Watermelon Rind Preserves Recipe

Watermelon Rind Preserves Recipe

  • 4 pounds chopped watermelon rind
  • 1 gallon water
  • 1/2 cup salt
  • 9 cups white sugar
  • 8 cups water
  • 4 teaspoons crushed cinnamon stick
  • 4 teaspoons ground cloves
  • 4 lemons – rinsed, sliced and seeded
  • 1 dash red food coloring (optional)
  1. Peel off the green part of the watermelon rind, and slice into 2 inch pieces. Soak the rind in a solution of 1 gallon water and 1/2 cup salt overnight.
  2. Remove rind from the salt water, and place in a stockpot with clean water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the rind is tender. Drain.
  3. In a large pot, combine the sugar, 8 cups water, and sliced lemons. Tie the cinnamon and cloves into a cheesecloth bag, and place in the pot. Bring the syrup to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes. Add the rinds, and cook until transparent. Remove spice bag. Stir in red food coloring, if using. Ladle preserves into hot sterile jars, and process to seal.
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