Watermelon Rind Pickles Day 1

Nothing goes to waste here in the holler. This year I am making watermelon rind pickles. I am thinking of giving these as Christmas gifts this year. First I take and cut my watermelon and remove the red meat.

This goes in the refrigerator for the family to eat on. We have been having a bowl of watermelon almost nightly and we will miss them when they are all gone.

The seeds will be saved for next years crop.

Then take and slice the pink meat that is left off of the rind. This went in a bucket for the pigs and chickens.

Then with my vegetable peeler I cut off the green rinds on the outside. Make sure and get all that hard rind off. This also goes to the pigs. 

Then I cut the peeled rind into 1 inch cubes. You should have about 12 cups of rind cubes. In a non reactive container soak the rind with 3 quarts water and 3/4 cup salt. I used canning salt. Add about 30 ice cubes and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let sit for 24 hours. I let mine set overnight.  

Tomorrow I will post the directions for day 2.

Blessings from The Holler 

The Canned Quilter