🍉 Watermelon Canning Day
Jelly, Juice & Red Hot Rinds – Step-by-Step Guide
📌 In This Article
🍉 The Watermelon Canning Story
"Todays canning project! 🍉Watermelon Jelly, Watermelon Juice, & Red Hot Watermelon Rinds🍉"
"One $5 watermelon at Walmart gave me about 16 cups of watermelon juice!🤯 So I made my hubby some watermelon juice for work. And instead of letting the rinds go to waste I made Red Hot pickled Watermelon rinds!"
This is the ultimate zero-waste canning day! One watermelon yields three different preserves – vibrant jelly, refreshing juice, and sweet-spicy pickled rinds. The colors are absolutely stunning – these jars are the most vibrant gorgeous red jars you'll ever see.
💬 The verdict: "PSA if you haven't had watermelon jelly, you need to! The best darn jelly I've had, ever. 😍😍"
🍉 Watermelon Jelly – Step by Step
YIELD: 4-5 half-pint jars | TIME: 45 minutes | PROCESS: Water bath 10 min
📦 Ingredients
- 🍉 4 cups watermelon juice – strained and clear
- 🍬 4 cups granulated sugar
- 🍋 ¼ cup bottled lemon juice
- 📦 1 box powdered pectin (1.75 oz)
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Extract the Juice
- Cut watermelon into chunks, removing the rind.
- Puree the watermelon flesh in a blender until completely smooth.
- Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove pulp and seeds.
- Measure exactly 4 cups of strained juice.
💡 Pro tip: "For the clearest jelly, strain through several layers of cheesecloth without squeezing."
Step 2 – Cook the Jelly
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the 4 cups of watermelon juice, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a full rolling boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
- Add the pectin all at once, stirring to dissolve.
- Return to a full rolling boil and boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
⚠️ Critical: "Do not overcook the pectin – it can break down and prevent the jelly from setting."
Step 3 – Jar and Process
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam with a metal spoon.
- Ladle the hot jelly into hot, sterilized half-pint jars.
- Leave ¼-inch headspace at the top.
- Remove air bubbles with a non-metallic utensil.
- Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth.
- Apply lids and tighten to fingertip-tight.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude).
- Remove jars and cool on a towel-lined counter for 12-24 hours.
- Check seals – lids should be concave and not flex when pressed.
💡 Pro tip: "The pictures do not do these jars justice! These are the most vibrant gorgeous red jars and I'm obsessed!"
🥤 Watermelon Juice – For Hubby!
YIELD: Varies | TIME: 10 minutes | STORAGE: Refrigerate 5 days or freeze
📦 Ingredients
- 🍉 Fresh watermelon – any amount!
- 🍋 Optional: Lime juice, mint leaves, or a pinch of salt
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Watermelon
- Cut the watermelon into chunks, removing the rind.
- Remove as many seeds as possible.
Step 2 – Blend
- Place the watermelon chunks in a blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth and liquid.
Step 3 – Strain
- Pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh strainer.
- Press gently to extract all the juice.
- Discard the pulp and seeds.
Step 4 – Serve or Store
- Chill the juice in the refrigerator.
- Serve as-is, or add a squeeze of lime juice or fresh mint.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Can also be frozen for longer storage.
💡 Pro tip: "Add bubbly water for a little extra fizz!"
🌶️ Red Hot Pickled Watermelon Rinds – Step by Step
YIELD: 4-5 half-pint jars | TIME: 1 hour | PROCESS: Water bath 10 min
📦 Ingredients
- 🍉 Watermelon rinds – from one large watermelon, white part only
- 🍬 ¼ cup Red Hot candies – per jar
- 🍬 1 cup sugar
- 💧 4 cups water
- 🍎 4 cups white vinegar – 5% acidity
- 🌿 Optional: Cinnamon sticks or whole cloves
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Rinds
- Remove the green outer skin from the watermelon rind.
- Cut away any remaining pink flesh.
- Cut the white rind into 1-inch cubes or strips.
- You should have about 6-8 cups of prepared rind.
💡 Pro tip: "I ended up filling a freezer bag full of the remaining chopped rind since I ran out of red hots – I'll freeze them for later!"
Step 2 – Soak the Rinds (Optional but Recommended)
- To keep rinds crisp, soak in a brine of 1 gallon water + ½ cup salt for 2 hours.
- Rinse well and drain.
Step 3 – Parboil the Rinds
- Place rinds in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 5-10 minutes until tender but still firm.
