Watermelon Rind Preserves

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 quarts watermelon rind, trimmed, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 4 tablespoons salt
• 2 quarts cold water
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 4 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 7 cups water
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

Directions

1. 1

   Dissolve salt in 2 quarts of water.

2. 2

   Pour over rind and let stand 5 to 6 hours.

3. 3

   Drain, rinse and drain again.

4. 4

   Cover with cold water and let stand 3 minutes.

5. 5

   Drain.

6. 6

   Sprinkle ginger over rind.

7. 7

   Cover with water and cook until fork tender.

8. 8

   Drain.

9. 9

   Combine sugar, lemon juice and 7 cups water.

10. 10

    Boil 5 minutes and add rind.

11. 11

    Boil adn cook until rind is clear.

12. 12

    Pack into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.

13. 13

    Wipe jar rims and adjust lids.

14. 14

    Process 5 mintues in a boiling water bath.