Watermelon Rind Candy

4.9
(9)

Some call them watermelon pickles but Grandma called them watermelon rind candy because they are sweet.

3
Prep Time:
1 hr
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
10 days
Total Time:
10 days 1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
100
Yield:
14 (1-pint) jars
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 100 servings

  • 2 ½ gallons water

  • 1 tablespoon salt

  • 2 gallons watermelon rind, white part only, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 26 cups white sugar, divided

  • 1 quart apple cider vinegar

  • 28 whole cloves

  • 14 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks

Directions

  1. Bring water and salt to a boil in a large, enamel stockpot over high heat. Add watermelon rinds; return to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes, then drain. Add 6 cups sugar and vinegar to stockpot; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in watermelon rinds, cover, and let stand overnight.

  2. On day 2, transfer rinds from syrup to a clean bowl using a slotted spoon. Heat syrup in stockpot over high heat; add 4 cups sugar and bring to a boil until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in watermelon rinds, cover, and let stand overnight.

  3. On day 3, transfer rinds from syrup to a clean bowl using a slotted spoon. Heat syrup in stockpot over high heat; add 2 cups sugar and bring to a boil until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in watermelon rinds, cover, and let stand overnight. Repeat Step 3 every day for 6 more days.

  4. On day 10, inspect 14 (1-pint) canning jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water. Sterilize jars, rings, and lids in boiling water; immerse in simmering water until watermelon rinds are ready. Pack rinds into sterilized jars, making sure there are no spaces or air pockets on the sides. Add 2 cloves and 1 cinnamon stick to each jar. Return syrup to a boil; fill jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims with a moist paper towel and remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.

  5. Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with boiling water. Carefully lower jars 2 inches apart into pot using a holder. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to cover jars by at least 2 inches. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove pot from heat; let jars stand in water off heat for 2 hours.

  6. Remove jars from the stockpot; place on a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart until cool. Once cool, press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure that the seal is tight (and lid does not move up or down). Store in a cool, dark area for 2 weeks before opening.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

221 Calories
0g Fat
56g Carbs
0g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 100
Calories 221
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 75mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 56g 20%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 52g
Protein 0g 1%
Vitamin C 5mg 5%
Calcium 15mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 68mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.