Transform Watermelon Rind into Sweet Candy Bliss Recipe
Delight in a unique and sweet treat by transforming watermelon rind into a flavorful candy. This recipe uses the often-discarded white part of the watermelon rind simmered in a spiced sugar syrup, resulting in a chewy, aromatic candy that offers an innovative way to reduce waste and enjoy a refreshing homemade confection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours (including cooling and drying time)
- Yield: About 20 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Candy Base
- 4 cups Watermelon Rind (use only the white part, peeled and diced)
- 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar (consider sugar alternatives if desired)
- 1 cup Water (for dissolving the sugar)
For Flavor Enhancement
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger (fresh ginger can be used for more intensity)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional but enhances flavor complexity)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (almond extract is a good alternative)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest (can substitute with lime zest)
- 1 pinch Salt (optional for balancing sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rind: Begin by peeling the watermelon rind thoroughly to remove the green outer skin and any pink flesh, leaving only the white part. Dice this white rind into small cubes, measuring about 4 cups.
- Create Sugar Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups granulated sugar with 1 cup water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves, forming a clear syrup.
- Add Flavor and Rind: Gently stir in the diced watermelon rind, ground ginger, ground cloves, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt into the syrup, mixing well to incorporate all flavors.
- Simmer the Mixture: Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for approximately 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the rind becomes tender and the syrup thickens.
- Cool and Dry: Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let the candy cool in the syrup for a few hours, which allows the flavors to meld. Then, transfer the rind pieces onto parchment paper to dry further until they reach a chewy candy consistency.
Notes
- Peel the watermelon rind thoroughly to eliminate any bitterness from the green outer skin or residual pink flesh.
- Adjust spices to taste to create your desired flavor profile; fresh ginger can be used for a stronger kick.
- Consider using sugar alternatives like honey or maple syrup to lower the glycemic impact.
- Drying time can vary depending on humidity—ensure the candy is sufficiently dried before storing to prevent stickiness.
Keywords: Watermelon rind candy, watermelon candy, homemade candy, fruit rind recipe, sweet preserved fruit, watermelon sweets
