In my watermelon post a while back I mentioned that my mother saved the watermelon rind and made watermelon rind preserves. After we all finished off the watermelon, she would cut away any remaining pink from the rind, peel the rind, then slice it into spears. All of the rind spears were transferred to a big pot and layered with sugar, then left to sit overnight. The next day she cooked them down “until done”. After they cooked I helped her pack the spears lengthwise into sterilized mason jars and seal the jars. By fall we had enough watermelon rind preserves to last the winter and then some. This was the inspiration for these watermelon rind candies.
Eating her watermelon rind preserves was like eating a crunchy, sweet stick of candy. It didn’t really have a watermelon flavor, but it had a clean, sweet taste that is very hard to describe. All I know is those preserves were really, really good, very, very sweet, and hard to stop eating. A few of years ago I decided to come up with my own way to preserve watermelon rind but in smaller pieces, a shorter length of time, and a little less sweet, if possible. My efforts paid off! These little watermelon rind candies turned out exactly like I wanted – small, crispy bites of sweetness with a touch of anise flavor. So good, so addicting!
This is a refrigerator preserve and not intended to be sealed and stored in the pantry. The recipe makes about one jar of candies which last about one month in this house. The candies are sweet and lightly crunchy. You're going to love them.
*See Kitchen Notes for more information.
- Rind of 1/2 large watermelon, about 4 cups of cut pieces*
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- juice from 1 lime or lemon
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 4 to 5 thin strips of lemon zest
- 2 star anise* (optional)
- Peel the green outer skin off the watermelon rind and remove any of the pink meat still on the rind.
- Cut the rind into strips (about 1 inch long by ¼” wide or 2.5 cm x 0.6 cm)
Bring the water, sugar, salt, and lime/lemon juice to a boil. Add the diced watermelon rind, lemon zest strips, and star anise (if using). Lower the heat to medium low, and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the fruit is translucent and the syrup has reduced by at least half and thickened*.
- Remove the star anise.
Transfer the watermelon rind to a clean pint jar with a lid and let cool.
- Best if refrigerated overnight before eating.
You can cut the pieces into larger strips if you choose, but you will have to cook it longer and add a touch more water for the rind to cook through and become translucent.
The spice – If you aren’t a fan of star anise which has a slight licorice flavor, then omit it altogether. You could replace it with a large cinnamon stick or 5 cardamom pods if you choose. My mother liked her preserves with no spice of any kind, whereas I like the star anise flavoring and the candied lemon zest, but then I love anything with a hint of licorice and who doesn’t like candied lemon zest.
Cooking process – Once the watermelon rind candies becomes translucent, they are pretty much ready. At this point the syrup should have reduced by at least half and become thick. If your syrup is still too thin, then turn up the heat and cook it faster, stirring constantly until the syrup thickens into a heavy syrup. The candies don’t need to be covered by the syrup when transferred to a jar. Normally, once the rind is transferred, the syrup only comes about halfway up the jar.
How to use these watermelon rind candies – Just eat them like you would a piece of candy. Serve as an after dinner sweet, or afternoon snack. I usually just eat them straight out of the jar when I want a little something sweet. You could also fold into cake, muffin or cupcake batter, or bread recipes that call for candied fruits. I love using a few in this Fruit and Nut Yeast Bread.
The amount you end up with depends on the size of the watermelon as well as the thickness of the rind. So final amounts may vary.
These candies lasts up to 6 months or maybe longer in the refrigerator. It’s hard to say since it disappears pretty fast in this house and that’s with me being “good”.
In case you haven’t noticed, I preserve quite a bit of fruit by turning it into a jam; usually, just a jar of jam and no pectin. If you like the concept of small batch jams and want to learn more, take a look at this collection of Quick & Easy Jams as well as my Jams & Jellies category. For more instructional information about quick & easy jams, click this link for more Kitchen Notes/Tips on How to Make Quick & Easy Jams.
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I absolutely love this idea! I’m sharing this on my Facebook page tomorrow.
Thanks so much Alea! I’m glad you like the idea! I really think you would like the candies. I making more this week. 🙂 I can’t get enough of them.
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Your recipe is being featured on foodie friday today. Stop by and get your featured button. I will be pinning and tweeting it this week too.
