5 from 18 votes
Armenian Watermelon Rind Preserves
Armenian Watermelon Rind Preserves transform normally discarded watermelon rind into a tangy and sweet preserve. The rind is cooked gently with vinegar, salt, and water before being combined with orange juice and sugar to create a golden syrup-coated preserve. This method softens the rind while infusing it with a balance of tart and sweet flavors, making it a useful condiment or spread. It’s an inventive way to reduce waste and enjoy a unique treat from watermelon components often overlooked.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 15 mins
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:
24
tbsp (15g each)
Calories:
39 kcal
Course:
Dessert, Condiments
Cuisine:
Armenian
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon rind see Note 1, cubed
- ⅛ tsp fine salt or 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- ¾ cups water
- ¾ cups white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup orange juice (can substitute with water + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Add watermelon rind, salt, water, and vinegar to a small pot and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to low, cover, and simmer for an hour.
- Rinse rind thoroughly with cold water and drain. When cool enough to handle, give them a squeeze to press out excess water.
- Add orange juice and sugar to the saucepan and return to high heat. When the mixture comes to a boil, stir in the rind.
- Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins darkening to a golden colour, as if it's starting to turn into caramel (see Note 2). Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then ladle into a glass jar.
- At this point, you can either can it to preserve it for longer, or just store it in the fridge, where it will be good for a month.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Cut watermelon rind into no larger than 1-inch cubes for best texture and cooking results.
- Leaving a thin layer of pink flesh on the rind is optional and adds slight color and flavor.
- Remove the preserves from heat before the syrup turns too dark to prevent it from hardening once cooled.
Nutrition Information
Calories
39kcal
(2%)
Carbohydrates
10g
(3%)
Protein
0.1g
(0%)
Fat
0.1g
(0%)
Saturated Fat
0.003g
(0%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.01g
(0%)
Monounsaturated Fat
0.01g
(0%)
Sodium
17mg
(1%)
Potassium
22mg
(0%)
Fiber
0.1g
(0%)
Sugar
9g
(18%)
Vitamin A
72IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
2mg
(0%)
Iron
0.04mg
(0%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 24 tbsp (15g each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 39
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 39kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 0.1g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Sodium | 17mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 22mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.1g | 0% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 72IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 2mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.04mg | 0% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.