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Watermelon Pickles

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Watermelon pickles are a sweet, tangy, and spiced treat that transforms the often-overlooked rind into a flavorful, colorful snack or side dish. Infused with spices and maraschino cherries, these pickles offer a refreshing twist on traditional pickling recipes.

Ingredients

1 cup canning salt

1 gallon water

16 cups (1-inch) cubes watermelon rind

1 gallon water

3 cinnamon sticks

1 teaspoon whole allspice

1 teaspoon whole cloves

2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)

3 cups white sugar, or more to taste

12 maraschino cherries, halved

1 lemon, thinly sliced

6 canning jars with lids and rings

Instructions

  1. Prepare the watermelon rind: Peel the green skin off the watermelon rind and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Set the cubes aside.
  2. Salt the watermelon rind: In a large bowl, combine 1 gallon of water with the canning salt. Stir until the salt dissolves. Add the watermelon rind cubes, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 12-24 hours to allow the rind to soften and take on the salt.
  3. Prepare the pickling brine: In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to a boil. Add the cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves. Boil for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. Make the brine: To the hot spice mixture, add the white vinegar and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Return the pot to low heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Drain the rind: After soaking, drain the rind and rinse under cold water to remove excess salt.
  6. Pack the jars: Sterilize the canning jars and pack them with the watermelon rind cubes. Add halved maraschino cherries and lemon slices to each jar.
  7. Fill with brine: Pour the prepared pickling brine into each jar, covering the rind and fruit completely. Tap the jars to remove air bubbles.
  8. Seal and process: Place lids and rings on the jars, tightening to secure. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let jars cool completely before storing.
  9. Let them sit: Allow pickles to sit for 2-3 weeks before opening to let the flavors fully develop.

Notes

For a spicy version, add fresh jalapeño slices or crushed red pepper flakes to the brine.

Swap maraschino cherries for pineapple or pears for a unique flavor.

For a herbaceous twist, add fresh rosemary or thyme to each jar before sealing.

If you prefer sweeter pickles, increase the sugar in the brine to taste.

Once opened, store pickles in the fridge and consume within a month.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/watermelon-pickles/