Spiced Watermelon Rind(Mildred Gregory)
Spiced Watermelon Rind offers a tangy, sweet, and spiced preserve that highlights the refreshing flavor of watermelon rind with warm spices and vibrant green coloring, perfect for snacking or gifts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove all green outer covering and all pink from the watermelon rind before cutting into 1-inch shapes.
- Ensure there are about 2 quarts of rind shapes.
- Cover rind shapes with cold water in a large kettle (porcelainized iron or enamel ware).
- Bring the water to a boil and cook for 10 to 20 minutes or until the rind is tender crisp and can be pierced with a fork.
- Stir in powdered potassium alum; remove from heat.
- Cover and refrigerate the rind overnight.
- Next morning, drain the rind.
- Add sugar and cider vinegar to the drained rind.
- Tie the whole cloves, allspice, and cinnamon sticks in cheesecloth and add to the mixture.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Cover and refrigerate again overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing the watermelon rind, ensure that all green and pink parts are removed for the best texture and flavor. If potassium alum is unavailable, you can substitute with a mixture of lemon juice and salt to help tenderize the rind. For added depth, consider including a dash of ginger or nutmeg along with the spices. This recipe is a delightful blend to use in various dishes, such as a side for your favorite main course.
Serving Suggestions
This spiced watermelon rind makes a unique condiment, perfect for pairing with grilled meats or as a tangy addition to sandwiches. It also serves as a refreshing side dish alongside dishes like '3 Week Cole Slaw.' For a fun twist, consider using it in a salad or as part of a charcuterie board with cheeses and nuts.
Storage & Reheating
Store the spiced watermelon rind in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 1-2 weeks. If you want to serve it chilled, simply take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to a slightly warmer temperature without losing its crispness. Always ensure the container is sealed to maintain freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Watermelon Rind(Mildred Gregory) contains roughly 337 calories, with 7g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (147% of the Daily Value), iron (80% of the Daily Value), and calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 41g 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 the watermelon flesh in this recipe?
No, this recipe specifically requires only the watermelon rind. The flesh can be used in smoothies or salads, while the rind provides a unique texture and flavor when pickled. Make sure to remove all flesh and green skin for the best results.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the spiced rind?
You can easily adjust the sugar quantity according to your taste preference. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, start with 3 cups of sugar and taste the mixture before adding more. Remember, the sweetness will balance with the tanginess of the vinegar, so adjust accordingly.
Is it possible to can the spiced watermelon rind for longer storage?
Yes, you can can the spiced watermelon rind using proper canning techniques. Make sure to follow safe canning guidelines, including sterilizing jars and processing them in a water bath. This can extend the shelf life significantly, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year.
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).