How To Make Sweet Watermelon Rind Pickles

You can make sweet watermelon rind pickles by turning the usually discarded white part of the watermelon into a tangy, syrupy treat.
 
It sounds a little strange if you’ve never tried them, but trust me, these sweet watermelon rind pickles taste a lot like candied fruit or spiced apple rings.
 
The process of making sweet watermelon rind pickles is actually pretty simple, and it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste while stocking your pantry.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make sweet watermelon rind pickles that are crisp, not mushy, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make sweet watermelon rind pickles, including the prep work, the brining, and the sweet syrup bath that makes them so delicious.
 
Let’s dive into the world of sweet watermelon rind pickles.
 

How to Make Sweet Watermelon Rind Pickles: The Prep Work

The most important part of learning how to make sweet watermelon rind pickles is the preparation.
 
If you rush this step, your sweet watermelon rind pickles will end up soft and bland.
 
Here is how you start the process of making sweet watermelon rind pickles properly:
 

1. Peeling and Cutting the Rind

First, you need to separate the white rind from the pink flesh and the green skin.
 
For sweet watermelon rind pickles, you only want the firm, white part.
 
Cut away the green outer skin completely, as it stays tough no matter how long you cook it.
 
Then, cut the white rind into uniform cubes or strips about one inch thick so your sweet watermelon rind pickles cook evenly.
 

2. The Essential Salt Brine

To get that signature crunch in sweet watermelon rind pickles, you must soak the rind in a salt brine.
 
Dissolve half a cup of pickling salt in eight cups of water and submerge your rind cubes.
 
Let them sit in the fridge overnight or for at least eight hours.
 
This step draws out excess water and firms up the cells, which is the secret to making sweet watermelon rind pickles that snap when you bite them.
 
After soaking, drain the rinds and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt.
 

3. Parboiling for Texture

Once rinsed, you need to parboil the rind to soften it just a bit before it goes into the syrup.
 
Cover the rind with fresh water, bring it to a boil, and simmer for about five to ten minutes until they are fork-tender but not falling apart.
 
Drain them immediately and set them aside while you prepare the syrup.
 
This step ensures your sweet watermelon rind pickles have the perfect texture.
 

The Sweet Syrup and Spice Blend

Now comes the fun part that gives sweet watermelon rind pickles their name.
 
The syrup is where the magic happens, turning bland rind into a spiced, sugary delight.
 
Here is how to create the flavorful liquid for your sweet watermelon rind pickles:
 

1. Sugar, Vinegar, and Water

In a large pot, combine four cups of white sugar, two cups of white vinegar, and two cups of water.
 
This ratio creates the perfect balance of sweet and sour for sweet watermelon rind pickles.
 
Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
 

2. Adding the Spices

To make your sweet watermelon rind pickles taste authentic, you need the right spices.
 
Add a stick of cinnamon, a tablespoon of whole cloves, and a few slices of fresh ginger to the pot.
 
You can also add a teaspoon of allspice berries if you like.
 
These spices infuse the syrup and give sweet watermelon rind pickles that warm, holiday flavor.
 

3. Simmering the Rinds

Carefully add your drained rind cubes into the boiling syrup.
 
Reduce the heat and simmer gently until the rinds become translucent and absorb the syrup.
 
This usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
 
Be patient here, because the longer they simmer, the better your sweet watermelon rind pickles will taste.
 

Jarring and Processing Your Pickles

Once your sweet watermelon rind pickles are translucent and the syrup has thickened slightly, you’re ready to jar them.
 
This step is crucial if you want your sweet watermelon rind pickles to last on the shelf.
 
Here is how to finish the job:
 

1. Sterilizing Your Jars

Always start with clean, hot jars when canning sweet watermelon rind pickles.
 
You can run them through the dishwasher or boil them in a water bath to ensure they are sterile.
 
This prevents spoilage and keeps your sweet watermelon rind pickles safe to eat.
 

2. Packing the Jars

Use a slotted spoon to pack the rind pieces tightly into the hot jars.
 
Leave about half an inch of headspace at the top.
 
Then, ladle the hot syrup over the rinds, making sure to cover them completely and remove any air bubbles.
 

3. Water Bath Canning

Wipe the rims, put on the lids, and process the jars in a boiling water bath for ten minutes.
 
This seals the jars and makes your sweet watermelon rind pickles shelf-stable.
 
If you skip this step, you’ll need to store your sweet watermelon rind pickles in the fridge and eat them within a few weeks.
 

So, How to Make Sweet Watermelon Rind Pickles?

To make sweet watermelon rind pickles, you simply need to peel the rind, brine it overnight, and simmer it in a spiced sugar syrup.
 
The process transforms a common waste product into a delicious, old-fashioned treat that everyone will love.
 
Whether you serve them alongside roasted meats or just eat them straight from the jar, knowing how to make sweet watermelon rind pickles is a skill worth having.
 
So next time you cut up a watermelon, don’t toss the rind.
 
Try this recipe and enjoy your own homemade sweet watermelon rind pickles.