Sweet & Tangy Watermelon Pickles: A Southern Delight You Need to Try!
Watermelon pickles? Yes, you read that right! While most of us associate watermelon with juicy summer desserts and refreshing drinks, this versatile fruit can also be transformed into a delightful and surprisingly addictive pickle. Watermelon rind pickles are a Southern tradition, a way to use the often-discarded rind and turn it into a sweet, tangy, and crunchy treat. If you’re looking for a unique canning project or simply want to try something new and exciting, watermelon pickles are the perfect choice. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make perfect watermelon pickles at home, from selecting the right watermelon to troubleshooting common problems.
Why Watermelon Pickles?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why you should even consider making watermelon pickles:
* **Reduce Food Waste:** One of the best reasons to make watermelon pickles is to reduce food waste. Instead of tossing the rind in the trash, you’re turning it into a delicious and usable food item.
* **Unique Flavor Profile:** Watermelon pickles offer a unique combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that’s unlike any other pickle you’ve tried. The crispness of the rind adds a satisfying crunch.
* **Southern Tradition:** Making watermelon pickles connects you to a long-standing Southern tradition. It’s a taste of history in every bite.
* **Impress Your Friends and Family:** Watermelon pickles are a conversation starter. They’re unexpected and delicious, making them a great addition to any gathering.
* **Versatile Condiment:** These pickles can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them as a side dish, add them to sandwiches, or use them as a topping for grilled meats and salads.
Selecting the Right Watermelon
The key to great watermelon pickles starts with choosing the right watermelon. Here’s what to look for:
* **Ripe but Firm:** You want a watermelon that’s ripe enough to be sweet but still firm enough to hold its shape during the pickling process. Avoid watermelons that are overly soft or mushy.
* **Thick Rind:** A watermelon with a thicker rind will yield more pickle-able material. Look for watermelons that feel heavy for their size, as this often indicates a thicker rind.
* **Uniform Color:** The rind should have a consistent green color without any blemishes or soft spots.
* **Organic (Optional):** If possible, choose an organic watermelon to avoid any pesticides or chemicals.
Preparing the Watermelon Rind
Preparing the watermelon rind is the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s essential for achieving the right texture and flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. **Wash the Watermelon:** Thoroughly wash the outside of the watermelon with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. **Remove the Pink Flesh:** Cut away all the pink flesh from the rind, leaving only the white part and the thin green skin. You can use a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler for this step. Be meticulous; any remaining pink flesh will soften during pickling and affect the overall texture.
3. **Peel the Green Skin:** Use a vegetable peeler or a paring knife to remove the green skin from the rind. This can be a bit tedious, but it’s important to remove all the green, as it can be tough and bitter.
4. **Cut into Desired Shapes:** Cut the rind into your desired shapes. Cubes, strips, or wedges are all popular choices. Consider the size of your jars and how you plan to use the pickles when deciding on the shape.
5. **Soak the Rind (Optional):** Some recipes recommend soaking the rind in saltwater overnight to help draw out excess moisture and firm it up. This step is optional but can improve the texture of the pickles.
Basic Watermelon Pickle Recipe
This recipe provides a foundation for delicious watermelon pickles. Feel free to adjust the spices and sweetness to your personal preferences.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups prepared watermelon rind, cut into 1-inch cubes or strips
* 4 cups water
* 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
* 2 cups granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons pickling spice
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color, optional)
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
**Equipment:**
* Large stainless steel or enamel pot (do not use aluminum)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Canning jars with lids and bands (quart or pint size)
* Jar lifter
* Bubble remover/headspace tool
* Ladle
* Clean kitchen towels
* Water bath canner
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Jars:** Wash canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Keep the jars hot until ready to use. Sterilize the lids by simmering them in hot water (do not boil) until ready to use.
2. **Blanch the Watermelon Rind:** Place the prepared watermelon rind in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the rind is slightly translucent. Drain well.
3. **Make the Pickling Brine:** In the same pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, pickling spice, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, turmeric (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
4. **Add the Watermelon Rind to the Brine:** Add the blanched watermelon rind to the boiling brine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the rind is translucent and the brine has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. **Pack the Jars:** Using a jar lifter, carefully remove the hot jars from the water bath canner. Pack the hot watermelon rind into the hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Ladle the hot pickling brine over the rind, ensuring that it’s completely covered and maintaining the 1/2 inch headspace. Use a bubble remover/headspace tool to remove any air bubbles trapped in the jars. Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth.
6. **Process in a Water Bath Canner:** Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip tight (not too tight). Carefully lower the jars into the water bath canner, ensuring that they are completely covered with water (at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars). Bring the water to a rolling boil and process for the appropriate time based on your altitude and jar size (see processing times below).
