How To Can Watermelon Rind

You can can watermelon rind and turn what’s usually thrown away into a tangy, sweet treat that tastes a lot like pickles or candied fruit.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to can watermelon rind, the good news is that it’s a simple process once you know the steps.
 
The rind holds up beautifully in a jar and soaks up whatever syrup or brine you pair it with.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to can watermelon rind, from prepping the rind to processing the jars safely.
 
Let’s get into it so you can enjoy this old-fashioned favorite all year long.
 

How to Can Watermelon Rind: The Basic Steps

Learning how to can watermelon rind starts with understanding that the white part is the star here.
 
You’ll want to peel away the green skin and the pink flesh, leaving only the firm, pale rind.
 
From there, you can can watermelon rind in a few different styles, but the classic method uses a pickling brine or a sugary syrup.
 
Here’s a breakdown of the main steps so you can can watermelon rind with confidence.
 

1. Choose and Prep the Rind

When you can watermelon rind, always start with a fresh, thick-skinned melon.
 
Cut the watermelon into quarters, then slice away the green outer peel with a sharp knife.
 
Scoop out any remaining pink flesh, though a tiny bit left behind is fine.
 
Cut the white rind into 1-inch cubes or strips, whichever shape you prefer when you can watermelon rind.
 

2. Soak or Brine the Rind

Many recipes that can watermelon rind call for a saltwater soak or a lime bath first.
 
This step firms up the rind and helps it stay crisp after you can watermelon rind.
 
Soak the cubes in a solution of 1/4 cup pickling lime per gallon of water for about 2 hours.
 
Then rinse thoroughly and soak in cold water for another hour before you can watermelon rind.
 

3. Make Your Syrup or Brine

The flavor comes from what you pack around the rind before you can watermelon rind.
 
For a sweet pickle version, combine sugar, vinegar, water, and spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice.
 
For a savory dill style, use vinegar, water, salt, dill seed, and garlic.
 
Bring your liquid to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes so the flavors blend before you can watermelon rind.
 

How to Can Watermelon Rind Safely

Food safety matters whenever you can watermelon rind at home.
 
Using the water bath canning method is the right approach for this high-acid recipe.
 
Here’s how to can watermelon rind without any guesswork.
 

1. Sterilize Your Jars and Lids

Before you can watermelon rind, wash your jars in hot, soapy water and keep them hot.
 
Simmer the lids in a small pan of water, but don’t boil them hard.
 
Clean equipment is the first rule when you can watermelon rind at home.
 

2. Pack the Jars Correctly

Fill each hot jar with the rind cubes, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
 
Pour the hot syrup or brine over the rind, making sure it covers everything.
 
Run a plastic knife around the inside to release air bubbles before you can watermelon rind.
 
Wipe the rims clean, then screw on the lids until fingertip tight.
 

3. Process in a Water Bath Canner

Place the filled jars in a water bath canner with water covering them by 1 to 2 inches.
 
Bring the water to a rolling boil and process pint jars for about 10 minutes.
 
Adjust for altitude if you live higher up, then let the jars cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours after you can watermelon rind.
 
You’ll know the seals are good when the lids don’t pop back when pressed.
 

Tips and Flavor Ideas for Canning Watermelon Rind

Once you know how to can watermelon rind, you can play with flavors to suit your taste.
 
Add a few slices of fresh ginger for a bit of heat when you can watermelon rind.
 
A splash of red food coloring gives that classic bright red look many people expect.
 
You can also can watermelon rind with lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
 
If you like it spicy, drop a small dried chili into each jar before you can watermelon rind.
 
Just remember to keep the acid level high enough so your recipe stays safe to can watermelon rind.
 

So, How to Can Watermelon Rind?

You can can watermelon rind by prepping the white part, soaking it, packing it in jars with a hot syrup or brine, and processing it in a water bath canner.
 
It’s a thrifty way to use the whole fruit and a fun project for any home canner.
 
Once you learn how to can watermelon rind, you’ll never look at a melon the same way again.
 
Grab a watermelon, save that rind, and try this recipe for yourself this season.