How to Make Pickled Watermelon Rind

Making pickled watermelon rind starts with peeling away the green outer layer, cutting the white rind into cubes, and cooking it in a spiced, tangy brine of vinegar, sugar, and cinnamon. Once jarred and chilled for 24 hours, the rind transforms into a crisp, sweet‑sour condiment with a hint of spice. This process gives a second life to what would otherwise be kitchen scraps.

How to Eat Pickled Watermelon Rind

Pickled watermelon rind shines as a refreshing side with grilled meats, barbecue platters, or sandwiches. Its sweet‑tangy crunch balances rich or spicy dishes perfectly. You can also chop it finely into relishes or toss it into salads for zest and texture. Some mix the syrupy brine into salad dressings or glazes; others enjoy it straight from the jar, cold and crisp.

Benefits of Pickled Watermelon Rind

Pickled watermelon rind is rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C—nutrients that promote healthy digestion and hydration. It also contains citrulline, an amino acid known to improve circulation and heart health. The fermentation or pickling process may boost probiotics beneficial for gut wellness. This eco‑friendly recipe supports a low‑waste kitchen while offering a naturally sweet, hydrating, and vitamin‑loaded snack.

What Does Pickled Watermelon Rind Taste Like?

Its flavor is best described as gently tart with lingering sweetness. The brine gives it a vinegary punch layered with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and clove, creating a balance between crisp and syrupy notes. Some people compare its taste to sweet gherkins or bread‑and‑butter pickles, but lighter and more aromatic. When chilled, the texture stays crunchy while offering a mellow bite—not chewy, not mushy—making it perfect as both snack and side

Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe – 5 Irresistible Sweet & Tangy Flavors

Name: Pickled Watermelon Rind: A Sweet and Tangy Southern Classic
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern

Description

This classic Southern pickled watermelon rind recipe transforms leftover rinds into a sweet, tangy, and crisp treat.

Ingredients

4 cups peeled diced watermelon rind

1 cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup water

¾ cup sugar

¼ cup kosher salt

1 Tbsp mixed spices (peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon)

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Instructions

1. Peel away the green rind layer leaving the white part.

2. Cut into cubes or strips.

3. Soak rind in salted cold water for 30 minutes; drain.

4. In a saucepan combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and spices.

5. Bring to boil, simmer 5 minutes.

6. Add rind; cook until tender 5 minutes.

7. Transfer into jars, cool, refrigerate 24 hours before serving.

Notes

Keep refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Pairs well with grilled meats or creamy cheeses.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Pickles
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 45
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg