Watermelon Cinnamon Pickles Recipe Recipe Cards

WATERMELON PICKLES

Steps:

• Stir canning salt into 1 gallon water in a large container until dissolved; add watermelon rind. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and let sit 12 hours. Drain and rinse completely.
• Combine drained watermelon rind and 1 gallon water in a stock pot. Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the rind is tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour; drain and set aside.
• Put cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves in cheesecloth or spice bag. Combine vinegar, sugar, spice bag, maraschino cherries, and lemon slices in the stock pot; stir until sugar is dissolved. Add watermelon rind to the pot; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the rind is transparent, about 5-10 minutes. Remove the spice bag and set aside.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Put one whole clove into each jar. Break cinnamon sticks into pieces and put 1 piece into each jar.
• Pack the watermelon rind with the vinegar mixture into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
• 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.

WATERMELON PICKLES

Steps:

• Slice the outer green and inner pink part of the rind.
• Place in a large glass bowl and cover with a brine made from the 3/4 cup salt and 3 quarts water.
• Cover with ice and let stand 6-7 hours.
• Drain, rinse and drain again.
• In a large pot add the rind and just cover with cold water.
• Cook until JUST tender-around 10 minutes.
• Dont overcook.
• Drain.
• Tie spices in a spice bag.
• Combine sugar, vinegar, 3 cups water and spice bag and boil 5 minutes.
• Remove spice bag-reserve.
• Pour syrup over rinds and add lemon slices.
• Let stand overnight at room temp.
• Heat rind and lemon in syrup and boil.
• Cook until rind is translucent-around 10 minutes.
• Pack hot into clean hot jars.
• Add 1 piece of cinnamon from the spice bag to each jar.
• Cover with boiling syrup leaving 1/2 inch head space.
• Process in a boiling water bath at altitudes up to 1000 feet.

PICKLED WATERMELON (NOT WATERMELON RINDS!)

Steps:

• Stir water and salt together in a large bowl. Add watermelon balls. Cover and let stand on counter overnight. Drain. Rinse and drain again.
• In a large saucepan combine next 5 ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add watermelon.
• Return to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered for about 20 minutes.
• Remove cinnamon pieces.
• Pack fruit into hot sterilized pint jars to within 1 inch of top.
• Bring syrup to a full rolling boil on medium-high heat. Boila bout 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Don't boil too long or syrup will start to caramelize and change colour. It will thicken a bit with a tinge of golden colour.
• Pour syrup over fruit to within 1/2 inch of top. Place sterilized metal lids on jars and screw metal bands on securely. For added assurance against spoilage, you may choose to process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

PICKLED WATERMELON RINDS

Steps:

• In a glass bowl, stir together the water and salt until the salt has dissolved. Add the watermelon rinds and any additional water needed to cover them. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
• Drain the watermelon rinds from the salted water, and place into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Cover with fresh water, then place over high heat and bring to a boil. Boil rinds for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, tie the cloves, mustard seed, and cinnamon sticks in a piece of cheesecloth. Place into a large saucepan or Dutch oven along with the vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Stir in the drained watermelon rind, then return to the stove over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the rind is transparent and the syrup is slightly thickened, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove and discard the spices after 40 minutes. Stir in the food coloring if desired.
• Ladle into hot sterilized 1 pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Seal jars with new lids and rings, making sure you have cleaned the jar's rims of any residue. Process jars under 1 inch of water in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let cool overnight, then press down on the lids to make sure they are sealed before storing. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and enjoy those first.