Watermelon Rind Bread and Butter Pickles

fluffernutter's Note:

Not as sweet as common watermelon pickles, and fantastic on turkey sandwiches (and don't forget to use the onions!). You can use cucumbers instead, but I prefer the firm texture of watermelon rind. (For crispness, I soak the cubes in a little alum and water, which is not recommended any longer.) If you leave the cubes big -- or even cut the rind into spears -- they're delicious straight from the jar and on relish trays.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 2 hrs
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 8 pints

• 8 cups cubed watermelon rind
• 2 lbs onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pickling salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons mustard seeds (brown or yellow)
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 2 teaspoons celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon peppercorn
• 3 -4 cups white vinegar

Directions:

1. To prepare the melon, use a spoon to scrape away all the pink.
2. Cut away the rind with a knife (this is fastest if you cut the melon into 3-inch squares).
3. Cut rind into strips, cubes, or chunks.
4. Layer the MELON and onion with salt in a large bowl; cover with ice cubes.
5. Let stand 1 1/2 hours.
6. Drain and rinse.
7. Combine remaining ingredients in a large pan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
8. Add the MELON and onions and return to a boil.
9. Pack hot PICKLES into hot, sterile jars, leaving 1/4-inch head space.
10. Fit with lids.
11. Process in boiling water for 10 minutes.

Reviews

[ChloeBaby]

First off, I have never had watermelon rind pickles before in my life, but have always been intrigued by them. After a few false starts (thanks fluffernutter for the help!) I have 6 jars of the crunchiest, yummiest, homemade pickles I've ever had. Ok, 5 jars now :) The onions are fantastic too. I will be making these every year now, they are definitely winners!!! Thank you for converting me!!

[Gratefully Deadicated]

This was my first time making watermelon rind pickles and I chose this recipe because it didn't have the large amounts of sugar like all the other recipes, I found out that these tasted like my Grandma's bread and butter pickles that I loved so much as a kid but with watermelon rind and they are wonderful. I will definitely be making these again.