Sweet Pickled Watermelon Rind
Sweet pickled watermelon rind offers a delightful combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, perfect as a unique condiment or snack for those who enjoy bold, fruity preserves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pare rind from watermelon.
- Cover the rind with water and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes.
- Drain the rind.
- Make syrup by bringing sugar, vinegar, and oils of cloves and cinnamon to a boil.
- Pour the hot syrup over the drained rind.
- Let stand overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
When selecting watermelon, choose one with a firm rind for the best results. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute; however, this may alter the flavor and texture. For added spice, you can include a pinch of ground ginger or allspice in the syrup. Ensure the rind is tender but not mushy after simmering, as this affects the final texture.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet pickled watermelon rind is a delightful accompaniment to savory dishes, making it a great side for grilled meats or a component in a cheese platter. It pairs beautifully with French Green Beans With Water Chestnuts, adding a sweet contrast. Consider serving it alongside a spicy dish to balance flavors or as a unique topping for burgers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet pickled watermelon rind in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to two weeks. To enjoy the pickled rind, just serve it cold straight from the fridge, or let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Pickled Watermelon Rind contains roughly 4930 calories, with 5g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 500g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 5g 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 whole watermelon for this recipe?
While this recipe focuses on the rind, you can use the flesh for other dishes. Consider making a refreshing watermelon salad or a smoothie for a delicious way to use the entire fruit. The rind is often discarded, but utilizing it this way offers a tasty, sweet treat.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the pickled rind?
To adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup. Start by using 3 pounds instead of 4 and taste the syrup before pouring it over the rind. Remember that altering sugar levels may affect the preservation quality, so ensure it is still sufficiently sweet to balance the vinegar.
Is it possible to can this pickled rind for long-term storage?
Yes, you can can sweet pickled watermelon rind for long-term storage. Ensure you follow proper canning techniques by sterilizing jars and processing them in a water bath. This will allow you to enjoy the pickles for months. Just make sure to check the seals before consuming.
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).