Source: Oksana Medvedeva, AdobeStockDuring watermelon season, the question always arises: what to do with the rinds? Some throw them away, but why, when you can make a delicious dessert? Candied watermelon rinds require virtually no effort or culinary skills. You can prepare them in the oven, a dehydrator, or simply air-dry them. We're sharing 5 of the best recipes!
1. Candied Watermelon Rinds with Lemon
Source: ok.ruThe light lemon tartness wonderfully complements the sweetness of the candied rinds.
You will need: 1.5 kg watermelon rinds, 1 kg sugar, 1 lemon, 3 tsp baking soda, 4 clove buds.
Preparation: Cut the peeled watermelon rinds into cubes. Dissolve baking soda in water and pour this solution over the rinds for 2-3 hours, then rinse them. Cover them with 3 liters of clean water, bring to a boil, and drain the water.
Separately, boil another 3 liters of water and 300 g of sugar. Add the rinds to the resulting syrup, cook for 20 minutes, then add another 300 g of sugar. Stir, cook for another 20 minutes, add the remaining sugar, and cook a little longer.
Place the rinds in a colander. Add cloves, lemon juice, and zest to the syrup, cook briefly, then return the rinds to it. Cook them for another half hour, drain again in a colander, and spread them in a single layer on parchment paper. Leave the candied rinds to dry for 2-3 days.
15 Wonderful Bird Cherry Recipes for Winter
2. Candied Watermelon Rinds with Citric Acid
Source: pinterest.comThe finished candied rinds can be sprinkled with powdered sugar and stored in a jar.
You will need: 1.5 kg watermelon rinds, 600 g sugar, 1.5 tsp citric acid.
Preparation: Cut the watermelon rinds, mix them with sugar, and leave for 12 hours. Then bring the mixture to a boil, cook for 10 minutes, let cool, and remove the candied rinds. Add citric acid to the syrup, cook for another 15 minutes, return the rinds to it, and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes.
Let cool and spread the candied rinds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Dry them for about 1 hour in a slightly open oven at 100 degrees Celsius. Then continue drying for another 2-3 days at room temperature.
8 Amazing Recipes for Beans in Tomato Sauce for Winter
3. Candied Watermelon Rinds with Orange
Source: uspeh-dacha.ruWatermelon rinds absorb the flavors of various additives very well.
You will need: 800 g watermelon rinds, 2 oranges, 2 cups sugar, 300 ml water.
Preparation: Cut the rinds into cubes, cover with water, and cook for 6-7 minutes. Make a syrup from 300 ml water and sugar, add the watermelon rinds to it, and cook for 10 minutes. Then cool for 5 minutes, and repeat the cooking and cooling process a total of 5 times. During the 3rd-4th cooking, add the juice and zest of the oranges. Spread the candied rinds on parchment paper and dry them in the open air, in a dehydrator, or in the oven at 50-60 degrees Celsius.
Watermelon for Winter: 20 Most Delicious Preservation Recipes
4. Candied Watermelon Rinds in the Oven
Source: argumentrus.ruThe leftover syrup can be used to soak baked goods or other preparations.
You will need: 800 g watermelon rinds, 800-900 g sugar, 1.5 tsp citric acid, 1 tsp baking soda, spices.
Preparation: Peel and cut the watermelon rinds. Dissolve baking soda in 6-8 cups of water, pour it over the rinds, and leave for 4 hours. Then rinse them thoroughly, sprinkle with half the sugar, and cover with water so it just covers them. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes over low heat. If desired, add aromatic spices.
Let the watermelon rinds cool for 4-5 hours, then cook for another 20 minutes and let cool again. Add the remaining sugar and citric acid, cook the rinds for another 15 minutes, and drain in a colander. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and dry for 30-40 minutes in the oven at 70 degrees Celsius. Turn off the oven and leave the finished candied rinds inside until completely cool.
6 Easy Recipes to Freeze Zucchini for Winter
5. Vanilla Candied Watermelon Rinds in a Dehydrator
Source: liveinternet.ruOriginal candied rinds that you'll want to eat yourself and share with friends.
You will need: 1 kg watermelon rinds, 1 kg sugar, 60 ml lemon juice, 20 g vanilla sugar, 6 cardamom pods, 1 tsp baking soda.
Preparation: Peel and cut the rinds into cubes. Mix approximately 1 liter of water and baking soda, pour it over the watermelon rinds, and leave for 5-6 hours, then rinse. Place the rinsed rinds in a pot and cover with clean water so it just covers them.
Add half the sugar, bring to a boil, and cook for 20 minutes over low heat. Remove the rinds from the heat and let cool. Repeat this step again. Sprinkle the rinds with the remaining sugar and vanilla sugar.
Pour in the lemon juice, add cardamom or other spices. Bring the mixture to a boil again, cook for half an hour, and drain in a colander. Let them air dry and then finish drying the candied rinds in an electric dehydrator according to its instructions.