Best 8 Watermelon Rind Pickles Refrigerator Method Recipes

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**Watermelon Rind Pickles (Refrigerator Method): A Refreshing and Unique Treat**

Watermelon rind pickles are a delightful and refreshing snack that offers a unique twist to the classic pickle. Made using the rind of watermelon, these pickles are a creative way to utilize this often-discarded part of the fruit. The refrigerator method, as opposed to the traditional canning method, offers a convenient and quicker way to prepare these pickles, making them accessible to home cooks of all levels. This article provides detailed recipes for two variations of watermelon rind pickles: a sweet and tangy version and a spicy and savory version. Both recipes are easy to follow and yield delicious results, perfect for adding a pop of flavor to your meals or enjoying as a standalone snack.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

PICKLED WATERMELON AND WATERMELON RIND



Pickled Watermelon and Watermelon Rind image

This is a great way to have some fruit mixed in with your pickled vegetables. The pickling liquid is also delicious. I use the liquid in marinades for meat, salad dressings or sauce, and even cocktails! I do pickled rind and pickled watermelon at the same time to maximize the use of the fruit. I start with a huge wedge of melon (because you will nibble, and so will everyone else as they see you making this) and cut the cubes. Cut the rind (not the skin) into small pieces once you have removed the flesh.

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 10h30m

Yield 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups red wine vinegar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
3 cups 1-inch watermelon cubes
2 cups small pieces peeled watermelon rind

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt and 4 cups water over medium heat. Bring up to a boil. Place the coriander and peppercorns on a cutting board. Lightly crush the spices with the bottom of a sturdy pan, then add them to the liquid. Turn the heat down to low, and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning. It should be a mix of vinegary, sweet and slightly salty. Shut it off to cool slightly.
  • Fill a quart-size jar with the watermelon cubes and a pint-size jar with the rind pieces.
  • Pour the vinegar mixture over the melon and rind and let it cool at room temperature, uncovered, for 2 hours. Place in the refrigerator and let it chill, uncovered, overnight. Then cover tightly. The pickles will be good for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

WATERMELON RIND PICKLES



Watermelon Rind Pickles image

"Waste not, want not" has always been smart advice-especially when it produces picked watermelon rind that's so refreshing. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 4 pints.

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 cups sliced peeled watermelon rind (2x1-in. pieces)
6 cups water
1 cup canning salt
4 cups sugar
2 cups white vinegar
6 cinnamon sticks (3 inches), divided
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon whole peppercorns

Steps:

  • Place rind in a large nonreactive bowl; stir in water and salt. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Rinse and drain well., In a Dutch oven, mix sugar, vinegar, 2 cinnamon sticks, cloves and peppercorns. Bring to a boil. Add rinds; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes or until tender. Discard cinnamon sticks., Carefully ladle hot mixture into 4 hot 1-pint jars, leaving 1/2-in. headspace. Add a remaining cinnamon stick to each jar. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if necessary, by adding hot mixture. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight. , Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 16 calories, Fat 0 fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 96mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.

PICKLED WATERMELON RINDS



Pickled Watermelon Rinds image

My mother never threw anything away and when it came to summer, watermelons were no exception. Seeds went in the ground for growing and the rinds were pickled!

Provided by Nancy Hansen Puig

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Canning and Preserving Recipes     Pickled

Time 9h45m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 quarts water
¾ cup salt
4 quarts watermelon rind, white part only, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons whole cloves
½ teaspoon mustard seed
10 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks, broken into pieces
1 quart apple cider vinegar
2 cups white sugar
4 drops green food coloring

Steps:

  • In a glass bowl, stir together the water and salt until the salt has dissolved. Add the watermelon rinds and any additional water needed to cover them. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
  • Drain the watermelon rinds from the salted water, and place into a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Cover with fresh water, then place over high heat and bring to a boil. Boil rinds for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, tie the cloves, mustard seed, and cinnamon sticks in a piece of cheesecloth. Place into a large saucepan or Dutch oven along with the vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then remove from the heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Stir in the drained watermelon rind, then return to the stove over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the rind is transparent and the syrup is slightly thickened, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove and discard the spices after 40 minutes. Stir in the food coloring if desired.
  • Ladle into hot sterilized 1 pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Seal jars with new lids and rings, making sure you have cleaned the jar's rims of any residue. Process jars under 1 inch of water in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let cool overnight, then press down on the lids to make sure they are sealed before storing. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and enjoy those first.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 104.6 calories, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 0.5 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 0.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 2934.5 mg, Sugar 16.7 g

GRANDMA'S PICKLED WATERMELON RIND



Grandma's Pickled Watermelon Rind image

A different sort of pickle that grandma used to love and make. Great for picnics, barbecues, or just plain snacking!

