Watermelon Rind Preserves

STOP!  Don't throw out that watermelon rind...make preserves.  Here's how.

You will need:
6 cups of prepared watermelon rind
4 cups of sugar
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1/2 cup of thinly sliced lemon, seeds removed
4 tbsp. of salt
1 tbsp. of ginger
3 1/2 quarts of water
Jars, lids, rings and canning equipment

First you must get your rind prepared to make the preserves.  To do this you will trim away all the green skin and pink flesh.  Cut your white rind into about 3/4 to 1 inch pieces. 

Dissolve your salt in 2 quarts of water.  Pour salted water over the rind and let sit for 6 hours.  Drain and rinse well.  Cover with water and drain again.  Cover with water one more time and let set for 30 minutes.

Drain off water and put rind in a large stainless steel pot.  Sprinkle ginger over the rind and cover with water.  Cook until fork tender and drain.

Now that you have your rind prepared, Let make those preserves!

Combine Sugar, Lemon Juice, 1 1/2 quarts of water to a medium/large stainless steel pot.  Bring to a boil and boil 5 minutes.  Add rind and boil gently until rind is transparent and syrup thickens.  Add your lemon and cook 5 more minutes. 

Remove from heat and skim foam if necessary.  Ladle into jars.  Leave 1/4 inch headspace.  Wipe rims with paper towel dipped in vinegar and put on bands.  Tighten down finger tight.

Process in a boiling water bath canner for 20 minutes. 

Remove from canner and let sit on counter for 24 hours.  Label and Store.