The simplest recipes for making candied watermelon rinds for the winter at home

Candied fruit is an unusual treat made by simmering the fruit or its rinds in sweet syrup. This delicacy is enjoyed on its own, but candied fruit is equally prized for decorating baked goods. Making candied fruit from watermelon rinds is an interesting recipe. For those who enjoy combining flavors, adding various additives and fruits to the recipe is a great idea.

What you need to know about candied watermelon rinds?

This unique treat can replace store-bought sweets, which aren't always healthy, as candied fruit is free of harmful substances, preservatives, and other additives. This product is completely natural and healthy, except for the large amount of sugar. Watermelon rinds contain beneficial elements and have an incredible aroma.

Selecting and preparing the main ingredient

It's best to use thick watermelon rinds as the main ingredient. You should also trim off the green top layer and remove the pulp.

Tip! Keep in mind that the peel will lose a significant amount of moisture during the cooking and drying process. So, you'll get much less candied fruit.

The main component is thoroughly washed and dried. It can be cut into any desired pieces.

Recipes for candied watermelon rinds

By following these basic tips and tricks, you can create a delicious treat from your leftover watermelon and create your own unique recipe. Colorful, tart, sweet—candied fruit comes in a variety of flavors. They can be sprinkled with powdered sugar, grated chocolate, or maple syrup. This delicacy will replace regular candy and make a unique addition to ice cream or jelly.

The easiest recipe for winter

This quick recipe allows you to make unusual sweets in simple, home-cooked conditions. Ingredients:

• 500 milliliters of water;
• 1 kilogram of sugar;
• 1.5 kilograms of watermelon rinds;
• a pinch of powdered sugar.

Directions: Cut the peels into small pieces, cover with liquid, and simmer for 10 minutes. Then transfer to cool water. Next, prepare a sweet syrup. To do this, pour water into a cooking vessel and sweeten it. Cook until the sugar dissolves. Add the peels and simmer for 6 minutes. Repeat this process 5 times, with a 10-hour break between each. Afterwards, dry the peels, place them on a baking sheet, and bake in the oven for 1 hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

With lemon

You can also make candied fruit with lemon—this will give it a slightly tart flavor, adding a little zest to the treat. Ingredients:

• 1.5 kilograms of the main component;
• 1.7 kilograms of sugar;
• 3 glasses of water;
• one lemon.

How to make: Make a sweet syrup. Place the watermelon remains in it and simmer for 15 minutes. Cool the concoction. After a few hours, repeat the process several more times. During the final process, add lemon juice and zest. Drain the liquid and transfer the candied fruit to a sheet or other container to dry. Sprinkle with sugar and let it sit for at least 24 hours.

With orange

If you cook candied fruit with orange zest, this treat will have a beautiful color and a rich aftertaste. Ingredients:

• 2 oranges;
• 1.5 kilograms of leftovers;
• 1.8 kilograms of sugar.

Directions: Soak all ingredients for 6 hours. Then rinse and dry. Add sugar and lemon zest. Boil until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let sit overnight. Repeat the process one more time. Place on a baking sheet and allow to dry naturally. Dust with powdered sugar.

With soda

Using a baking soda solution, you can create soft and delicious treats. Ingredients:

• 4 kilograms of crusts;
• 2 kilograms of sugar;
• a teaspoon of soda;
• 2 glasses of water.

How to prepare: Pierce the chopped peels with a toothpick. Pour water and baking soda into a container. Add the main ingredient and add more water. Let sit for 3 hours. Drain and rinse the peels. Place them in a saucepan, add sugar and water. Boil for half an hour. Repeat this process 3 more times. Let the candied peels dry in the oven at 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) and sprinkle with sugar.

With ginger

Candied fruits can also be made with the addition of various spices for a richer aroma and flavor. Ingredients:

• 2 kilograms of base;
• 1.5 kilograms of sugar;
• a teaspoon of ground ginger.

Directions: Chop and rinse the main ingredient. Add sugar and let steep for 6 hours. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool and repeat. Add the spice. Place on a sheet or bowl and dry in the oven at 50 degrees Celsius. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

In a multicooker

Making candied fruit using a kitchen appliance is a quick and easy method.

Ingredients:

• 2 kilograms of base;
• a liter of water;
• 2 kilograms of sugar;
• powdered sugar.

How to prepare: Soak the main ingredient for a few days. Rinse it and place it in a kitchen appliance. Add water and select the steam setting for 20 minutes. Add sugar and select the "Pilaf" setting—the time is set automatically. Dry in the oven and dust with powdered sugar.

In an electric dryer

Making candied fruit is easy, and a special dehydrator will save you time and effort. How to prepare: chop the main ingredient, place it in the dehydrator, and sprinkle with sugar. Activate several cycles for better absorption. Boil in the sweet syrup for 20 minutes. Transfer the fruit to a baking sheet and dehydrate at 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Dust with powdered sugar. You can check for doneness: the candied fruit should not stick to your hands or be too soft.

Storage

This unusual yet exquisite delicacy made from watermelon rinds will keep for quite a long time. But this is only possible if stored properly.

Place the candied fruit in a dry jar or other container and cover with a lid. A paper or plastic bag will also work. Just be sure to keep it away from moisture or liquid. This treat will keep for about a year.