I know we make some spicy chutney with watermelon rind, but candies, is wonderful idea MJ. I am in
Thanks Swathi! Spicy chutney? Now that sounds interesting!
Wow, this is such a unique recipe MJ!In India the rinds would be used to make a savory dish but a sweet dish is always welcome :)Love your pic and its glossy look!
Absolutely fasinating… I am frugal by nature and I love a recipe that uses something that would have been wasted. Pinning this… thank you so much for sharing it with us on foodie friday.
Thanks Diane! I knew you would like it. 🙂
Such a lovely post! Could have never imagined that something could be made from the rind!! Candies! That is a brilliant idea. Pinned!
Thanks EFSmith! I have to credit my mom for teaching me how to do this. I absolutely love them!
The Watermelon candy recipe will be a “staple ” for any summer gathering.They are also good in salads.Thank you so much for sharing
I’ve never seen the Watermelon rind used for anything before. It sounds very interesting.
Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friday.
Thank you for the reminder MJ (we are just moving into strawberry season here ;-)) but I remember being so captivated by this recipe so I’m really glad you reposted it. You’re right, these delightful candies would make a perfect gift – great idea!
You are most welcome Kelly! Now that I have a kitchen this summer I plan to make several jars for gifts and for my winter pleasure. 🙂
I’ve heard of watermelon rind pickles, but not candied watermelon rind. I’m intrigued! I might have to try this next time I get a watermelon 🙂
Thanks Jacqueline! These are sweeter than the pickles and made without vinegar. I love them and hope you get a chance to made them.
LOVE your watermelon candies! My FIL introduced me to watermelon pickles…and I was an instant fan. I know I’d love your candied version just as much.
PS…what a beautiful, elegant photo!
Thanks so much Liz!
Ahh I had forgotten about it in the summer! I remember the post and I discovered my comment on top. ^.^ Next time I think so you ll have to remind me way before march. 😉
I try to remember! 🙂
sooo quick n easy recipe
Tasty Appetite
I haven’t heard of them until now MJ but what a great way to utlilize every part of the watermelon.
I just said to hubby, we are so going to make and enjoy watermelon rind for the first time this year! I love all the different variations of recipes using the rind, so fun! Since I am a lover of candy, we need to try your beautiful recipe! Hugs, Terra
Wow I’ve never tried making this before. Sounds wonderful – can’t wait to try them with the next watermelon I purchase.
MJ, I think you read my mind… First of all, most fruits are late this year here (a horrible weather) and I have started to crave watermelon last weekend. Secondly, I have always been attracted to the idea of using watermelon rind. I even tried making jam (found in an old cookery book), but it didn’t have much taste… These candies look beautiful and really original. I imagine I could prepare them and ask my guests to guess what it is. No one would guess!
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What a great idea! I’ve never heard of preserving watermelon rinds this way. I’m definitely trying this. Thank you for the recipe!
I’ve been hearing about these a lot lately and am really looking forward to trying them when it gets a bit warmer here in Sydney. YUM!
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What a delightful way to use up the rind! The Chinese use them to make soups but I’m not too keen on that but THIS …… oh yum! the idea of the star anise makes it even better!
Fascinating, I’ve never heard of anything like this. So you just eat it as a quick snack? I have to buy those baby ‘personal’ watermelon since my weird husband hates watermelon so I love the idea of being able to eat the flesh and the rind.
Thanks FJ! Yes, it’s just a snack. I use it for those moments when I just want “a little something sweet”. I can anyone hate watermelon?!?! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
MJ,
This loos delicious! I love the color and the picture is beautiful. Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday. Can’t wait to see what you share next week. Have a great weekend.
Michelle
It looks fantastic, MJ. I must admit I tried to use up watermelon rind by transforming it into a jam, but it was simply tasteless. Your idea (or rather your mum’s idea) sounds so much better. I am sure it keeps its delicate aroma (it was completely lost during the jam making process).
Thanks for the heads up on the watermelon rind jam Sissi! I was actually thinking of trying it, but I won’t be now. I totally trust your opinion on that! I think you would love these candies/preserves. Have a great weekend my friend!
Now that is frugal to the extreme! I love it!
Thanks for linking up with Frugal Food Thursday at Frugal Follies!
