Watermelon Rind Preserves Old Time
Transform your leftover watermelon rinds into a sweet and zesty treat with this old-time favorite, Watermelon Rind Preserves! This recipe highlights sustainability by repurposing the often-overlooked white part of the rind, simmered to tender perfection in a fragrant syrup infused with fresh lemon slices, warming cinnamon sticks, and aromatic cloves. With a prep time of just 60 minutes and the magic of slow cooking, the rinds turn beautifully translucent, creating a jam-like consistency that's perfect for spreading on toast, topping biscuits, or pairing with a cheese platter. Whether you're embracing vintage traditions or seeking to reduce food waste, these preserves are a deliciously unique addition to your pantry.
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Ingredients
- 8 cups Watermelon rind
- 6 cups Granulated sugar
- 4 cups Water
- 2 whole Fresh lemon
- 10 whole Cloves
- 2 whole Cinnamon stick
Directions
Step 1
1. Start by preparing the watermelon rind: peel off the outer green skin and remove any remaining pink flesh until only the white part remains. Cut the rinds into small, bite-sized cubes or thin strips.
Step 2
2. Place the watermelon rind pieces in a large mixing bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak for about 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Step 3
3. In a large pot, combine the granulated sugar with 4 cups of water and stir over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a syrup.
Step 4
4. Add the watermelon rind pieces to the pot with the syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently.
Step 5
5. While the mixture simmers, slice the lemons thinly and remove any seeds. Add the lemon slices, cloves, and cinnamon sticks to the pot.
Step 6
6. Stir everything together and continue cooking on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the rinds become translucent and tender, and the syrup thickens to a jam-like consistency.
Step 7
7. Remove the pot from the heat and carefully discard the cloves and cinnamon sticks.
Step 8
8. Allow the preserves to cool slightly, then transfer the mixture into sterilized glass jars, leaving a small amount of headspace. Seal the jars tightly.
Step 9
9. For long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Alternatively, store the preserve jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Step 10
10. Serve the watermelon rind preserves spread on toast, biscuits, or as a sweet accompaniment to cheese platters.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (4186.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5191.3 |
| Total Fat 4.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 53.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 1367.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 13.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1317.3g | |
| Protein 12.7g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 330.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2315.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories