Watermelon Rind Preserves

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 4 pounds chopped watermelon rind
• 1 gallon water
• 1/2 cup salt
• 9 cups white sugar
• 8 cups water
• 4 teaspoons crushed cinnamon stick
• 4 teaspoons ground cloves
• 4 lemons - rinsed, sliced and seeded
• 1 dash red food coloring (optional)

Recipe

Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 45 mins Ready Time: 9 hrs 15 mins


• peel off the green part of the watermelon rind, and slice into 2 inch pieces. soak the rind in a solution of 1 gallon water and 1/2 cup salt overnight.
• remove rind from the salt water, and place in a stockpot with clean water to cover. bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the rind is tender. drain.
• in a large pot, combine the sugar, 8 cups water, and sliced lemons. tie the cinnamon and cloves into a cheesecloth bag, and place in the pot. bring the syrup to a boil, and boil for 5 minutes. add the rinds, and cook until transparent. remove spice bag. stir in red food coloring, if using. ladle preserves into hot sterile jars, and process to seal.