Recipe: A Zero-Waste Sweet, Tangy & Crunchy Pickle
25 mins
Cooking Time
Easy
Difficulty
8
Ingredients
Vegan
Diet
Pickled watermelon rind recipe is one of the easiest ways to turn something often thrown away into a sweet, tangy, and crunchy treat. Instead of tossing those leftover rinds, you can transform them into a flavourful pickle using a few basic ingredients and a simple method. With a quick stovetop brine and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes.
If you’ve never tried watermelon pickles before, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Among creative watermelon recipes, this one shines for its distinct texture and bold flavour. The rind softens slightly while still staying crisp, soaking up the tangy brine infused with chilli, ginger, and peppercorns. There’s no need for traditional canning, as these are quick refrigerator pickles that develop flavour as they chill. You can enjoy them within a few hours or let them sit longer for a deeper taste.
This is also a great zero-waste approach to cooking, making the most of every part of the fruit. Watermelon recipes like this not only reduce waste but also bring something new and exciting to your table. Once ready, this pickle offers a delicious balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch that works well as a snack or a side dish. This makes it an exciting recipe that’s absolutely worth a try for everyone who enjoys bold and unique flavours.
Peel off the green outer skin of the watermelon rind and cut the white part into small, even pieces. Rinse them well and place them into two clean glass jars.
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Step 2: Make the pickling brine
In a saucepan, add water, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat it over a medium-high flame. Stir continuously until the sugar and salt fully dissolve. Bring it just to a boil, and then switch off the heat.
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Step 3: Pour the hot brine
While the brine is still hot, carefully pour the brine into both jars, making sure the watermelon rind pieces are fully submerged. Leave a little space at the top of each jar.
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Step 4: Add seasonings to each jar
Add ½ chilli, ½ slice of fresh ginger, and ½ teaspoon peppercorns into each jar, dividing the seasonings evenly so both jars have a balanced flavour.
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Step 5: Rest and shake
Seal both jars tightly and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, shake each jar gently to mix the flavours.
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Step 6: Chill and develop flavour
Place the jars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours. For the best taste, let them sit overnight so the flavours deepen.
Pickled watermelon rind recipe is a simple way to preserve leftover rind by soaking it in a sweet and tangy brine, creating a crunchy, flavourful snack or side dish.
Yes, you can easily make this pickled watermelon rind recipe more or less spicy to suit your taste. For extra heat, add more chilli. For a milder flavour, reduce the chilli or skip it altogether.
You can enjoy pickled watermelon rind straight from the jar as a quick and tangy snack. It also works great as an addition to sandwiches, burgers, or salads, adding a crunchy and flavourful twist.
This watermelon pickle recipe keeps well in the fridge for about 4 to 6 weeks. After a month, they may lose some crunch but remain safe to eat.