Watermelon Pickle
A tangy, sweet watermelon rind pickle with aromatic spices, perfect as a condiment or snack, suited for those who enjoy flavorful, homemade preserves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and slice the watermelon rind into small pieces.
- Cover the rind with cold water and let stand in a cool place for 24 hours.
- Rinse thoroughly and drain well.
- Cover with cold water and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Rinse thoroughly and drain completely.
- Bring vinegar, sugar, oil of cloves, and oil of cinnamon to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the hot mixture over the rind in a large kettle.
- Stir well until all rind is covered with the syrup.
- Let stand for 24 hours.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until the rind is tender.
- Pour into sterilized jars; stir each day for 5 days.
- Return to the kettle, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and seal in hot sterilized jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, choose a firm watermelon with a thick rind. If you can't find oil of cloves or oil of cinnamon, you can use whole spices instead; just strain them out before sealing the jars. Make sure to sterilize your jars properly to prevent spoilage. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar amount by a third without affecting the pickling process.
Serving Suggestions
Watermelon pickles make a unique addition to charcuterie boards or as a tangy contrast to rich meats like ham or barbecue. They pair beautifully with dishes like Carriage Cake or even as a side for sandwiches. You can also chop them up and mix them into salads for a surprising burst of flavor, complementing dishes with a Dijon Mustard Dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of watermelon pickles in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks. If you want to enjoy the pickles later, they can be reheated gently in a saucepan over low heat, but they are also delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Watermelon Pickle contains roughly 470 calories, with 10g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (202% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 22g 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 flesh of the watermelon instead of the rind?
No, this recipe specifically utilizes the rind, which has a texture that holds up well during the pickling process. The flesh is too soft and will not create the desired crunchy texture of the pickles.
How long does it take for the pickles to develop flavor?
After sealing the jars, it's best to let the pickles sit for at least a week to develop their full flavor. The longer they sit, the more pronounced the flavors of the spices and vinegar will become.
Can I add other spices to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger, allspice, or even chili flakes for a spicy kick. Just remember to adjust the amounts to your taste, as some spices can be quite potent.
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).