Watermelon

Watermelon Rind Pickles

1 quart prepared watermelon rind (see instructions below)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup white vinegar
2 cups sugar
1 small cinnamon stick, broken
3/4 teaspoon whole cloves
1 1/4-inch piece gingerroot (optional)

Cut rind into 2- x 1-inch pieces. Trim green skin and pink flesh from rind.
Place prepared rind in large kettle and add salt and enough boiling water to cover. Simmer until tender. Drain and chill in very cold water at least 1 hour or overnight in refrigerator. Combine remaining ingredients. Bring to boil and boil 5 minutes. Drain rind and add to syrup. Simmer until rind becomes translucent, about 10 minutes. Remove and discard spices.

Makes 1 quart.

Adapted from homecooking.about.com.

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