Pickled Watermelon Rind (Polish Version) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 lbs watermelon rind
salt water (use 3 tablespoons salt for each quart of water)
2 lbs sugar
3 cups distilled white vinegar
6 cinnamon sticks (3-inches each)
2 tablespoons whole allspice
2 tablespoons whole cloves
2 tablespoons mustard seeds

Preparation

Cut rind into 1-inch cubes; trim off outer green skin and bright pink flesh.
Soak overnight in enough salted water to cover.
Drain.
Heat sugar and vinegar to boiling.
Tie spices in cheesecloth bag.
If desired, add a few drops red or green food coloring to the rind.
Pack watermelon rind tightly into hot, sterilized jars.
Pour boiling syrup over watermelon to within 1/8-inch from top, making sure vinegar solution covers rind.
Seal each jar at once.