jarred.
Is it necessary to sterilize the jars before canning?
Yes, sterilizing the jars is crucial to prevent any bacteria from contaminating the preserves. You can sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a hot cycle in the dishwasher before filling them with the hot preserves.
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).