Watermelon Pickles

Transform your leftover watermelon rind into a sweet, tangy, and perfectly spiced treat with this Watermelon Pickles recipe! Featuring an irresistible blend of sugar, white vinegar, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, these pickles offer a unique way to reduce food waste while creating a flavorful condiment. The rinds are brined overnight for optimal texture, then simmered in a flavorful pickling liquid until tender and translucent. Finished with bright lemon slices for a citrusy kick, these pickles are perfect for jazzing up charcuterie boards, pairing with roasted meats, or simply enjoying as a refreshing snack. Ready in just a few steps and ideal for canning or quick use, Watermelon Pickles are a delightful balance of sustainability and gourmet flair.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups Watermelon rind
• 6 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Salt
• 2.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups White vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Cloves
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon Allspice berries
• 4 slices Lemon slices

Directions

Step 1

Carefully cut the green outer skin off the watermelon rind and remove any remaining pink flesh. Slice the rind into 1-inch-wide pieces.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of watermelon rind, 6 cups of water, and 2 tablespoons of salt. Let the rind soak in the brine for 6 to 8 hours (or overnight) to help soften it.

Step 3

Drain the watermelon rind and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt.

Step 4

In a large pot, combine 2.5 cups of granulated sugar, 1.5 cups of white vinegar, and 1 cup of water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely.

Step 5

Add 1 teaspoon of cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon of allspice berries, and 4 lemon slices to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the liquid with the spices.

Step 6

Add the watermelon rind to the pot and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, or until the rind becomes translucent and tender.

Step 7

Carefully transfer the watermelon rind and pickling liquid into sterilized jars, ensuring the rind is fully submerged in the liquid. Distribute the spices evenly among jars if desired.

Step 8

Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or process in a water bath canner for long-term storage following canning guidelines.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3311.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2277.0

Total Fat 2.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 14227.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 582.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.7g	0%
Total Sugars 557.8g
Protein 6.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 259.4mg	0%
Iron 2.8mg	0%
Potassium 1397.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 0.9%

Protein: 1.0%

Carbs: 98.0%