Description
Watermelon Rind Candy is a sweet and unique treat made from the often-discarded rind of watermelons, transformed into a delicious candy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups watermelon rind (green skin removed, cut into strips)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 3 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- Red and green food coloring (optional, for a vibrant candy look)
- Extra sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prep the Rind: Cut watermelon rind into strips or small cubes, removing the hard green peel but leaving some of the white flesh. Place in a saucepan with water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until rind is tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
- Candy the Rind: In the same pot, combine 2 cups sugar with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves, then add the watermelon rind pieces. Simmer over low heat until rind becomes translucent and syrup thickens (about 45–60 minutes). If desired, divide syrup and add a drop of red food coloring to one half and green to the other for the two-toned effect.
- Dry & Coat: Remove rind pieces and place them on a wire rack or parchment paper to dry slightly (at least 4–6 hours, or overnight). Once tacky but not wet, roll pieces in the remaining sugar until well coated.
- Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Ensure the watermelon rind is fresh and firm for the best results.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- For a more vibrant color, use food coloring sparingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling and Candying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg