Lemon Laced Watermelon Rind Candy

MAKES: 24

COOK TIME: 15 Min

Mary S. came up with a candy recipe that the whole family will love, and get this, she did it with the rind of a watermelon! Talk about getting creative! When the Watermelon Board asked people come up with their best watermelon recipes, Mary blew it out of the water with her Lemon Laced Watermelon Rind Candy! What we really love about it though, is the added lemon flavoring! It's a super flavorful and creative combo that took first place in the rind category of the 2018 Use the Whole Watermelon Contest!

What You'll Need

3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups (1/2-inch dice) peeled watermelon rind
1 3/4 cup sugar, divided
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What to Do

In a medium saucepan over high heat, combine water, salt, and watermelon rind; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and boil 10 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and drain well; place in a bowl.
Meanwhile, sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar on a 12- x 12-inch sheet of wax paper.
In the same saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup sugar, the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla. Stir in watermelon rind. Cook 15 to 20 minutes or until mixture is thick, stirring often.
Drain any remaining liquid from mixture and drop by teaspoonfuls onto sugar-coated wax paper. Sprinkle candy tops with remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and let sit 5 minutes.
Gently roll each piece of candy in sugar, completely coating. Cool 10 minutes, then roll in sugar again. Cool completely before placing candies on a serving plate.

Test Kitchen Tip

For more creative watermelon recipes, check out the winners of the 2018 Use the Whole Watermelon Contest, hosted by the Watermelon Board, make sure to click below!
- Pickled Watermelon Rind Bruschetta Bites - Grand Prize Winner
- Watermelon Chutney - 1st Place: Juice
- Watermelon Wedge Steakhouse Salad - 1st Place: Flesh