Watermelon Rind Pickles Recipe

Directions:

1. Trim green skin and pink flesh from thick watermelon rind.
2. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
3. In large bowl, combine salt, 3 quarts of water and ice cubes.
4. Add watermelon rind and let stand 3 to 4 hours.
5. Drain and rinse with cold water.
6. Cover with cold water and cook until fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
7. Do not overcook.
8. Drain.
9. Combine sugar, vinegar, water and spices (tied in a clean, thin cloth).
10. Boil 5 minutes and pour over watermelon.
11. Add lemon slices.
12. Allow to stand overnight.
13. Heat watermelon in syrup to boiling and cook slowly for 1 hour.
14. Pack loosely into clean, hot pint jars.
15. To each jar, add one stick of cinnamon from spice bag.
16. Cover with boiling syrup, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.
17. Remove air bubbles, wipe jar rims and adjust lids.
18. Process 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.