Watermelon Rind Pickles ala Mommom

Mommom’s Watermelon Rind Pickles

Aw, the memories. This is by far one of my most favorite pickles. I use to watch my Grandmother making them and then my own Mom turned the pickle into a true work of art. I have been making them for over 30 years now myself using the recipe my Mom perfected. This recipe takes two days if you do it right but the end result is just delicious.

Watermelon Rind Pickles

Author: Jaime Johnson

Recipe type: Pickles, Condiments

Cuisine: American

Prep time: 13 hours

Cook time: 30 mins

Total time: 13 hours 30 mins

Serves: 3 pints

The sweet spicy flavor of these pickles is sublime. I generally make a double batch of these pickles because they don't last long my family. In my family the Grandmother is affectionately called "Mommom". Since I am a Mommom the pickles are aptly named.

Ingredients

Ingredients
1 (6-pound) watermelon (2lbs watermelon rind)
6 cups water (1qt for brine)
¼ cup salt
3 (1/4-inch) slices fresh ginger
1 lemon thinly sliced
2 whole cloves
2 whole allspice
2 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
4 cups sugar
2 cup apple cider vinegar (our preference)

Instructions

Carefully remove outer green layer from watermelon rind using a vegetable peeler. Reserve remaining watermelon for another use. Cut rind into ½-inch pieces. Bring 4 cups water and ¼ cup salt to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add rind to pan. Soak overnight . Drain, rinse and cover with cold water . Cook until just tender and slightly translucent, drain.
Place ginger, cloves, allspice,lemon,and cinnamon on a square of cheesecloth. Gather edges of cheesecloth together; tie securely. Combine cheesecloth bag, 1 teaspoon salt, sugar, 2cups water, and vinegar in saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Pour hot vinegar mixture over rind. Simmer for 20 mins. Remove spice bag. Continue simmering until the rind is clear. Fill sterilized jars to ½ inch from top.
Process in canner 10-15 minutes
Chill at least 8 hours before serving.