How do I pickle watermelon rind like a pro?

Step up your pickling game with our expert tips and tricks for pickling Watermelon Rind. Get ready for a burst of sweet and sour delights!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I pickle Watermelon Rind like a pro. Items include: Watermelon Rind White vinegar Water Sugar Salt

Watermelon Rind 1 medium-sized watermelon should yield enough rind for pickling
White vinegar 2 cups
Water 1 cup
Sugar 1 cup
Salt 2 tablespoons

Take note
When pickling watermelon rind, it's important to use only the rind portion and remove the red flesh. Also, make sure to use a non-reactive container for pickling, such as glass or stainless steel, as reactive materials can alter the flavor of the pickles.

1

Prepare the Watermelon Rind

Start by cutting the watermelon rind into uniform pieces, about 1 inch in size. Remove any green outer skin or soft flesh from the rind. Rinse the rind pieces thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

2

Create the Pickling Brine

In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of white vinegar, 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of salt, and your favorite pickling spices like mustard seeds and dill. Heat the brine over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.

3

Blanch the Rind

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the watermelon rind pieces. Let it blanch for about 2 minutes until the rind becomes slightly tender. Drain the rind and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

4

Pack the Jars

Sterilize your jars by boiling them in hot water for a few minutes. Once the jars are sterilized, pack the blanched watermelon rind tightly into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.

5

Pour in the Pickling Brine

Carefully pour the hot pickling brine into the jars, making sure to cover the watermelon rind completely. Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.

6

Seal and Store

Wipe the rims of the jars clean and place the lids on top. Screw the bands on until they are fingertip tight. Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the pickles to pickle!

7

Enjoy the Pickles

After 24 hours, your watermelon rind pickles are ready to be enjoyed! Keep them refrigerated for up to a month, and serve them as a refreshing side dish, on sandwiches, or even in salads.