Watermelon Rind Preserves

Step 1

To Prepare Watermelon Rind: Trim green skin and pink flesh from thick watermelon rind; cut into 1-inch pieces. Dissolve salt in 2 quarts water and pour over rind; let stand 5 to 6 hours.

Step 2

Drain, rinse, and drain again. Cover with cold water and let stand 30 minutes. Drain. Sprinkle ginger over rind; cover with water and cook on the stovetop until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain.

Step 3

To Make Preserves: Sterilize canning jars. Combine sugar, lemon juice, and the seven cups water. Boil 5 minutes; add rind and boil gently for 30 minutes.

Step 4

Add sliced lemon and cook until the melon rind is clear.

Step 5

Pack hot preserves into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch head space. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids. Process by sterilizing the jars for five minutes in a boiling water bath.