Watermelon Rind Pickles

Watermelon Rind Pickles are a sweet and tangy preserve made from the firm, white part of the watermelon rind, typically cooked in a spiced sugar syrup. This traditional recipe, often associated with the American South and other resourceful cuisines, transforms a part of the fruit usually discarded into a unique condiment or snack. The key ingredients are watermelon rind, sugar, vinegar, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.

🍳 View the full Watermelon Rind Pickles recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the added sugar, with negligible fat or protein. It provides some vitamin C and hydration from the rind itself, but is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar content. A typical serving (about 2 tablespoons) contains roughly 50-70 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	0.5 g
Carbs	11 g
Fat	0 g
Fiber	0.8 g
Sugar	9 g
Sodium	350 mg
Potassium	120 mg
Vitamin C	10 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Vitamin A	150 IU
Magnesium	10 mg
Phosphorus	15 mg
Manganese	0.1 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a classic example of 'waste-not, want-not' cooking, turning kitchen scraps into a valued pantry item. Nutritionally, it's interesting because the rind itself contains citrulline, an amino acid also found in the flesh, which is studied for its potential health benefits.