Preserves > Fruit Preserves > Watermelon Preserves

Spiced Watermelon Rind Preserves Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 large watermelon
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp whole allspice
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Canning jars with lids and bands
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Magnetic lid lifter
- Bubble remover tool
- Water bath canner

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Cut the watermelon into quarters and remove the flesh, leaving only the rind. Cut the rind into 1-inch pieces.

2. In a large pot, combine the water, white vinegar, sugar, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and whole allspice. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.

3. Add the watermelon rind and lemon slices to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.

5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the watermelon rind and lemon slices to a clean bowl.

6. Return the pot to the heat and bring the syrup to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened slightly.

7. Remove the pot from the heat and add the watermelon rind and lemon slices back into the pot. Stir to combine.

8. Using a canning funnel, ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.

9. Use a bubble remover tool to remove any air bubbles from the jars.

10. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, and place the lids and bands on the jars.

11. Using a jar lifter, place the jars in a water bath canner and process for 10 minutes.

12. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a wire rack.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
Boiling
Serving size:
Makes approximately 6-8 half-pint jars

Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 tbsp):
Calories: 45
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 0mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.
- You can substitute the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and whole allspice with 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp of ground cloves, and 1/2 tsp of ground allspice.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 tsp of ground ginger for a spicier flavor.
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped crystallized ginger for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Use lime slices instead of lemon slices for a different citrus flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to remove the green outer layer of the watermelon rind before cutting it into pieces.
- Use a mandoline slicer to thinly slice the lemon or lime.
- To test if the syrup has thickened enough, dip a spoon into the mixture and run your finger across the back of the spoon. If the syrup doesn't run back together, it's ready.
- Be sure to sterilize your jars before filling them with the preserves. You can do this by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes.

Storage instructions:
Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Reheating instructions:
To serve, simply open a jar and spoon the preserves onto toast, biscuits, or crackers.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the preserves in a small dish with a spoon for easy serving.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a thin slice of lemon or lime.

Pairings:
Serve the preserves with cheese and crackers for a sweet and savory snack.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve the preserves alongside grilled chicken or pork for a sweet and tangy accompaniment.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the syrup is too thin, return the pot to the heat and boil for an additional 5 minutes.
- If the preserves are too thick, add a little water to the pot and stir to combine.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to follow proper canning procedures to ensure the safety of your preserves.
- Always use sterilized jars and lids to prevent contamination.
- If a jar doesn't seal properly, refrigerate the contents and consume within 2 weeks.

Food history:
Watermelon rind preserves have been a popular Southern treat for generations. They were originally made as a way to use up the leftover rind from watermelons, which were often discarded.

Flavor profiles:
The spiced watermelon rind preserves have a sweet and tangy flavor with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the spiced watermelon rind preserves on toast, biscuits, or crackers for a sweet and tangy snack.

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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Tangy, Fragrant, Fruity