Watermelon rind preserves is made from boiling watermelon rind, sugar, other fruits, herbs, spices, and other seasonings in an acidic solution. The solution is then strained and canned in glass bottles. According to some old recipes, pieces of the rind are rubbed to the peel just to the surface, however, sometimes the entire rind is soaked in water overnight and rubbed with a blade to remove the white inside (called the “pomegranate peeling”). The rind can also be used as a topping for pie and baked goods.
These preserves may be stored for up to two years when airtight containers are used. During that time the peeling process will take longer. The sugar content of the fruit is low, so it can be mixed with a small amount of water. The acidity will cause the fruit juices to coagulate which can help the sealing process. The rind will begin to solidify as it is exposed to the air.
To make this preserve, a quart of cold watermelon rind should be juiced to pulp, one tablespoon of salt and one tablespoon each of sugar, watermelon rind, lemon juice and cinnamon. The resulting mixture should be poured into clean sterilized jars. For this recipe, fresh fruit should not be used since they will affect the chemical properties. The pulp should be strained into a large bowl. The acidity should be less than a pH of 4.5.
After the watermelon rind has been strained, a teaspoon of each of sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon should be added to the mixture. One cup of cold water should be added to the mix and then mixed until the sugar has dissolved completely. Once the sugar has dissolved completely, this mixture can be stored in an airtight container.
After the mixture has cooled down, it can be used in several different ways. It can be put into a pie dish to keep the filling light while allowing the apples to retain more of their crispness. It can also be put into a brown sauce to cook the applesauce and provide an apple juice alternative. This watermelon rind vinegar is good for cooking and for making mixtures that require a dark green color such as jams and jellies.
In addition to using it for its intended purpose, it is also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. This watermelon rind vinegar contains a high concentration of Vitamin C which is essential to the body for healing. The tartness of the lemon adds a natural sweetness to the mixture which makes it a delicious addition to a number of recipes. Because of the high amount of sugar it contains, it should always be consumed in moderation. The freshness of the lemon juice makes it a great substitute for commercial lemon juice.