Chewy Watermelon Rind Candy Recipes

CANDIED WATERMELON RIND

Steps:

• Place watermelon rind in a deep pot and add the sugar.
• Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight (at least 4 hours) to macerate.
• In the morning, bring to a simmer, stirring to thoroughly dissolve the sugar.
• Add the remaining ingredients, cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours. Cubes will be translucent when done.
• Uncover and bring to a boil. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring often, to reduce the syrup to a thick caramel-like liquid.
• While still hot, ladle into sterilized jars and process in a waterbath for 30 minutes (the original calls for turning the jars upside down for a minute to create a seal but to correlate with the US safety guidelines I suggest waterbath canning for shelf-storage. If you're keeping it in the fridge, skip this part!).

WATERMELON RIND CANDY

Steps:

• Bring the water and salt to a boil in a large, enamel stockpot over high heat. Add the watermelon rinds, and return to a boil. Cook for 20 minutes, then drain the rinds in a colander. Bring the vinegar to a boil with 6 cups of sugar. Remove from the heat, stir in the watermelon rinds, cover, and let stand overnight.
• The following day, remove the rinds from the syrup using a slotted spoon, and place them into a clean bowl. Set the stockpot onto the stove over high heat, add 4 cups of sugar, and return the syrup to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the stockpot from the heat, and stir in the watermelon rinds, cover, and let stand overnight.
• On day 3, repeat the process above, using only 2 cups of sugar: remove the rinds from the syrup using a slotted spoon, and place them into a clean bowl. Set the stockpot onto the stove over high heat, add 2 cups of sugar, and return the syrup to a boil. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the stockpot from the heat, and stir in the watermelon rinds, cover, and let stand overnight. Repeat step 3 every day for 6 more days.
• On day 10, sterilize the canning jars, rings and lids in boiling water. Pack the watermelon rinds into sterilized jars, making sure there are no spaces or air pockets on the sides. Add two cloves and one cinnamon stick to each jar. Return the syrup to a boil, and fill the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with boiling water. Carefully lower jars into pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary, until tops of jars are covered by 2 inches of water. Bring water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the stockpot from the heat, and let the jars stand in the water for 2 hours off of the heat.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area for 2 weeks before opening.

WATERMELON RIND CANDY

Steps:

• Place the strips of watermelon rind in a saucepan and cover with hot water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Let cook at a boil for 5 minutes. Drain the rinds well and let them cool. Meanwhile, combine 1 quart of water with the salt in a glass or plastic bowl. Mix well. When the watermelon rinds are cool, place them in the salt bring. Cover the bowl and let the rinds sit in the brine for at least 6 hours. Drain the brine and rinse the rinds several times in fresh water. Place the rinds in a saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the watermelon rinds are tender. In another saucepan, combine the sugar, lemon peel, and the remaining water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the mixture reaches softball stage, about 235 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Add the rinsed rind to the sugar mixture. Cook at a simmer, stirring frequently, until the rind is clear and the syrup forms long threads when drizzled from a spoon. Remove the rind from the sugar mixture and let drain on a rack over waxed paper. Place sugar in a shallow bowl. Dredge the rinds in the sugar, coating completely. Shake off any excess sugar. Place the rinds on a rack to cool and dry. When dry, store the watermelon candy in an airtight container.

CHEWY WATERMELON RIND CANDY

Steps:

• Cut watermelon rind into 2-inch long, 1-inch wide, and 1/2-inch thick pieces.
• Combine water, sugar, spearmint, and basil in a large pot. Bring to a rolling boil. Strain out spearmint and basil. Add watermelon rind, making sure pieces are completely immersed. Cook until rind is soft, about 5 minutes.
• Drain watermelon pieces and arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dry according to manufacturer's instructions until pieces are candied and dried, 6 to 8 hours.