This Watermelon Pickles recipe, typed on a lined index card from Vintage Recipe Box 400, offers a delightful way to transform watermelon rinds into a sweet and tangy treat. It’s a classic recipe that reflects a time when nothing was wasted in the kitchen, and even the often-discarded watermelon rind was turned into something delicious.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Watermelon Pickles
Food History
Watermelon pickles are a traditional Southern delicacy, dating back to the days when resourceful cooks found ways to use every part of the fruit. The practice of pickling watermelon rinds became particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The sweet and sour flavor, combined with the crisp texture, made them a favorite accompaniment to rich, savory dishes like fried chicken or barbecue.
Looking for a sweet or dill crunch to your recipe box?
View our Pickle Recipes along with history, tips, and more!
Timeline
- 19th Century: The practice of pickling watermelon rinds becomes common in Southern kitchens.
- Early 20th Century: Watermelon pickles gain popularity in cookbooks and household recipes across the United States.
- Today: Watermelon pickles continue to be a nostalgic treat, often enjoyed at family gatherings and special occasions.
Recipe Discussion
This Watermelon Pickles recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something unique and flavorful. The process begins with peeling the watermelon rind and soaking it in a solution of alum and boiling water overnight. Alum is traditionally used in pickling to maintain the crispness of the fruit.
The next day, the rind is drained, boiled, and cooked in a sweet, tangy syrup made from brown sugar, mixed whole spices, and vinegar. After cooking, the pickles are allowed to stand overnight before being reheated and bottled hot. This process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a crisp, sweet, and tangy pickle that’s both refreshing and flavorful.
Preparation Tips
- Alum Use: Alum helps maintain the pickles’ crispness, but it can be omitted if you prefer a more natural method.
- Spice Mix: Experiment with different spice mixes, such as adding cloves or cinnamon sticks, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Storage: Ensure the pickles are bottled hot and sealed properly to extend their shelf life.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish: Serve these pickles alongside savory dishes like roasted meats or barbecue for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Cheese Boards: Add them to a cheese or charcuterie board for a burst of flavor.
- Salads: Chop and mix them into salads for an unexpected twist.
Recommended Products for Making Watermelon Pickles
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes.
- Preserving Jars: High-quality jars are essential for sealing in the freshness of your pickles.
- Jar Lifters: These are useful for safely removing hot jars from boiling water.
- Pickling Spices: A pre-mixed blend can make it easier to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
July is National Pickle Month, and November 14th is National Pickle Day. This day celebrates the crunchy, tangy, and occasionally fiery pickle.
View other Food Holidays.
Bringing Tradition to Your Table
This Watermelon Pickles recipe from Vintage Recipe Box 400 is a charming way to bring a piece of culinary history into your kitchen. The process may require some time, but the result is a jar of pickles with a distinctive flavor that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a treat, these watermelon pickles are sure to be a conversation starter.
Vintage Recipe Box 400 comes to us from Chalfont, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
It is a large white metal box that measures 12” D x 5.5” W x 4” H and has a metal tag that says “American Home Menu Maker.” According to my research, the box was sold in multiple colors for $1 and included 212 “basic recipes” for an additional $.50. (See the image below, which is an order form to purchase the box.)
At this time, we do not know anything about the history of the box. We do show that this box came to us with another box, but at this time, we are not sure if the same person owned them or if the eBay seller grouped them.
View all the vintage recipes from Vintage Recipe Box 400. Click here to view all the Vintage Recipe Boxes we have published in our collection.
Watermelon Pickles Recipe
Watermelon Pickles (VRP 400)
Instructions
Peel rind and cut off all read.
Cut rind in 2 inch pieces, put in bowl with one level tablespoon powdered alum. Cover with boiling water and let stand over nite. In morning drain water, put in preserving kettle, cover with boiling water, cook tender.
Syrup - to 8 lbs. fruit, allow 5 lbs. brown sugar, 1 cup mixed whole spices, 5 pints vinegar. Make syrup of above, add fruit, cook 30 minutes.
Let stand over night, reheat, and bottle hot.