Watermelon Rind Pickles

This recipe application for watermelon rind pickles is the finest thing you can do with a watermelon besides the norm.

Watermelon Rind Pickles

Ingredients:
2 pounds Watermelon Rinds
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
2 ounces  candied or crystalized ginger chunks (1/4 cup)
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon red pepper flake
1 teaspoon allspice berries
1 star anise pod

Directions:
Scoop out melon leaving about 1/4-1/2 inch of red flesh.
Peel off outer green with vegetable peeler and then cut into 1-inch cubes.
Bring the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, ginger, salt and spices to a boil over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan (2-quart). Hold the boil for 60 seconds then carefully add the watermelon. Return to a boil and turn off the heat. Remove the pan from the heat and cool for 30 minutes.
Move the pickles to a 2-quart jar using a canning funnel and ladle. Pour on as much of the pickling juice as possible. Cover the jar and leave at room temperature for another one and half hours. Refrigerate overnight and consume within a month. These pickles must be refrigerated.