Watermelon Sweet Pickles
Sweet and tangy watermelon rinds transformed into colorful pickles with spices, perfect for holiday tables or as a unique homemade gift. Bright, flavorful, and nostalgic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the watermelon rinds in a jar.
- Pare, cut, and weigh the rinds.
- Put the rinds in lime water and let remain overnight.
- Stir occasionally.
- Wash and soak the rinds in several waters in the morning.
- Cook the rinds in boiling water for 1 hour.
- Drain the rinds in a colander.
- Make syrup using pound for pound of sugar to rind; cover sugar with water.
- Put the rinds in the sugar syrup and boil hard in a covered boiler for 1 1/2 hours.
- In a separate boiler, pour 1 quart of vinegar over spices and boil for 1/2 hour.
- Use whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice; do not use ground spices.
- Pour the vinegar and spices into the kettle with rinds and syrup, then boil about 1 hour or until the syrup thickens.
- Seal the pickles in hot sterilized jars.
- Optional: add green food coloring for colorful Christmas pickles.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, select firm, unblemished watermelon rinds. If you don't have lime, a mix of vinegar and water can substitute for soaking. Stir the rinds frequently during the soaking process to ensure even treatment. When making syrup, use a light or dark sugar depending on your preference for sweetness and color. For a twist, try adding spices like cardamom or ginger to the syrup for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet pickles make a delightful addition to cheese platters or as a topping for sandwiches. Serve them alongside grilled meats for a refreshing contrast. They also pair beautifully with Tangerine Cranberry Relish for a festive touch. Consider adding them to salads for a sweet crunch or using them as a garnish in cocktails.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of pickles in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the pickles refrigerated and consume them within a few weeks. To reheat, simply simmer the pickles in their syrup on low heat until warmed through, allowing the flavors to meld.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Watermelon Sweet Pickles contains roughly 22 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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
How long does the pickling process take?
The total pickling process takes about two days, including soaking the rinds overnight in lime water and then cooking them in syrup and vinegar. Plan ahead to ensure you have enough time for the flavors to develop fully.
Can I use other types of fruit for pickling?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like cucumbers or even peaches for pickling. Just adjust the soaking time and syrup ingredients according to the fruit's texture and sweetness.
What should I do if my syrup doesn't thicken?
If your syrup isn't thickening, continue to simmer it on low heat for a bit longer. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it. Just be sure to let it boil for a few minutes after adding.
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).