🍉 Watermelon Magic
$6, 2 Families, 4 Batches, Zero Waste!
📌 In This Article
🍉 The Watermelon Magic Story
"One of many reasons I love canning. This $6 watermelon fed two families, made 2 batches of Watermelon Jelly, and 2 batches of Watermelon Rind Preserves. Literally no waste!"
This is why I love canning. One simple $6 watermelon — and look what it turned into:
- 🍉 Fresh watermelon – Fed two families
- 🍉 2 batches of Watermelon Jelly – Sweet, vibrant, and delicious
- 🍉 2 batches of Watermelon Rind Preserves – Tangy, spiced, and unique
💬 The magic: "This $6 watermelon fed two families, made 2 batches of Watermelon Jelly, and 2 batches of Watermelon Rind Preserves. Literally no waste!"
When you can, nothing goes to waste. The fruit, the juice, the rind — everything gets used. That's not just frugal — that's smart.
💬 The lesson: "One of many reasons I love canning. Literally no waste!"
♻️ The Zero-Waste Breakdown
One Watermelon = Zero Waste!
♻️Fresh Fruit
Fed two families!
Watermelon Jelly
2 batches!
Rind Preserves
2 batches!
Total Cost: $6 | Total Yield: 4 Batches + Fresh Fruit!
Literally no waste — every part of the watermelon was used!
🥫 Recipe 1: Watermelon Jelly
Ingredients
- 🍉 4 cups watermelon juice – From the flesh
- 🍬 4 cups sugar
- 🍋 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 📦 1 box (1.75 oz) Sure-Jell
💡 Pro tip: "Strain the juice well for a clear, beautiful jelly!"
Instructions
Step 1 – Juice the Watermelon
- Cut watermelon and remove the flesh from the rind.
- Blend the flesh and strain to get 4 cups of juice.
- Save the rind for the preserves!
Step 2 – Combine and Cook
- In a large pot, combine watermelon juice and Sure-Jell.
- Bring to a rolling boil.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Boil for 1-2 minutes.
Step 3 – Jar and Process
- Pour into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
🍬 Recipe 2: Watermelon Rind Preserves
Ingredients
- 🍉 4 cups watermelon rind – Peeled and cubed
- 🍬 4 cups sugar
- 🍋 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 💧 1 cup water
- 🌿 1 tsp cinnamon
- 🌰 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 🌿 1/2 tsp cloves
💡 Pro tip: "Use the white part of the rind — not the green outer skin!"
Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Rind
- Peel the green outer skin from the rind.
- Cut the white rind into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2 – Cook the Rind
- In a large pot, combine rind, water, lemon juice, and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender.
Step 3 – Add Sugar and Can
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Cook until the rind is translucent and the syrup thickens.
- Pour into hot jars and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
💡 Pro tip: "These preserves are amazing on toast or as a topping for ice cream!"
💡 Pro Tips for Watermelon Canning
- 🍉 Choose a ripe watermelon: It should be heavy and sound hollow when tapped.
- 🔪 Save everything: The flesh for jelly, the rind for preserves.
- 🧃 Strain well: A fine mesh strainer gives clear, beautiful jelly.
- 🌿 Don't skip the spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make the preserves amazing.
- 🫙 Use hot jars: Always start with sterilized, hot jars.
- ♻️ Zero waste: Every part of the watermelon gets used!
💡 Pro tip: "This $6 watermelon fed two families, made 2 batches of Watermelon Jelly, and 2 batches of Watermelon Rind Preserves. Literally no waste!"
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use any watermelon?
Yes! Any ripe watermelon works.
❓ How long does watermelon jelly last?
Up to 1 year when properly canned.
❓ What do watermelon rind preserves taste like?
They taste like sweet, spiced pickled watermelon — unique and delicious!
❓ Can I use the green rind?
No — peel off the green outer skin first.
❓ How many jars does this make?
About 4-5 half-pint jars per batch.
❓ Can I add other spices?
Yes! Ginger or allspice are great additions.
❓ Is this really zero waste?
Yes! Every part of the watermelon is used.
❓ Can I use a pressure canner?
Water bath canning works for both recipes.
❓ How do I serve the preserves?
On toast, biscuits, or as a dessert topping.
❓ Will I ever waste a watermelon again?
Probably not! This is the way.
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ WATERMELON MAGIC ║
║ $6, 2 Families, 4 Batches, Zero Waste! ║
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RECIPE 1: WATERMELON JELLY
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INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cups watermelon juice
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 box (1.75 oz) Sure-Jell
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Juice watermelon and strain to get 4 cups juice.
2. Combine juice and Sure-Jell. Bring to a rolling boil.
3. Add sugar, boil 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour into hot jars, leave 1/4" headspace.
5. Process in water bath for 10 minutes.
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RECIPE 2: WATERMELON RIND PRESERVES
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INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cups watermelon rind (peeled, cubed)
- 4 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cloves
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Peel green skin from rind. Cut white rind into 1" cubes.
2. Cook rind with water, lemon juice, and spices until tender.
3. Add sugar, cook until translucent.
4. Pour into hot jars, process in water bath for 10 minutes.
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ZERO WASTE! ♻️
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"One of many reasons I love canning. This $6 watermelon
fed two families, made 2 batches of Watermelon Jelly,
and 2 batches of Watermelon Rind Preserves.
Literally no waste!" 🍉❤️
© CanningRebels — Watermelon Magic
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