I told you to save your 4th of July watermelon rinds for watermelon rind pickles!!!
I first shared this easy watermelon rind pickles recipe in July 2012. I will be making them again this week, so I thought I would dig it out and freshen it up a bit. This recipe for watermelon pickles is so easy and they are great for summer picnics or summer hostess gifts!!!
I hate to waste anything…”Waste not, want not,” my Grandmother used to say. I learned well. I verge on the cusp of hoarder…but it ‘s all fun stuff I can make art with…right?
This is a great starter recipe for pickling. Watermelon pickles are tasty and pretty easy to do for pickles. So buy a medium sized watermelon (I prefer seedless) enjoy the fruit and save the rinds. I usually keep a bag in the fridge for a few days and drop the rinds in as we eat it. You need to peel the dark green off for my recipe, but I have seen people leave it on. It makes them crunchier.
Peel watermelon rind and chop it into 1″ pieces. Mix water and salt until salt is dissolved to make brine. I usually let this happen while I peel the watermelon rind. Place rind pieces in large bowl (not metal) with the brine. Cover and refrigerate overnight (24 hours).
In large soup pot place vinegar and sugar. Stir until blended (sugar will not be dissolved). Add spices and bring to a full boil. Lower heat to medium. Add watermelon rind slowly so it does not splash on you!!! I use a large slotted spoon. Place a ceramic plate on top of mix to hold the rind down under the liquid. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour (less if you like crunchy pickles).
Place rind in clean, sterilized canning jars. I use the small decorative kind so I can give them as gifts. Cover with pickling juice. Cover tightly and put in fridge immediately. They will be hot, so don’t burn yourself. Pour the rest of the juice into another canning jar and save. It can be used again.
This makes about 4-6 small jars, 2-3 pint jars.