Provided by Shantelle

Categories     Pickles

Time 9h20m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 cups spear-shaped pieces of peeled, sliced watermelon rind
1 cup pickling salt
4 cups white sugar
2 cups white vinegar
2 cups water
1 teaspoon whole cloves
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice

Steps:

  • Place watermelon rind in a glass bowl; add water to cover. Stir in pickling salt. Cover and refrigerate in the brine for 8 hours to overnight.
  • Rinse watermelon rind 2 to 3 times to remove excess salt from the brine. Taste and keep rinsing until desired level of saltiness is achieved. Drain.
  • Transfer watermelon rind to a large saucepan and cover with cold water; bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, inspect 2 quart-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until watermelon rind is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
  • At the same time, combine sugar, 2 cups water, vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and maintain a low simmer for 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl; discard any solids.
  • Drain watermelon rinds and pack into hot, sterilized jars. Ladle vinegar mixture into each jar, filling to within 1/2 inch of the top. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
  • Let jars cool to room temperature, 30 to 45 minutes. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 146 calories, Carbohydrate 37.1 g, Fat 0.2 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 0.3 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, Sodium 4614 mg

WATERMELON RIND PICKLES (REFRIGERATOR METHOD)



Watermelon Rind Pickles (Refrigerator Method) image

Don't toss that watermelon rind out. You can make these tasty pickles without fussing with canning jars and lids. Just store the product in a glass container in your fridge for up to 2 weeks (but they'll probably be gobbled up a lot sooner)!

Provided by Tona C.

Categories     Fruit

Time 1h30m

Yield 1 pint6, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 cups watermelon rind, green and pink portions removed, peeled, cubed
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vinegar (white or cider)
3 cinnamon sticks (3-inch )
1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
1/8 cup lime juice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon pickling spices (tied up in a coffee filter)
1/2 teaspoon green food coloring (optional)

Steps:

  • Bring all ingredients (except food coloring) to a rapid boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook until pickles are tender and somewhat translucent. Add green food coloring if desired. Transfer pickles, juice and cinnamon sticks to a covered glass bowl and store in the refrigerator after cooling. Discard the pickling spices.
  • Wait at least 12-24 hours to serve so that all the flavors have been absorbed.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 103.7, Fat 0.1, Sodium 1.6, Carbohydrate 25.4, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 25

WATERMELON PICKLES



Watermelon Pickles image

Watermelon pickle is made using the white part of the watermelon's rind. It is delicious by itself as a winter treat or as a condiment with turnip greens or turkey and cornbread dressing. Home canning is a delightful cooking experience, but requires equipment such as a canner (very large pot), a rack for the jars to rest in, and the jars and lids. I recommend following the home canning guidance in the 'Ball Blue Book of Preserving' to obtain precise instructions on how to sterilize jars and guarantee results that are tasty and safe.

Provided by KERYNE

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Canning and Preserving Recipes     Pickled

Time 21h15m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup canning salt
1 gallon water
16 cups (1-inch) cubes watermelon rind
1 gallon water
3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
3 cups white sugar, or more to taste
12 maraschino cherries, halved
1 lemon, thinly sliced
6 1-pint canning jars with lids and rings

Steps:

  • Stir canning salt into 1 gallon water in a large container until dissolved; add watermelon rind. Cover the container with plastic wrap or a lid and let sit 12 hours. Drain and rinse completely.
  • Combine drained watermelon rind and 1 gallon water in a stock pot. Bring the water to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the rind is tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour; drain and set aside.
  • Put cinnamon sticks, allspice, and cloves in cheesecloth or spice bag. Combine vinegar, sugar, spice bag, maraschino cherries, and lemon slices in the stock pot; stir until sugar is dissolved. Add watermelon rind to the pot; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the rind is transparent, about 5-10 minutes. Remove the spice bag and set aside.
  • Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Put one whole clove into each jar. Break cinnamon sticks into pieces and put 1 piece into each jar.
  • Pack the watermelon rind with the vinegar mixture into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
  • Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes.
  • Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 135.8 calories, Carbohydrate 34.2 g, Fat 0.5 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 0.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 4624.2 mg, Sugar 25 g

WATERMELON RIND PICKLES



Watermelon Rind Pickles image

Categories     Condiment/Spread     Fruit     Watermelon     Summer     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes about 3 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 4-pound piece watermelon, quartered
8 cups water
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons coarse salt
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups apple cider vinegar
8 whole cloves
8 whole black peppercorns
2 cinnamon sticks
1/2 teaspoon pickling spice
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Steps:

