Watermelon rind candy transforms a typically discarded part of the fruit into a sweet treat. This clever confection reduces food waste while creating a unique dessert. The process involves peeling, boiling, and candying the white portion of watermelon rinds.
Making watermelon rind candy starts with proper preparation. The green outer skin and any remaining pink flesh are removed, leaving only the white rind. These rind pieces are then boiled to soften before being simmered in a sugar syrup. Spices or herbs like mint can be added for extra flavor.
This traditional preserve dates back to the American South, where resourceful cooks sought ways to use every part of the watermelon. Today, it serves as both a nostalgic treat and an eco-friendly way to enjoy watermelon fully. The resulting candy offers a satisfying chewy texture with a mild, sweet taste.
Understanding Watermelon Rind
Watermelon rind is the white portion between the juicy pink flesh and the green outer skin of a watermelon. Many people discard this part, but it’s actually edible and nutritious.
The rind contains vitamins B and C, as well as potassium and zinc. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture when raw.
When cooked, watermelon rind becomes tender and can absorb other flavors easily. This makes it ideal for candy-making and other culinary uses.
To prepare watermelon rind for cooking:
- Cut away the green outer skin
- Remove any remaining pink flesh
- Dice the white rind into small pieces
Watermelon rind can be boiled, pickled, or candied. For candy-making, it’s often simmered in sugar syrup to create a sweet, chewy treat.
Using the rind reduces food waste and adds variety to watermelon-based recipes. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes.
Benefits of Watermelon Rind Candy
Watermelon rind candy offers a delightful way to reduce food waste. By transforming the often-discarded rind into a sweet treat, it maximizes the use of the entire watermelon.
Candied watermelon rind provides a unique texture and flavor experience. The cooking process transforms the firm rind into a chewy, translucent confection with a subtle melon taste.
This candy serves as a creative outlet for home cooks. Experimenting with different spices and flavors allows for personalized variations of the traditional recipe.
Watermelon rind candy can be a healthier alternative to some commercial sweets. It contains natural fruit fiber and can be made with less sugar than many store-bought candies.
The process of making candied watermelon rind teaches valuable food preservation skills. These techniques can be applied to other fruits and vegetables, further reducing kitchen waste.
Homemade watermelon rind candy makes for a thoughtful and unique gift. Its novelty factor and handmade quality can impress friends and family during special occasions.
This candy offers economic benefits by utilizing a part of the fruit that would otherwise be thrown away. It effectively increases the value derived from each watermelon purchase.
Ingredients Overview
Watermelon rind candy requires a few key ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the watermelon rind itself. This often-discarded part of the fruit transforms into a delicious treat.
Sugar plays a crucial role in creating the candy. It sweetens the rind and helps form the syrupy texture. The amount of sugar used can vary based on personal preference.
Spices add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Common choices include:
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Nutmeg
These spices complement the mild taste of the rind and enhance the overall experience.
Lemon juice is sometimes added to balance the sweetness and provide a hint of tartness. It also helps preserve the candy.
Vanilla extract can be used to impart a subtle aromatic quality. It pairs well with the other flavors and adds a touch of sophistication.
Water is necessary for boiling the rinds and creating the syrup. Some recipes call for salt in the initial brining process to help soften the rind.
The exact proportions of these ingredients may vary depending on the specific recipe and desired outcome.
Preparing the Watermelon Rind
Proper preparation of watermelon rind is crucial for making delicious candy. This process involves selecting the right fruit, cleaning it thoroughly, and cutting it precisely.
Choosing the Right Watermelon
Selecting a suitable watermelon is the first step in creating rind candy. Look for a watermelon with a thick, pale green rind. Avoid melons with thin or dark green rinds, as they may not provide enough material for candy-making.
A ripe watermelon will have a yellow spot on its underside where it rested on the ground. This indicates optimal sweetness and texture. The melon should feel heavy for its size and produce a hollow sound when tapped.
Organic watermelons are ideal for rind candy, as their rinds are free from pesticides. If organic options aren’t available, thoroughly wash conventional watermelons to remove any residues.
Cleaning and Peeling
Start by washing the watermelon’s exterior with cool water and a gentle scrub brush. This removes dirt and potential contaminants.
Next, cut the watermelon in half and scoop out the pink flesh. Leave a thin layer of pink attached to the rind for added flavor and color in the final candy.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the dark green outer skin. Be thorough, as any remaining green parts can make the candy bitter. A sharp knife can help trim any stubborn green spots.
Rinse the peeled rind under cool water to remove any leftover debris or juice.
