Is Pickled Watermelon a thing?

When you think of pickles, the first thing that comes to mind is probably cucumbers soaked in a vinegar brine. But did you know that watermelon rind makes an excellent pickle as well? That's right, pickled watermelon is a real thing, and it's actually quite delicious!

Pickled watermelon rind is a popular dish in many parts of the world, including the Southern United States, Asia, and the Caribbean. It's a great way to use up the often-discarded watermelon rind and add a unique twist to your typical pickle.

The Benefits of Pickled Watermelon Rind

Pickled watermelon rind is not only a tasty treat, but it also offers several health benefits:

High in Fiber: The rind is a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps control blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Rich in Nutrients: Watermelon rind is high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains citrulline, an amino acid that has been linked to improved heart health and exercise performance.

Low in Calories: The rind is lower in sugar and higher in fiber than the actual watermelon flesh, making it a great option for those watching their calorie intake.

Helps Reduce Food Waste: By using the entire watermelon, you're reducing food waste and getting more value out of your purchase.

How to Make Pickled Watermelon Rind

Now that you know the benefits, let's dive into how to make this delicious pickle. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon rind, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

In a large pot, bring the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a clean jar or container, layer the watermelon rind, peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaf. Pour the vinegar mixture over the top, making sure all the rind is submerged.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. The pickles will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

That's it! You now have a delicious batch of pickled watermelon rind ready to enjoy.

How to Use Pickled Watermelon Rind

Pickled watermelon rind is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Serve as a side dish: Enjoy the pickles on their own as a tangy accompaniment to grilled meats or sandwiches.

Add to salads: Toss the pickles into green salads, grain bowls, or slaws for a crunchy, flavorful addition.

Use in sandwiches and burgers: Layer the pickles onto burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled cheese for a pop of flavor and texture.

Incorporate into dips and spreads: Chop the pickles and mix them into hummus, guacamole, or cream cheese-based dips.

Make a relish: Dice the pickles and mix with onions, peppers, and herbs to create a unique relish for hot dogs, tacos, or fish.

Conclusion

Pickled watermelon rind is a unique and delicious way to use up the often-discarded watermelon rind. Not only is it a tasty treat, but it also offers several health benefits, including being high in fiber, rich in nutrients, and low in calories. Give this recipe a try and start enjoying the many uses of pickled watermelon rind in your kitchen.

There are many things you can do with watermelon, I like to make blended drinks, salads, pickled watermelon and other healthy recipes. My favourite blender to use is the Vitamix blender.

What's your favourite blender?

________________________________________________

Thanks for reading my article, I appreciate it very much. If you like my content, kindly subscribe to my feed to receive a notification when I publish new content.