If you're looking for more ways to reduce food waste, try this easy recipe for Pickled Watermelon Rind! This Southern-inspired snack is sweet, crunchy, and ideal for making ahead.
I've tried my hand at lots of pickled veggies (radishes, onions, carrots, peppers, and classic cucumbers) but only recently discovered you can eat pickled watermelon rinds, too!
Watermelon rind pickles may be new to me, but folks have been making them for centuries. This type of pickled watermelon rind is popular in the Southern region of the US, where reports of the pickles date back to the 1800s.
Pickled watermelon rind has roots within African American culture, specifically. According to the website, Garden & Gun, the recipe was included in What Mrs. Fisher Knows about Old Southern Cooking, one of the first known African American cookbooks, which was published in 1881.
I've been learning more about traditional American recipes (in addition to other food cultures) lately, and I've always felt intrigued by dishes that make use of some of the lesser appreciated parts of fruits and vegetables (it makes things a little more interesting and also helps reduce food waste), so trying out these watermelon rind pickles was a no-brainer!
What is Watermelon Rind?
Watermelon rind is the firm, white part of the fruit. It's typically what's left over after you eat the pink flesh.
How to Make Pickled Watermelon Rind
To prepare the watermelon rinds for pickling, first slice off the green skin (this can go in your compost), and then chop the white parts into pieces. I decided to leave a little bit of the pink flesh on my rinds for some extra color and flavor. Feel free to shave off that part, too, if you prefer.
Traditionally, pickled watermelon rind is made by boiling the rinds in a salty brine with spices such as cinnamon and cloves. I also saw some recipes using ginger or peppercorns, so I tossed those in, too. I also used a mix of white vinegar and rice vinegar since I like the flavor.
To make the pickling liquid, stir vinegar, water, and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Then, stir in the ginger, cinnamon, salt, peppercorns, and cloves and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the watermelon rinds and cook until they're softened (about five minutes).
Once the watermelon rinds are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture too cool for about a half-hour.
In the meantime, you can prep the jars by dividing the jalapeño slices between them. (I used two 16-ounce mason jars for this.)
Once the watermelon rinds are cooled, divide them between the jars and fill the jars up with the remaining pickling liquid.
How Long Can You Keep Pickled Watermelon Rind in the Fridge?
You can store pickled watermelon rind in the fridge for up to two weeks, so it's ideal for making in advance. I recommend waiting at least 24 hours before you open up the jars to eat. This allows some time for all of the flavors to mesh together.
What's the Best Way to Serve Pickled Watermelon Rind?
I've been eating these watermelon rind pickles as a snack right out of the jar, and from other posts online, that seems to be the most common way to consume them.
I did also come across an idea for using them in salads and also on top of ice cream, which is definitely intriguing to me. (I'd love to hear about other creative uses in the comments!)
Potential Ingredient Substitutions for Watermelon Rind Pickles:
- Pickling salt is an additive-free salt made with fine granules that dissolve easily in brine. Substitute kosher salt if desired.
- Substitute additional white vinegar for the rice vinegar if desired.
- Omit the jalapeño or use any other type of pepper you like
Pickled Watermelon Rind
Equipment
- saucepan
- 2 (16-ounce) glass jars with lids
Ingredients
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup rice vinegar (see note)
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ cup sugar
- 3- inch piece of ginger, broken
- 2 cinnamon sticks, broken
- 1 tablespoon pickling salt (see note)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 3 cups watermelon rinds, green skin removed and chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Stir white vinegar, rice vinegar, water, and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, salt, peppercorns, and cloves and bring to a boil. Add watermelon rinds and simmer 5 minutes, or until softened. Remove from heat and allow too cool for 30 minutes.
- Divide jalapeño slices (if using) between 2 (16-ounce) glass jars with lids. Once cooled 30 minutes, divide watermelon rinds and pickling liquid between the jars. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For the best flavor, chill at least 24 hours before serving.
Notes
More Quick Pickle Recipes:
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John Shalack says
Nice recipe.
I've been making them for years, but use Red Hots candies in my recipe...
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Thanks, John! Sounds so interesting with the Red Hots!
DocHickory says
My Mom made these when I was a kid, over 50 years ago. They are fantastic as a side gnosh with a bowl of pinto beans, give it a try!
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Yum, sounds great with pinto beans!
Stewart says
It looks like the spices also get transferred to the jars with the rinds and brine - is this correct?
I'm about to make this!
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Hi Stewart, yes, I transfer everything to the jars, spices included. Enjoy!
ashley says
Sounds delicious! I love watermelon, I never would have thought about pickling the rind but I pickled Jalapeños for the first time which turned out amazing, now I want to see what else I can pickle! The Ice cream sounds like an interesting combo, i'll have to see. Thanks for sharing
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Pickled jalapeños are so good! One of my favorites to make at home, for sure. Let me know if you try the watermelon! I love the sweet, warming flavors from the fruit and cinnamon. 🙂
LAURA B OWENS says
I saved the rind from my organic farmer-basket watermelon. Sadly, I don't have cinnamon sticks or whole cloves. Happily, I'm getting another watermelon in my next farm basket and can't wait to try this out!
This time, I used Ball Kosher Dill Pickle Mix according to the package directions. I left the skin on the watermelons despite the fact I can't find a recipe w/the green intact.
I made 3 pint jars with dill-pickle-spear-shaped rinds. I added Penzeys Hot & Pepper(black pepper & cayenne) and Smoked Paprika to one jar.
For the 4th pint, I made relish with diced watermelon rind & green beans, sliced okra and quartered green cherry tomatoes with smoked paprika.
I will process them in a waterbath to make them shelf stable. I can't wait to make your version--without the skin 😉
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Hi Laura, both the pickles and relish sound great! I'd love to hear of what you think of the rinds with the skin on. And let me know if you have a chance to try this version, too. 🙂
Karen says
My family has been eating watermelon rind wrapped in bacon and baked for a long time. It’s a sweet salty taste.
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Sounds like a great combination!
Mostly Clean Eats says
Yum !! Never thought to do this. Thanks for sharing this post. Can't wait to try. - Danielle
Stephanie McKercher, RDN says
Thanks, Danielle! Let me know if you try it. 🙂