Author Notes
This is a sustainable recipe that I have been making with cut-away, throw-a-way watermelon rinds. These are simple and easy to make and a beautiful addition of a condiment that will delight the eater! I give these as gifts as well. —Nancy Manlove
Test Kitchen Notes
WHO: Nancy Manlove is a home cook, photographer, and food stylist that recently turned professional!
WHAT: The way to preserve the watermelon scraps you aren't eating anyway -- and keep them all year long.
HOW: Cut away the white, fleshy part of the watermelon, simmer the cubes in spices, and keep them in the fridge for months.
WHY WE LOVE IT: We love that Nancy takes what we would usually throw away and creates something exciting -- and something we can eat when the watermelon-sticky summer days are long over. We could see this pairing wonderfully with cheese, or as a condiment in a meaty sandwich. —The Editors
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Ingredients
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12 cups
watermelon rinds prepared as in step 1 below
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3 cups
granulated sugar
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1 1/2 cups
apple cider vinegar
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1/2 cup
balsamic vinegar
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1 cup
white vinegar
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4 tablespoons
mixed pickling spice
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1 tablespoon
whole black peppercorns
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12
whole cloves
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8
thin slices of fresh ginger cut into strips about 2-inches long by 1-inch wide
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3
cinnamon sticks, broken into 1-inch pieces
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2 teaspoons
whole allspice
Directions
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Wash and cut away all green parts of the rinds, Cut away any red as well. Cut into cubes 1-inch by 1-inch pieces or with a cute flower mini cutter (that is what I use when I gift these).
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Place cut rind pieces in a large stock pot filled with enough water to cover rinds and cook over high heat until boiling. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook until rinds are fork tender or for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
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While the rinds cook, in a medium large sauce pan, add in all the other ingredients and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to pickling broth to slightly cool.
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Place the cooked rinds in a large container that comes with tight filling lid. Pour the pickling broth over to completely cover and allow to completely cool. Place in the refrigerator and use as wanted. This will keep well for 3-4 months.
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