Watermelon Rind Preserves
Watermelon rind preserves offer a unique sweet-tangy treat, highlighting the subtle crunch of the rind with a vibrant, refreshing flavor. Perfect for spreading on toast or serving with cheese, this preserve is an inventive way to utilize watermelon leftovers and appeal to those who enjoy homemade jams with a twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean rind by removing the red meat and green outer part of the rind. Cut rind and lemon into small pieces.
- Mix the watermelon rind and sugar; let set overnight.
- Cook the mixture for about 1 hour, until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Add 1/2 cup fruit pectin and enough red food coloring to achieve an attractive color.
- Seal the preserves in jars.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your preserves, consider adding spices like cinnamon or ginger during cooking. If you don't have fruit pectin, you can use a higher sugar content and cook the mixture longer to achieve a thicker consistency. Make sure to use ripe watermelon for the best results, and if you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar by a cup.
Serving Suggestions
These watermelon rind preserves make a delightful addition to breakfast spreads, pairing wonderfully with toast, biscuits, or pancakes. They can also be served alongside cheese platters or as a sweet topping for yogurt. For a creative twist, try them in a savory dish like an All-Season Salad or as an accompaniment to grilled meats.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed watermelon rind preserves in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard, for up to a year. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks. If you have leftovers, they can be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave, but avoid boiling to preserve texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Watermelon Rind Preserves contains roughly 170 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 8g 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 green watermelon rind instead of just the white part?
It's best to use only the white part of the watermelon rind for preserves, as the green outer skin can be tough and bitter. However, if you want to experiment, ensure you peel off the green skin completely to avoid any undesirable flavors.
How do I know when the preserves are thick enough?
The preserves should coat the back of a spoon and hold a slight ridge when you run your finger through it. This usually takes about an hour of cooking. If you're unsure, you can also test by placing a spoonful on a cold plate; it should firm up as it cools.
Can I add other fruits to the preserves?
Yes, you can experiment by adding other fruits like diced apples or pears to the watermelon rind for added flavor and texture. Just ensure that the total amount of fruit remains about the same to maintain the balance of sugar and pectin in the recipe.
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).