🙂 I knew you would like this! 🙂 Thanks Laura!
Oh, and I forgot to say that I love the photos. Nice star anise garnish!
Thanks John! I get my inspiration from some great food photographers that I know. And You know who. 🙂
Wow, this looks terrific! I’ve never had watermelon rind candy, but I know I’m going to make this. Really wonderful stuff – thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to try it!
What an excellent way to preserve the watermelon, MJ! So glad that you made a jar of these little treats before the kitchen remodel. They look like the type of candies I would eat – not overly sweet, refreshing and with healthy spice flavor. Really lovely!
this is by far one of most unique recipe i’ve seen! what an interesting idea and your pictures are just lovely.
Thanks! I stole the idea from my mother! 🙂
I LOVE this recipe… watermelon is KING here in Texas and I bet any Texan would love to get their hands on this candy~~ so excited to try this!!
that is awesome i would love to have one right now.
You’re the greatest! I had planned on experimenting with watermelon rind but the Summer got away from me. Now, though, I just might give this a try. Without needing to can/preserve it, I can get this done in an hour or two without any problem. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks John! Yep – to have a jar of these beauties with only an hour of work it SO worth it! I hope you get a chance to make them!
OMG! That’s a very creative use of watermelon rinds!
Since I am a candy addict, I am glad you gave a addiction warning LOL:-) I read a recipe for watermelon rind this summer, and was immediately intrigued:-) I love the recipe, it really does sound delicious! Hugs, Terra
What a fab idea MJ, I would have never thought to use up the watermelon rinds. So genius.
I never came across candies made from watermelon rinds. Thanks for this great i recipe MJ!
These rind candies are amazing! I’d love to make the same with oranges and lemons… I love them (and then, maybe, dipping them in chocolate… too much?! :P)!
Thanks Giulia! I’ve thought the same thing about trying this method with orange rinds. They’ll be hitting the markets here soon, so I’m going to give it a try. Dipping in chocolate? You betcha!!! 🙂
Such a delicious and sweet treat!
MJ, this is just so wonderful – I’ve never heard of watermelon rind candies before! I love how you’ve transformed something that normally ends up in our compost (or trash cans) into such a beautiful, edible form. What a brilliant idea; I must remember this one! Your picture is lovely in its simplicity. Great background too.
Thanks Kelly! It’s amazing what we can do with some of the things we compost or throw away. BTW- the background for the pictures is a cardtable leaning against the couch. 🙂 Thanks for the compliments!
I keep coming back to look at these photos… Be prepared for a lot of us copying this recipe.
What a cool recipe MJ. Definitely going to try this one. I love how you styled them in the martini glass. Have a lovely week.
Imagine how much of those rinds we wasted and not having a good use? Finally I found a good recipe for the watermelon rinds. Thank you, MJ! 🙂
Hi MJ, this recipe is very interesting for me to see…because the Chinese also have a version of sweetened preserved watermelon candies. But I want to say that the candy is made out of the meat rather than the rind….I not completely sure but I remember the candies were soft, not crunchy. Either way, I enjoyed reading this recipe post. I hope your kitchen remodeling is going well!
Thanks Sharon! I didn’t know about Chinese preserved watermelon candies. I can see that if it were made from the meat, that it would be soft. With the rind, it really stays crispy even though you cook it down. The remodeling is going! Hoping we’re in the last week of it! 🙂
This is so interesting! I had no idea you could turn the rind into candy. You are brilliant MJ.
I had no idea, that water melon rinds could be candied…I am trying this as soon as watermelons hit the markets….still wish I could have a bite…and yeah I would love the star anise flavour..MJ your picture is sooooooo tempting.
Thanks Nisa! Let me know how you like it!
I’ve seen watermelon rind recipe this summer and I was really excited. I’ve never seen a recipe like that in Japan. Besides composting use, poor watermelon rind will never get reused. This is going to be kept for next year and I’d love to make it. Sounds fun and eco-friendly. 😀 Well I just simply want to taste this…. looks pretty too, MJ!
Thanks Nami! It was wonderful being raised by a frugalista because I learned to through nothing away! 🙂 I know I was a little late with this, but hopefully you’ll get a chance to make it next year.
