Watermelon Rind Preserves - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 lb. prepared watermelon rind
2 lemons
10 small sticks cinnamon (optional)
2 Tbsp. cloves (optional)
5 oz. lime
2 oz. ground ginger
8 c. sugar
2 Tbsp. allspice (optional)

Preparation

To prepare watermelon rind:
Slice rind into uniform strips and remove any pink or green parts.
Cut into about 1-inch pieces. Dissolve the lime in 2 gallons cold water.
Soak rind overnight in cold water and lime.
Drain and rinse through two changes of cold water and soak in clear water for 3 hours.
Add the ginger to 1 gallon water, then add rind and boil 20 minutes.
Add sugar and sliced lemon to 3-quarts fresh water.
Bring to boiling, add rind and if desired, add spices (as above or to taste).
Cook until it is clear and tender.
Pack in clean, hot jars and seal immediately.