Candied watermelon rind is a delicious and unique treat that utilizes a part of the watermelon that would normally be discarded. Here’s a simple recipe for making candied watermelon rind:
Ingredients:
4 cups of watermelon rind (green outer skin removed, leaving the white part)
2 cups sugar (plus extra for coating)
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, but adds a nice zing)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
Prepare the Watermelon Rind:
Start by cutting off the green outer skin of the watermelon rind, leaving the white part (the flesh that is usually tossed).
Cut the white rind into strips or cubes, depending on your preference. Aim for pieces that are around 1/2 to 1 inch wide.
Blanch the Rind:
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the watermelon rind pieces and let them boil for about 5-10 minutes, until they become slightly tender. Drain the water and set the rind aside.
Make the Syrup:
In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, sugar, salt, and lemon juice. Stir to dissolve the sugar over medium heat.
Once the sugar is fully dissolved, bring the syrup to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Candy the Rind:
Add the blanched watermelon rind pieces to the syrup. Stir gently to coat them evenly.
Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the watermelon rind pieces become translucent and the syrup thickens. Be patient; the process can take a little while, but it’s worth it!
Dry the Candied Rind:
Once the rind is translucent and syrupy, use tongs to remove the pieces from the syrup and place them on a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Allow the candied rind to dry for several hours or overnight. This will help it firm up and develop a nice texture.
Coat in Sugar (Optional):
Once the candied rind pieces are dry, you can toss them in some additional sugar to coat them for extra sweetness and a crunchy texture.
Store:
Store the candied watermelon rind in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last for about 1-2 weeks.
Enjoy your sweet and unique candied watermelon rind! It’s a great snack, and it can also be used as a garnish for drinks or desserts.
