Surprising Watermelon Rind Pickles

Watermelon rind is often discarded, but it can be transformed into a surprisingly delicious and unique pickle! The addition of baking soda helps to tenderize the rind and enhance its texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium watermelon rind (green outer skin removed, white part kept)
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• Optional: a few slices of fresh chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Watermelon Rind:
   • Cut the green outer skin off the watermelon rind, leaving just the white part.
   • Slice the rind into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Soak in Baking Soda:
   • Place the watermelon rind pieces in a large bowl.
   • Dissolve the baking soda in enough water to cover the rind. Add the rind pieces and let them soak for 1 hour. This step helps to tenderize the rind and remove any bitterness.
3. Rinse and Drain:
   • After soaking, drain the watermelon rind and rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove any baking soda residue.
4. Prepare the Pickling Brine:
   • In a large pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, water, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, ground ginger, minced garlic, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
5. Cook the Watermelon Rind:
   • Add the rinsed watermelon rind pieces to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the rind becomes translucent and tender.
6. Jar the Pickles:
   • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the watermelon rind pieces to sterilized jars.
   • Pour the hot brine over the rinds, ensuring they are fully submerged. If you like a bit of heat, add a few slices of fresh chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes to each jar.
7. Seal and Store:
   • Seal the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature.
   • Store in the refrigerator. The pickles will develop more flavor over time and can be enjoyed after a few days. They will keep for several weeks.

Serving Suggestions:

These pickled watermelon rinds are a versatile addition to your pantry. They can be enjoyed as a tangy snack, added to salads, served alongside grilled meats, or used as a unique topping for burgers and sandwiches.

Enjoy this surprising and delicious way to make use of watermelon rind!