Cutting the Rind
Cut the cleaned watermelon rind into uniform pieces. Aim for 1-inch squares or 2-inch strips, depending on your preference.
Consistency in size is important for even cooking and a professional appearance. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for precise cuts.
Remove any remaining red flesh, leaving only the white and light green parts of the rind. This ensures a pure, clean flavor in the finished candy.
For softer candy, cut the rind into thinner pieces. Thicker cuts will result in a chewier texture. Adjust based on personal preference or recipe requirements.
Place the cut rinds in a colander to drain excess moisture before proceeding with the candy-making process.
Cooking Process
The cooking process for watermelon rind candy involves creating a sugar syrup, simmering the rind until tender, and adding flavorings to enhance the taste. Each step requires careful attention to achieve the desired texture and sweetness.
Creating the Sugar Syrup
In a large pot, combine equal parts sugar and water. For every pound of watermelon rind, use approximately 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring the syrup to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Some recipes call for the addition of lemon juice at this stage. One tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of sugar can help balance the sweetness and prevent crystallization.
Simmering the Rind
Add the prepared watermelon rind pieces to the simmering syrup. Ensure the rind is fully submerged in the liquid. Cook the rind for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until it becomes translucent and tender.
Stir the mixture gently every 15 minutes to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. The rind should be soft enough to pierce easily with a fork but still maintain its shape.
Adding Flavorings
Once the rind is tender, it’s time to infuse it with additional flavors. Popular options include cinnamon, vanilla, and ginger. Add one cinnamon stick, half a vanilla bean, or a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger to the pot.
For a more complex flavor profile, consider combining spices. A quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg can complement the other flavors nicely. Allow the rind to simmer with the added flavorings for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and let the rind cool in the syrup. This allows the flavors to further develop and infuse into the candy.
Drying and Candying
After boiling the watermelon rind, the next step is drying and candying. Drain the softened rind pieces thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Arrange the rind pieces in a single layer on dehydrator trays. If using a dehydrator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying fruit. Typically, this takes 8-12 hours at 135°F (57°C).
For those without a dehydrator, oven-drying is an alternative. Spread the rind on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Set the oven to its lowest temperature, ideally around 170°F (76°C). Prop the oven door open slightly to allow moisture to escape.
The candying process involves coating the dried rind in sugar. Create a simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Submerge the dried rind pieces in the hot syrup. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the rind becomes translucent. Remove from heat and let cool in the syrup for several hours or overnight.
Drain the candied rind and roll each piece in granulated sugar. Place on a wire rack to dry completely. Store the finished watermelon rind candy in an airtight container.
Storage and Enjoyment
Properly stored watermelon rind candy can last for several weeks. Place the candied pieces in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For longer shelf life, refrigerate the candy. This helps maintain its texture and flavor for up to a month.
Enjoy candied watermelon rind as a sweet snack on its own. It also pairs well with cheese platters or as a garnish for desserts and cocktails.
The candy’s unique texture and flavor make it an interesting addition to baked goods. Try chopping it finely and adding it to cookies or muffins for a surprising twist.
For a refreshing summer treat, use the candied rind as a topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt. Its sweetness complements the cold dessert perfectly.
Consider giving homemade watermelon rind candy as gifts. Package it in decorative jars or boxes for a thoughtful, handmade present that showcases your culinary skills.
Alternative Watermelon Rind Recipes
Watermelon rinds offer versatility beyond candy-making. These recipes transform the often-discarded rinds into delicious preserves and pickles.
Watermelon Rind Pickles
Watermelon rind pickles are a tangy, sweet-and-sour treat. To make them, peel the green skin off the rind and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Soak the rinds in a brine of salt and water overnight.
The next day, drain and rinse the rinds. Simmer them in fresh water until tender, about 10-15 minutes. In a separate pot, combine vinegar, sugar, and pickling spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries.
Bring this mixture to a boil, then add the drained rinds. Simmer for 30 minutes until the rinds are translucent. Pack the pickles into sterilized jars and cover with the hot pickling liquid. Process in a water bath for long-term storage.
Watermelon Rind Preserves
Watermelon rind preserves offer a unique spread for toast or biscuits. Begin by peeling and cubing the rind, discarding the green outer skin. Soak the cubes in lime water overnight to crisp them up.
Rinse the rinds thoroughly. In a large pot, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Add the rind cubes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the rinds are translucent and the syrup thickens, about 1-2 hours.
For added flavor, include spices like cinnamon, ginger, or vanilla. Once the preserves reach the desired consistency, ladle them into sterilized jars. Process in a water bath canner for shelf stability.