Watermelon pickles are something I’ve wanted to make for a long time. I’ve heard people talk about them, and I always figured there had to be something I could do with the rinds leftover from my watermelons. Watermelon pickles are just like regular ole cucumber pickles but with a great twist. They’re good and crunchy. All those years of seeing these and I wait this long to finally make them. What was I thinking?
This particular recipe makes watermelon pickles that are sweet at the start and spicy at the end. You could eat them right out of the jar or even put them on hot dogs or hamburgers for something totally different.
I’m contemplating chopping a few of these watermelon pickles and making a relish or even watermelon pico de gallo. I think it’d come out delicious. The flavor balance is perfect, not overly sweet or spicy. The pickling spice is strong, which I like a lot, but if you’re not such a fan of the cloves in it you might want to use slightly less or remove some of them before adding to the brine.
Love pickles but in a hurry? Try my quick fix spicy pickles. For a delicious easy pickled salad, try my refrigerator cucumber salad.
Watermelon Pickles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 cups water divided
- 3 tablespoons Kosher salt plus 1 teaspoon, divided
- 4 cups watermelon rind peeled, chopped into 1/2″-3/4″ cubes
- 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons pickling spice
- dried red pepper flake to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Blanch the watermelon rind by bringing 4 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of salt to a boil in a pot over high heat. Stir until the salt dissolves.
- Add the watermelon rind. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue simmering until just starting to turn tender (you want them to still be a bit crispy), about 5 minutes.
- Skim off any fat and drain. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Make the brine by bringing the remaining 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon salt, vinegar, sugar, pickling spice, and red pepper (if using) to a boil in saucepan. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the brine over the watermelon rind.
- Cover with a plate to keep the rind submerged and let cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to glass jars, cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.
- The pickles will keep in the fridge for up to 3 months.
- Combine and store: Pour the hot brine over the rind. Use a small plate or a Ziplock bag partially filled with water (I use the Ziplock bag) to hold the rind under the brine. Let cool to room temperature. Transfer the rind and brine into clean glass jars (I use Mason jars), cover and chill before serving. Keep refrigerated – they’ll keep several months.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are approximate.
