The other day my other half came home with a watermelon and I am sure if it had fallen on anyones foot, it would have required a visit to the hospitals emergency department. We often have watermelon and this time wanted to save and pickle the rind that is usually thrown out. Pickled watermelon rind is not something Iv’e tried before and after seeing a quick recipe in a food magazine, was inspired to make it. After juicing the watermelon flesh, used a sharp knife to removed the green outer skin, but left a blush of colour on the white rind… looks more appealing.
I didn’t make the full recipe (using a 2kg watermelon) as wasn’t sure I would have used that amount of pickled watermelon, also seeing as it’s best consumed within two weeks. Also, wasn’t going to pickle the rind of a 10kg melon either, so this is a scaled down version of the original recipe. Double up if you need more. With the recipe used pink peppercorns instead of black peppercorns and added allspice berries. Always remember to use natural sea salt when pickling, ordinary table salt clouds the liquid. Pack as many cubes as you can of watermelon rind into the jar without squashing the fruit and if you have some pickling liquid left over, chop extra rind and make up a smaller jar.
You can enjoy pickled watermelon one hour after making but I felt it was mouth puckering and as stated, the pickle mellows after a couple of days. So I suggest you let the pickle rest in the fridge for three to four days before using. Taste and you will notice the difference. Glad I had a better pickling experience with watermelon than I had with pickling garlic.
Pickled watermelon rind makes a sweet refreshing gift to take along to summer barbecues or even serve at your own. Or, try add some to these Healthy Shrimp and Kiwi Summer Rolls or mix with cottage cheese and fresh herbs to serve with crackers. Maybe even try adding cooling pickled watermelon rind to a spicy Thai Green Papaya Salad for something a little different. Now I know something delicious to make with watermelon rinds and this recipe might inspire you too.
Quick-Pickled Watermelon Rind
Recipe adapted from a Donna Hay Magazine Issue 85 Feb/Mar 2016 (Fresh, Fast and Simple)
Ingredients:
175ml apple cider vinegar
125ml water
175g caster sugar
1/2 teaspoon pink peppercorns
2 allspice berries (optional)
2 fresh oregano sprigs
1 tablespoon sea salt
250g to 300g cubed (1cm pieces) watermelon rind
How to make:
Pour the vinegar and water into a small saucepan, add the sugar, peppercorns, allspice, oregano and sea salt. Place saucepan over high heat, bring to the boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Pack the watermelon cubes into a suitable clean jar and pour over the cooled pickling liquid (discard the oregano) to cover. Place the lid on top and store in the refrigerator. Leave to mature for about three days before eating. Keeps for about two weeks.
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Very interesting post – have never seen this done as a savoury pickle. In South(ern) Africa, where I am originally from, sweet, preserved watermelon (known as “Konfyt” is a long tradition and is delicious 🙂
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“Konfyt” sounds good must check it out 🙂
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Moya it was great to see you today and what a treat it was to taste your liquorice ice-cream..stunning flavour, never tried anything like it before but weird and wonderful at the same time and I’m not a huge fan of liquorice. And as for the pickled watermelon rind.. loved it. It will be great with cheese can’t wait to try it.
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Great to see you too Caroline and glad you liked the pickled watermelon rind too. Definitely worth a try 🙂
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