Candied watermelon rind makes a refreshing, lemony treat! Yes, watermelon rind that you’d usually throw away is edible! 😉 It takes some time to make candied watermelon rind – you first have to soak the watermelon rind in salted water, boil it until tender and then candy it – but the end result is totally worth it!
I adapted an Edwardian recipe for candied watermelon rind – below is the original and the adapted recipe.
Edwardian Candied Watermelon Rind
‘Remove the green outer rind of the melon and cut the remainder into pieces of small size. […] Cover with cold water and add a tablespoonful of salt for each quart of water. Let stand over night in the salted water, then drain and rinse thoroughly. Cook in boiling water until transparent. Drain carefully.
For each pound of rind make a syrup of three fourths pound of sugar and half a cup of water and skim thoroughly; then add the melon and for each pound half an ounce of ginger root and a lemon, cut in slices. Cook about twenty minutes, or until the pieces of melon look rich and full. Skim from the syrup into jars; boil the syrup until rich and thick and pour over the fruit in the jars.’ (Practical Cooking And Serving, 1902)
I tried to omit the soaking step but the rind looks totally different and isn’t half as delicious as the soaked candied watermelon rind.
Candied Watermelon Rind
Candied Watermelon Rind – Part 1 – Soaking & Cooking
Ingredients:
- 2 cups watermelon rind
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 tbsp salt
Directions:
Remove the hard green outer peel and cut the watermelon rind into french fry like strips. In a large glass bowl, stir together water and salt. Add the watermelon rind. Let the watermelon rind soak overnight in the fridge. Then drain and rinse the watermelon rinds. In a saucepan, bring watermelon rinds and enough water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour. Then drain the watermelon rinds again.
Candied Watermelon Rind – Part 2 – Candying
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 lemon slices
Directions:
In a saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. When the sugar is dissolved, add the cooked watermelon rind, and lemon slices. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the candied watermelon rinds from the syrup and let them dry for one or two days on oiled plates or baking paper. The leftover lemon-watermelon syrup is delicious too: Use it for lemonade, iced tea or ice cream.
I’ve not candied watermelon before. I love homemade candied citrus peel so I must try this too.Thanks for linking to #CookBlogShare
Thanks, Jacqui! Let me know how you like it!
Interesting, I have never heard of this before!
You’re most welcome to drop by for a cuppa,
Jennifer
Thanks, Jennifer!
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I look forward to trying it. I’ve made pickled watermelon rinds in the past but never realized I could candy them.
Thanks, Lee! Let me know how you like it!
I love this idea! I was soooo inspired when I saw your post last week that I’ve made a batch and posted about it on my blog yesterday. I love using up things like this that otherwise get tossed. Thanks for the recipe and the inspiration!!
Wow, thanks so much! I’m glad you liked it! 🙂
I have never heard of this before, but it sounds interesting. Thank you for sharing at Sugar and Spice.
Thanks, Amy!
This is so interesting.I am not a fan of citrus peel at all but I could imagine this being delicious in a deep flowery way.I bet it’s extremely satisfying to do too.Thankyou for sharing with #FiestaFriday
Thanks for stopping by, Jenny!
This looks terrific. What a great way to use something that would otherwise get thrown away. Would make a lovely gift for someone too 🙂
Thanks, Helen!
What a great idea to mix things up with watermelon when you’re in need of candied peel. #CookBlogShare
Angela x
Thanks, Angela!
I haven’t seen candied watermelon rind in years!! Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner Party!
Thanks for stopping by, Helen!
I never thought of it. Great idea btw. Will try next summer 🙂
Thank you!
Your Candied Watermelon Rind will be great! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday and sure hope you are having a great week!
Miz Helen
Thanks, Helen!
I’ve made pickled watermelon rind, but not candied. I’m stoked! Will have to give it a try. Thanks so much for linking up! #fiestafriday
Thanks for stopping by, Angie!
I’m so intrigued by this recipe, Lina! I’ve heard about using watermelon rind, but so far this is definitely the recipe that appeals to me most! What a delicious way to use up all the fruit. Thank you so much for sharing this frugal, sustainable and tasty treat with Hearth and Soul Link Party. Hope to see you again at the party on Monday! Have a lovely weekend.
Thanks so much, April! 🙂