Watermelon Rind Preserves

From Taste of Tennessee magazine.

• Ready In: 7 hrs 45 mins
• Yields: 3 quarts

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. Dissolve salt in 2 quarts of water.
2. Pour over rind and let stand 5 to 6 hours.
3. Drain, rinse and drain again.
4. Cover with cold water and let stand 3 minutes.
5. Drain.
6. Sprinkle ginger over rind.
7. Cover with water and cook until fork tender.
8. Drain.
9. Combine sugar, lemon juice and 7 cups water.
10. Boil 5 minutes and add rind.
11. Boil adn cook until rind is clear.
12. Pack into hot jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
13. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids.
14. Process 5 minutes in a boiling water bath.