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READY IN 10+ days

Watermelon Rind Candy

Read Reviews (3)

"Some call them Watermelon Pickles but grandma called them Watermelon Rind Candy because they are sweet." — LadyRattrap

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Original recipe makes 14 - 1 pint jars Change Servings

2 1/2 gallons water
1 tablespoon salt
2 gallons watermelon rind, white part only, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 quart cider vinegar

26 cups white sugar, divided
28 whole cloves
14 (3 inch) cinnamon stick

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Directions

Bring the water and salt to a boil in a large, enamel stockpot over high heat. Add the watermelon rinds, and return to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes, then drain the rinds in a colander. Bring the vinegar to a boil with 6 cups of sugar. Remove from the heat, stir in the watermelon rinds, cover, and let stand overnight.
The following day, remove the rinds from the syrup using a slotted spoon, and place them into a clean bowl. Set the stockpot onto the stove over high heat, add 4 cups of sugar, and return the syrup to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the stockpot from the heat, and stir in the watermelon rinds, cover, and let stand overnight.
On day 3, repeat the process above, using only 2 cups of sugar: remove the rinds from the syrup using a slotted spoon, and place them into a clean bowl. Set the stockpot onto the stove over high heat, add 2 cups of sugar, and return the syrup to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the stockpot from the heat, and stir in the watermelon rinds, cover, and let stand overnight. Repeat step 3 every day for 6 more days.
On day 10, sterilize the canning jars, rings and lids in boiling water. Pack the watermelon rinds into sterilized jars, making sure there are no spaces or air pockets on the sides. Add two cloves and one cinnamon stick to each jar. Return the syrup to a boil, and fill the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with boiling water. Carefully lower jars into pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary, until tops of jars are covered by 2 inches of water. Bring water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the stockpot from the heat, and let the jars stand in the water for 2 hours off of the heat.
Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area for 2 weeks before opening.

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PREP 1 hr
COOK 15 mins
READY IN 10 days 1 hr 15 mins

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This is almost identical to the recipe my grandmother gave to me about 60 yrs ago (which someone liberated from my kitchen). Thank you so very much for posting this. A nurse friend had never heard of watermelon pickles and when I told her I was going to make them, she asked her Japanese grandmother if she had ever heard of them. The response was very enthusiastic ... "I haven't tasted them in decades ... tell June if she will send me a pint, I'll give her a pint of berry jam." You have pleased more people than you know.

—MamaPeace

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Jun 02, 2010

Five stars just for putting this recipe up! Thank you so much for doing so. My great-grandfather would talk about having watermelon candy made of the rinds when he was growing up in Texas. As a child, I always thought he was kidding me. Turns out he wasn't! I will definitly make this this summer and let ya'll know how it goes. :)

—aboysmommy

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4 Ratings

Sep 22, 2008

This is the best recipe grandma gave to us.

—LadyRattrap

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Nutrition

Calories
221 kcal
11%

Carbohydrates
56.2 g
18%

Cholesterol
0 mg
0%

Fat
0.2 g
< 1%

Fiber
0.6 g
3%

Protein
0.3 g
< 1%

Sodium
75 mg
3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Watermelon Rind Candy

Serving Size: 1/100 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 100
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 221
Calories from Fat: 2

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.2g < 1 %
** Saturated Fat 0g < 1 %
** Cholesterol 0mg 0 %
Sodium 75mg 3 %
** Potassium 68mg 2 %
Total Carbohydrates 56.2g 18 %
Dietary Fiber 0.6g 3 %
Protein 0.3g < 1 %
** Sugars 52g
Vitamin A 4 %
Vitamin C 8 %
Calcium 2 %
Iron 2 %
** Thiamin 4 %
** Niacin < 1 %
** Vitamin B6 4 %
** Magnesium 3 %
** Folate < 1 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.