  • Cut watermelon pulp from rind, leaving thin layer of pink on rind (reserve pulp for another use). Cut green outer skin from rind; discard. Cut enough rind into 1 x 1/2-inch pieces to measure 4 cups. Combine 8 cups water and 2 tablespoons salt in large pot; bring to boil. Add rind pieces and boil until tender, about 5 minutes. Strain. Transfer rinds to large metal bowl.
  • Combine remaining 2 teaspoons salt, sugar and next 7 ingredients in heavy large saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Pour over watermelon rinds in bowl. Place plate atop rinds to keep rinds submerged in pickling liquid. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
  • Strain liquid from rinds into saucepan; bring to boil. Pour over rinds. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Repeat straining and boiling of liquid and pour over rinds 1 more time. (Can be made 2 weeks ahead. Chill in covered jars.)

SWEET PICKLED WATERMELON RIND



Sweet Pickled Watermelon Rind image

This sweet pickleled watermelon rind makes an unusual addition to a relish tray for a deliciously surprising snack.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Yield Makes 7 pints

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 large watermelon (about 25 pounds)
2 tablespoons salt
3 cups sugar
2 cups cider vinegar
1 piece fresh ginger, 1/2 inch long, peeled
1/2 teaspoon ground mace
2 small cinnamon sticks
1 lemon, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Cut watermelon in half; remove flesh and seeds. Using a metal spoon, scrape rind to remove all traces of pink. Cut rind crosswise in 1-inch-wide strips. Using a vegetable peeler or a small sharp knife, peel the green skin from the rind. Cut away any bruises or bad spots. Cut rind into 2-inch lengths.
  • In a large nonreactive bowl, combine salt and 1 gallon cold water. Add rind; let soak in brine overnight. Rinse rind 2 or 3 times in fresh cold water, and drain well.
  • Combine sugar and vinegar in a large nonreactive pot, and heat until sugar is dissolved. Fold an 8-by-16-inch piece of cheesecloth in half to make a square; rinse, and squeeze dry. Place ginger, spices, and lemon on the cheesecloth. Tie cloth closed with one end of a 12-inch piece of kitchen twine. Tie a loop in the other end, and slip it over the handle of a wooden spoon. Suspend spice bag in the vinegar syrup by placing the spoon across the top of the pot. Add rind to the pot, and return to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 30 minutes, and let sit overnight. Discard spice bag.
  • Wash seven 1-pint canning jars, lids, and screw bands with hot, soapy water, and rinse well. Place jars upright on a wire rack in the bottom of a large pot. Fill pot with hot water until jars are submerged by 1 to 2 inches, and bring to a boil. Boil for 15 minutes. Turn off heat, leaving jars in water. Sterilize lids according to manufacturer's instructions.
  • Using stainless-steel tongs, remove jars from water, and place on a layer of clean towels. With a slotted spoon, transfer rind to jars, leaving 3/4 inch of space beneath the rim. Return syrup to a boil. Pour hot syrup over rind, covering it by 1/4 inch and leaving 1/2 inch of space beneath the rim. Slide a clean plastic chopstick or wooden skewer along inside of each jar to release any air bubbles. Wipe mouth of jar with a clean, damp cloth. Place hot lid on jar; turn screw band firmly without forcing.
  • Place a wire rack in the bottom of a large pot, and fill partway with hot water. Using a jar lifter, place jars upright on rack. Add enough hot water to cover by 2 inches, and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes. Remove jars from water bath; let stand on clean dish towels for 24 hours. Check cool jars for the slight indentation in the lids that indicates a vacuum seal. Jars that do not seal properly or that leak during processing should be stored in the refrigerator and pickles consumed within a week. Allow sealed pickles to mellow in a cool, dry place for 2 to 3 weeks. Store opened jars in the refrigerator.

Tips:

  • Choose ripe, firm watermelons with dark green rinds for the best flavor and texture.
  • Use a sharp knife to remove the rind from the watermelon, being careful not to cut into the flesh.
  • Cut the rind into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
  • Soak the rind in a brine solution for at least 1 hour to help remove the bitterness.
  • Use a variety of spices and seasonings in the pickling liquid to create different flavor profiles.
  • Allow the pickles to cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator.
  • Store the pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Conclusion:

Watermelon rind pickles are a delicious and unique way to use up leftover watermelon rinds. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or condiment. With a variety of flavor options, there is a watermelon rind pickle recipe for everyone. So next time you have a watermelon, don't throw away the rind! Use these recipes to create a delicious and refreshing treat.

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