- Drain well.
⚠️ Important: "The rinds should be tender but still slightly crisp – they'll soften more during canning."
Step 4 – Prepare Jars
- Wash and sterilize 4-5 half-pint jars.
- Place ¼ cup Red Hot candies in the bottom of each jar.
- If using, add a cinnamon stick to each jar.
Step 5 – Pack the Rinds
- Pack the parboiled rinds tightly into the jars over the candies.
- Leave ½-inch headspace at the top.
Step 6 – Make the Brine
- In a large pot, combine 4 cups water, 4 cups vinegar, and 1 cup sugar.
- Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
Step 7 – Fill and Process
- Pour the hot brine over the rinds, leaving ½-inch headspace.
- Remove air bubbles, wipe rims clean, and apply lids.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude).
- Remove jars and cool on a towel-lined counter for 12-24 hours.
💡 Pro tip: "You can move the jars around to dissolve the candies if they are still present after cooling."
Step 8 – Check Seals
- Check seals – lids should be concave and not flex when pressed.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- For best flavor, allow the pickled rinds to cure for 2 weeks before opening.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I can watermelon juice?
Yes – but you need to add acid (lemon juice) and process in a water bath canner for safety.
❓ Why do I need to strain watermelon juice?
Straining removes pulp and seeds, giving a clear, smooth jelly and juice.
❓ What do Red Hot pickled rinds taste like?
"The watermelon doesn't taste like watermelon. Instead it takes on the flavor of sweet pickles or sweet relish, with a hint of cinnamon."
❓ How long does the jelly last?
Up to 18 months in a cool, dark pantry.
❓ Can I use a different candy?
Red Hots are key for that signature cinnamon-sweet flavor and color.
❓ Why are my rinds taking on a red color?
The Red Hots dissolve and dye the rinds a beautiful red – no extra food coloring needed.
❓ Can I use this recipe for other fruits?
The jelly recipe works with other melons, and the pickle method can be used with cucumbers.
❓ What's the best way to serve watermelon jelly?
On toast, with cheese, or as a glaze for meats.
❓ How do I store leftover rinds?
Freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months – perfect for the next canning day!
❓ Why is watermelon jelly so vibrant?
Watermelon has natural red pigments that become even more brilliant when cooked and canned.
❓ How long do pickled rinds need to cure?
At least 2 weeks for the best flavor development.
❓ Can I use this method for watermelon pickles?
Yes – traditional watermelon pickles use a similar method with spices like cinnamon and cloves.
📄 Printable Recipe Cards
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ WATERMELON JELLY ║
║ Vibrant, Sweet & Perfect on Toast ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
YIELD: 4-5 half-pints | PROCESS: 10 min water bath
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cups watermelon juice (strained)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup bottled lemon juice
- 1 box powdered pectin (1.75 oz)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Extract 4 cups of strained watermelon juice.
2. In a large pot, combine juice, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Bring to a full rolling boil.
4. Add pectin, return to boil, and boil exactly 1 minute.
5. Skim foam, jar with ¼" headspace.
6. Process 10 minutes in a water bath.
7. Cool 12-24 hours. Check seals.
STORAGE: 18 months (cool, dark place).
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ WATERMELON JUICE ║
║ Fresh, Refreshing & Easy ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
INGREDIENTS:
- Fresh watermelon chunks
- Optional: lime juice, mint
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Blend watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. Strain through fine-mesh strainer.
3. Chill and serve.
4. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze.
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ RED HOT PICKLED WATERMELON RINDS ║
║ Sweet, Spicy & Zero-Waste ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
YIELD: 4-5 half-pints | PROCESS: 10 min water bath
INGREDIENTS:
- Watermelon rinds (peeled, white part only)
- ¼ cup Red Hot candies per jar
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups water
- 4 cups white vinegar
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Remove green skin and pink flesh. Cut white rind into 1" cubes.
2. Parboil rinds 5-10 minutes. Drain well.
3. Place ¼ cup Red Hots in each jar. Pack rinds tightly on top.
4. Boil water, vinegar, and sugar. Pour over rinds.
5. Process 10 minutes in water bath.
6. Cool 12-24 hours. Let cure 2 weeks.
STORAGE: 18 months (cool, dark place).
"One $5 watermelon at Walmart gave me about 16 cups of watermelon juice!" 🍉✨
© CanningRebels — Watermelon Canning Day | Jelly, Juice & Red Hot Rinds
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