PICKLED WATERMELON-RIND RELISH

Pickled Watermelon-Rind Relish image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Yield Makes about 3 1/2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 watermelon (about 20 pounds)
1 gallon water
1/2 cup coarse salt
3 cups sugar
2 cups cider vinegar
2 teaspoons cloves
2 teaspoons allspice
1 cinnamon stick
1 half-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
1 lemon, thinly sliced

Steps:

Using a sharp knife, slice watermelon in half lengthwise; scoop out flesh, and reserve for another use. Scrape rind with a large metal spoon to remove all traces of pink. Cut rind crosswise into 1-inch-wide strips. Using a sharp knife, peel green skin from rind, and discard; cut away any bruises or bad spots. Slice rind into 2-inch lengths.
In a large nonreactive bowl, combine the water and salt. Add watermelon rind; let soak overnight, covered, at room temperature. Rinse 2 or 3 times in fresh cold water, and drain well in a colander.
Heat sugar and vinegar in a nonreactive stockpot over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Add the remaining ingredients and the watermelon rind, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer; cover, and cook 30 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand overnight at room temperature.
Transfer watermelon relish to jars or airtight containers; cover, and store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.