Grandma Ashworths Watermelon Pickle Food

GRANDMA ASHWORTH'S WATERMELON PICKLE

Steps:

• Dissolve salt in a large bowl with enough water to cover the trimmed watermelon rind cubes (all green and red parts removed). Soak the watermelon rind overnight in the salty water. Drain, rinse, and place the rind cubes into a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the rind in a colander set in the sink.n
• Mix the sugar, vinegar, and 2 cups of water in a large bowl, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Place the lemon, cinnamon, and cloves into a a piece of cheesecloth, and tie the corners together to make a spice bag. Place the spice bag into the pot, and stir in the watermelon rind pieces. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the watermelon rind becomes translucent, about 35 minutes. Remove the spice bag.n
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the watermelon pickle into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.n
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes, or the time recommended for your area.n
• 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).n

GRANDMA ASHWORTH'S WATERMELON PICKLE

Steps:

• Dissolve salt in a large bowl with enough water to cover the trimmed watermelon rind cubes (all green and red parts removed). Soak the watermelon rind overnight in the salty water. Drain, rinse, and place the rind cubes into a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the rind in a colander set in the sink.
• Mix the sugar, vinegar, and 2 cups of water in a large bowl, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Place the lemon, cinnamon, and cloves into a a piece of cheesecloth, and tie the corners together to make a spice bag. Place the spice bag into the pot, and stir in the watermelon rind pieces. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the watermelon rind becomes translucent, about 35 minutes. Remove the spice bag.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the watermelon pickle into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then carefully lower the jars into the pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary until the water level is at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a full boil, cover the pot, and process for 10 minutes, or the time recommended for your area.
• 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).

GRANDMA'S PICKLED WATERMELON RIND

Steps:

• Place watermelon rind in a glass bowl; add water to cover. Stir in pickling salt. Cover and refrigerate in the brine for 8 hours to overnight.
• Rinse watermelon rind 2 to 3 times to remove excess salt from the brine. Taste and keep rinsing until desired level of saltiness is achieved. Drain.
• Transfer watermelon rind to a large saucepan and cover with cold water; bring to a boil. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, inspect 2 quart-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until watermelon rind is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
• At the same time, combine sugar, 2 cups water, vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and maintain a low simmer for 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl; discard any solids.
• Drain watermelon rinds and pack into hot, sterilized jars. Ladle vinegar mixture into each jar, filling to within 1/2 inch of the top. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
• Let jars cool to room temperature, 30 to 45 minutes. Store in the refrigerator.