Watermelon Rind Pickles

[When I was growing up in the South every summer these delightful pickles were made. Jar after jar was "put away for the winter!" Not that we did not eat them in summer either. I just opened my last jar from last summer last night when i realized that I had never shared this bit i=of "Dixieology" with y'all...! Enjoy!]

Watermelon Rind Pickles
Categories: Appetizer, Pickle, Fruit
Yield: 4 Pints

8 c Prepared watermelon rind
1/2 c Pickling salt
4 c Cold water
4 ts Whole cloves
4 c Sugar
2 c White vinegar
2 c Water

Choose thick rind.
Trim from it all dark skin & remains of pink flesh.
Cut in 1" cubes.
Dissolve salt in cold water.
Pour water over rind cubes to cover.
Allow to stand stand 4-6 hrs.
Drain & rinse well.
Cover with fresh water then cook until barely tender for 8-10 mins.
Dain.
Combine sugar, vinegar & water.
ring to a boil.
Add cloves tied in a cloth bag.
Reduce heat then simmer for 5-7 mins.
Pour over rind cubes then allow to stand 8-12 hrs.
Bring all to boiling & cook until rind is translucent but not mushy usually for 8-10 mins.
Remove spice bag.
Pack cubes in hot sterilized pint jars.
Add boiling syrup leaving 1/2" of headroom.
Adjust lids.
Process in a 185 deg-F. water bath for 10 mins.
Remove jars then complete seals if necessary.

ORIGIN:
Alice Faye Dunaway, Thomasville-GA, circa 1992

Comments: 10

Sheli out of her jammies and enjoying the Sun *. Apr 9, 2008, 8:24am EDT

Sounds interesting-I may have to try this one!

Janet Somewhere Up On The Mount Apr 9, 2008, 9:40am EDT

Thanks I will book mark this for later in the summer.
Have a great day.

*Holly *. Apr 9, 2008, 9:58am EDT

I may have to try this!

Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Apr 9, 2008, 11:07am EDT

I've heard of this recipe before. Never tried it yet. BUt it does sound yummy.

Adele G. Apr 9, 2008, 5:31pm EDT

My great aunt use to make these every summer. Thank for the recipe, Donald.

Dorine H. Apr 10, 2008, 4:26pm EDT

My mother used to make these in the 1950s. They re my favorite pickle, but I haven't tasted any in years! Whenever we had watermelon for dessert, she would collect the rinds and slice off both the skin and the part where we had bitten off the flesh, then cut it into 1" squares. Some she dyed red or green with food coloring and others she left plain. The color combination looked so pretty in her crystal serving bowls. I may have to try to make these this summer.

becky soccer mom x1 p. May 3, 2008, 6:35pm EDT

i have heard of these before but have never tried or made them
doesn't sound too hard
i will have to try

LaRue B. May 4, 2008, 3:10pm EDT

I have loved these pickles ever since I was a child. I have made them a time or too. What a good use of something you would normally throw away.

Fran S. Aug 3, 2008, 7:35pm EDT

my mom used to make these every summer....... my sisters and I were pickle people!! I was just telling someone about this type of pickle the other day, and was wishing I had the recipe !! Thanks SO mUCH!!

vickey w Aug 6, 2008, 5:45am EDT

I have heard of this but have never had it.... I love bread and butter pickles though, so would probably like it and thanks.

Watermelon Rind Pickles

Comments: 10

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