This candy watermelon makes great use of watermelon rinds. Instead of throwing the rinds away, turn them into a sweet treat with sugar, mint, and sweet basil. You can roll the dehydrated candy pieces in coarse sugar if you like.
Prep Time::20 mins
Cook Time::10 mins
Additional Time:: 6 hrs
Total Time:: 6 hrs 30 mins
Servings::12
Ingredients
1 watermelon rind, peeled
4 cups water
4 cups white sugar
½ cup spearmint leaves, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon dried sweet basil
Directions
Cut watermelon rind into 2-inch long, 1-inch wide, and 1/2-inch thick pieces.
Combine water, sugar, spearmint, and basil in a large pot. Bring to a rolling boil. Strain out spearmint and basil. Add watermelon rind, making sure pieces are completely immersed. Cook until rind is soft, about 5 minutes.
Drain watermelon pieces and arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dry according to the manufacturer's instructions until pieces are candied, 6 to 8 hours.
Cook’s Note
Stevia, xylitol, dextrose, and other sugar substitutes may be used for this recipe.
If you are using dried mint, reduce the amount to 2 tablespoons.
We have replaced the mint or basil with tea blends to give the syrup and final candy different flavor twists. Green tea with mint was delicious!
Eat the candy immediately or store it in the freezer for up to a year.
Editor's Note:
Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of sugar. The actual amount of sugar consumed will vary.