How interesting … Never even heard of this before 🙂
This is absolutely amazing, MJ! We make curry with watermelon rinds in Rajasthan India..but turning them into something sweet is something I will treasure for long. These look so glossy and delicious..can;t wait to make it soon.
Thanks Sanjeeta! Now I’ve learned something new. I’ve never heard of watermelon rind curry! I guess you’ll need to make us one. 🙂
That’s an excellent idea. my grandmother used to always tell me that everything should be used and nothing wasted. I guese even she never thought of makign preserves out of watermelon, but then watermelon isnt that much common in central europe.
Do you think those could be used in cakes? I have a recipe with preserved fruits, but we dont get preserved fruits that much here, so I thought it would benice to recreate your recipe sometime and make my own.
Helene – yes, the preserved rinds can be used in cakes. As my sister reminded me in the previous comment, my mama use to put them in her fruitcakes during the holidays. That’s interesting that you don’t see watermelon much in Europe. Thanks for your great comments!!
Do you remember the call of the watermelon vendors as the roamed the streets in Waterside? “WAAAAATERMELONS! Ripe and fine. Eat the meat and preserve the rind.” Mama also used watermelon preserves pieces in her holiday fruitcakes. Mama’s could change anyone’s mind about not liking fruitcake. Glad to see that you are carrying on her tradition with your preserves.
Thanks Nads! I guess I was to young because I don’t remember the watermelon vendors. I love that so THANKS for sharing it! And thanks for reminding me about the fruitcakes. DUH! I knew that! 🙂
They look like transparent gems in a glass! So beautiful!
What a fun way to use something that would ordinarily go into the trash–quite smart.
Oh this is really interesting. I tend to either eat the fruit or drink the juice. As much I want to make into sorbet or something, my family tends to prefer it as a fresh fruit. I must give this a try, and who knows they might change their mind. I am intrigued right now :). Have a wonderful week ahead!
Thanks Joanna! We like our fruits in many form, so watermelon rind candies aren’t really a stretch for us. I hate having to compost the rind because it attracts the neighborhood racoons, so the candies are a great solution!
This is a genius idea! I love watermelon pickles, but never thought of making candies from them. Brilliant!
Starting today I will keep watermelon rinds, this is a great kitchen tip.
Such a pretty picture!
I just love this idea… better than throwing away the rind.
OMG! This sounds absolutely wonderful!! I wish I had known this before most of our large watermelons were gone, but that is okay…I will have this to try next summer, that is if I don’t come across a good-looking watermelon before fall 🙂
Thanks Mary! I’m hoping to find a watermelon somewhere next week so I can make another jar. I finished off the one I made a couple of months ago. 🙂
I had no idea that watermelon rinds could be candied. I am definitely saving this recipe!
MJ! What a unique recipe. I’ve never tried watermelon rind but I love that you assign indescribable qualities to it! I’m really intrigued. That’s how I feel about cardamom…no matter what I use it for, it always lends a flavor that no one seems to be able to put their fingers on! These sound pretty addictive! When do we get to see the new kitchen? I’m dying here! : )
Thanks Anne! Yes – cardamom flavor is next! I am really keeping my fingers crossed that I’m moving into my new kitchen this weekend!!! They are laying the flooring now and the schedule this week is packed to get me there. It will have been 6 weeks on Friday and I’m going nutsy coocoo!!! 🙂 🙂 Hopefully I’ll have pics on Monday.
Ooh—cardamom would be awesome.
What a fantastic idea! I love how you used all of the watermelon up… gorgeously done. Hope your weekend was fantastic! Have a great week ahead my friend. 🙂
I’ve enjoyed pickled watermelon rind, but never a candied version. Oooh, I bet this is addicting.
I only recently found out about watermelon rind pickle and now there’s also watermelon rind candies? how intriguing!
These little candies are incredible my friend, what a beautiful treat 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Your pictures are GORGEOUS, MJ!!! So lovely. I might have to get a hold of one more watermelon to give this a shot.
Your picture is very pretty 🙂 I made watermelon rind pickles once before and I did not like them! Watermelon rind candy though? That sounds so good! Hope the kitchen remodel is going well!
Hey MJ! I can’t even count how many times I’ve composted or thrown the watermelon rind away… I am definitely going to try this. Thank you!