7. **Processing Times:**
* **Pint Jars:** 10 minutes for altitudes up to 1,000 feet, 15 minutes for altitudes of 1,001-6,000 feet, and 20 minutes for altitudes above 6,000 feet.
* **Quart Jars:** 15 minutes for altitudes up to 1,000 feet, 20 minutes for altitudes of 1,001-6,000 feet, and 25 minutes for altitudes above 6,000 feet.
8. **Cool and Store:** After processing, turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars from the canner using a jar lifter. Place the jars on a towel-lined surface, leaving space between them. Let the jars cool completely undisturbed for 12-24 hours. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. After 24 hours, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex or pop back up, it’s sealed. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for at least 2-3 weeks before opening to allow the flavors to develop. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.
Variations and Additions
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different variations and additions to create your own unique watermelon pickle recipe:
* **Spicy Pickles:** Add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno pepper to the brine for a spicier kick.
* **Sweet Pickles:** Increase the amount of sugar in the brine for a sweeter pickle. You can also use brown sugar or honey for a different flavor profile.
* **Dill Pickles:** Add fresh dill sprigs or dill seed to the jars for a dill-flavored pickle.
* **Mustard Pickles:** Add mustard seeds or ground mustard to the brine for a tangy mustard flavor.
* **Citrus Pickles:** Add lemon or orange slices to the jars for a citrusy twist.
* **Crystallized Ginger:** Add chopped crystallized ginger to the brine for a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Onion:** Add sliced onions to the jars along with the watermelon rind.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best recipe and instructions, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
* **Soft Pickles:** Soft pickles can be caused by several factors, including using overly ripe watermelons, not removing enough of the pink flesh, or not processing the jars for long enough. Make sure to use firm watermelons, remove all the pink flesh, and follow the processing times carefully. Soaking the rind in saltwater overnight can also help firm it up.
* **Cloudy Brine:** Cloudy brine is usually caused by starch released from the watermelon rind. This is generally harmless and doesn’t affect the safety of the pickles. However, you can minimize cloudiness by blanching the rind before adding it to the brine.
* **Jars Not Sealing:** Jars not sealing can be caused by several factors, including dirty jar rims, damaged lids, or not processing the jars for long enough. Make sure to wipe the jar rims clean, use new lids, and follow the processing times carefully. Also, ensure the bands are only fingertip tight.
* **Pickles Too Sweet or Too Sour:** Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the brine to your personal preferences. Start with the recommended amounts and then adjust to taste.
* **Discolored Pickles:** Sometimes the pickles can have some brown tinge, that is caused by use of metal utensils during the process. Always use wooden or plastic spoons and avoid metal containers.
## Serving Suggestions
Watermelon pickles are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve them alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or salads.
* **On a Charcuterie Board:** Add them to a charcuterie board for a sweet and tangy element.
* **In Sandwiches:** Use them as a topping for sandwiches, especially those with pulled pork or ham.
* **With Cheese:** Pair them with sharp cheddar or goat cheese for a delicious combination.
* **Chopped in Salsa:** Chop them finely and add them to salsa for a unique twist.
* **As a Garnish:** Use them as a garnish for cocktails or appetizers.
Storage Tips
* **Sealed Jars:** Store sealed jars of watermelon pickles in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
* **Opened Jars:** Once opened, store watermelon pickles in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Serving Size: 1/4 cup
* Calories: 50-70
* Sugar: 10-15 grams
* Sodium: Varies depending on recipe
(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used in the recipe.)
Conclusion
Watermelon pickles are a unique and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer year-round. This Southern tradition is a fun and rewarding project that will impress your friends and family. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create perfectly sweet, tangy, and crunchy watermelon pickles that you’ll be proud to share. So, the next time you’re enjoying a juicy watermelon, don’t throw away the rind! Turn it into a batch of homemade watermelon pickles and experience a taste of Southern hospitality.
Bonus Tips for Perfect Watermelon Pickles
* **Use High-Quality Vinegar:** The quality of your vinegar will affect the flavor of your pickles. Use a good-quality white vinegar with 5% acidity for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Rind:** Overcooking the rind will make it too soft. Simmer it until it’s translucent but still slightly firm.
* **Let the Flavors Develop:** Watermelon pickles taste best after they’ve had a chance to sit for a few weeks. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
* **Label Your Jars:** Don’t forget to label your jars with the date and contents.
* **Get Creative with Spices:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
* **Share Your Creations:** Watermelon pickles make a great gift for friends and family. Package them in decorative jars and add a handwritten tag for a personal touch.
Now you’re armed with everything you need to make delicious watermelon pickles. Happy pickling!