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Watermelon-Rind Pickles

Source of Recipe


Michele Gerhard



List of Ingredients



• 4 quarts watermelon rinds (the rind of one large watermelon)
  
• 2 Tbsp salt
  
• 1 quart white distilled vinegar
  
• 8 cups sugar
  
• ¼ cup crumbled cinnamon sticks
  
• 1 Tbsp whole cloves
  
• 1 small lemon, thinly sliced
  






Instructions



1. Peel the green skin off the melon rind and trim off any remaining pink flesh. Cut into 1-inch squares and place in a large stockpot. Add the salt and enough boiling water to cover. Simmer over low heat until the rind is tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the rind and chill in very cold water for at least 2 hours or as long as 6 hours.
   
   
2. Combine the vinegar and sugar in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. Reduce the heat to low. Tie the cinnamon and cloves in a square of cheesecloth and add to the syrup mixture. Add the lemon slices. Drain the rind, place in the syrup and simmer over low heat until the rind becomes slightly transparent, about 30 minutes.
   
   
3. Remove and discard the spice bag.
   Pack the rind and syrup into hot, sterilized pint-size canning jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace at the top of the jar. Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth, fit them with the hot lids, and tightly screw on the metal rings. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (the water should cover the jars by 1 inch), then cool on a wire rack and store in a cool, dark place.
   
   Refrigerate after opening.
   
   Makes 4 pints.