Old-Fashioned Candied Watermelon Rind
Old-Fashioned Candied Watermelon Rind transforms the tender white rind into chewy, translucent bites bathed in a glossy syrup. Warm notes of cinnamon and clove balance the bright tang of cider vinegar, creating a nostalgic candy that’s sweet, lightly spiced, and pleasantly aromatic. Perfect for gifting, holiday nibbling, or an afternoon treat with tea.
- Prep1 hr
- Cook15 mins
- Serves100
- DifficultyHard
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Old-Fashioned Candied Watermelon Rind, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 46 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 11 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityGood
- 100 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Unprocessed or minimally processed
- 1 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 75
- Heart Health
- 40
- Metabolic
- 23
- Digestive
- 38
- Inflammatory
- 18
- Performance
- 48
- General Wellness
- 1
Bring the water and salt to a boil in a large enameled stockpot over high heat. Add the watermelon rinds; return to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside. Add 6 cups sugar and the vinegar to the stockpot; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in the rinds, cover, and let stand overnight.
- 2
On day 2, use a slotted spoon to transfer the rinds to a clean bowl. Heat the syrup in the stockpot over high heat; add 4 cups sugar. Bring to a boil until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in the rinds, cover, and let stand overnight.
- 3
On day 3, use a slotted spoon to transfer the rinds to a clean bowl. Heat the syrup in the stockpot over high heat; add 2 cups sugar. Bring to a boil until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, stir in the rinds, cover, and let stand overnight. Repeat Step 3 every day for 6 more days.
- 4
On day 10, inspect 14 (1-pint) canning jars for cracks and the rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm, soapy water. Sterilize the jars, rings, and lids in boiling water; keep them immersed in simmering water until the watermelon rinds are ready. Pack the rinds into the sterilized jars, making sure there are no spaces or air pockets along the sides. Add 2 cloves and 1 cinnamon stick to each jar. Return the syrup to a boil; fill the jars with syrup to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the inside of each jar to release any air bubbles. Wipe the rims with a damp paper towel and remove any residue. Top with lids and screw the rings on tightly.
- 5
Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill it halfway with water. Bring to a boil and carefully lower the jars, spaced 2 inches apart, into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover the jars by at least 2 inches. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat; let the jars stand in the water off heat for 2 hours.
- 6
Remove the jars from the stockpot; place them on a cloth-covered or wooden surface, several inches apart, until cool. Press the center of each lid with a finger to confirm the lid does not move up or down and the seal is tight. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks before opening.
- Calories 19.24 kcal Low Source 1%
- Protein 0.02 g Low Source 0%
- Carbohydrate 4.66 g 2%
- Total Fat 0.01 g Low Source 0%
- Saturated Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 0.0 mg Low Source 0%
- Sodium 9.07 mg Low Source 0%
- Dietary Fiber 2.25 g Low Source 8%
- Total Sugars 4.03 g --
- Added Sugars 3.98 g Moderate 8%
- Calcium 4.72 mg Low Source 0%
- Iron 0.04 mg Low Source 0%
- Potassium 10.06 mg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin A 0.22 mcg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin C 0.02 mg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
No known allergens listed for this recipe. Always double-check ingredients for your needs.
About This Recipe
Old Fashioned Candied Watermelon Rind is made with 5 ingredients and serves 100. It takes about 1 hr 15 mins and is rated hard. Key ingredients include Apple Cider Vinegar, Cinnamon Sticks, Salt, and Water. Each serving provides about 19.24 kcal.
Recipe Questions
- What is Old-Fashioned Candied Watermelon Rind made of?
- The main ingredients are Apple Cider Vinegar, Cinnamon Sticks, Salt, Water, Whole Cloves. The full list of 5 is above.
- How long does it take to make Old-Fashioned Candied Watermelon Rind?
- About 1 hr 15 mins in total: 1 hr to prepare and 15 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 19.24 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Old-Fashioned Candied Watermelon Rind easy to make?
- This recipe is rated hard, with 5 ingredients and 6 steps.
- Is Old-Fashioned Candied Watermelon Rind healthy?
- Old-Fashioned Candied Watermelon Rind has an easyChef Pro health score of 48/100. Per serving, it provides 19.24 calories and 0.02 g of protein, or 0% of the Daily Value. Worth noting per serving: added sugars at 3.98 g (8% of the Daily Value). Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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