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Candied Watermelon Rinds

Sweet Candied Watermelon Rinds for a Zero-Waste Summer Snack

Transform leftover watermelon rinds into delicious Candied Watermelon Rinds, a sweet and chewy treat perfect for summer snacking.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Soaking Time 8 hours
Total Time 10 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Candy
  • 1 large Watermelon Rind Choose pieces with minimal green skin.
  • 6 cups Water Essential for soaking.
  • 1.5 tablespoons Salt For soaking to reduce bitterness.
  • 4 cups Granulated Sugar Transforms the rind into candy.
  • 1 large Lemon Juice Adds tang to balance sweetness.
  • 1 large Lemon Zest Infuses with bright citrus flavor.
Optional Flavor Enhancers
  • Cinnamon Can be added to the syrup for flavor.
  • Ginger Can be added to the syrup for flavor.
  • Lime Juice Substitute for a different citrus profile.
  • Orange Juice Substitute for a different citrus profile.

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • large saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • slotted spoon
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Candied Watermelon Rinds
  1. Soak the watermelon rind strips in a mixture of 6 cups of water and 1 ½ tablespoons of salt for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain the soaked rinds, rinse with cold water, place in a saucepan, cover with fresh water, and boil for about 1 hour until translucent.
  3. Combine 4 cups of sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in the saucepan, heat until sugar dissolves, and then add boiled rinds to the syrup.
  4. Simmer the mixture for an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure rinds are coated.
  5. Preheat the oven to 175°F (80°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Transfer the rinds onto the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 2 to 3 hours, flipping every 30 minutes.
  7. Cool the rinds on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 35gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store the candied rinds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Optional spices can enhance flavor to preference.

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