Time: About 50 minutes
Big Idea: Savor the unique flavors of watermelon, create beneficial habits to reduce food waste, and experiment with the pickling process.
What You’ll Need:
- One Watermelon
- Vinegar
- Water
- Sugar
- Seasonings/Aromatics (ex: Ginger, Cinnamon, Salt, Peppercorns, Cloves)
- Jalapeños
- Large Saucepan
- Knife
Part 1: Kitchen Prep
- Watermelon Dissection!
Cut a slice of watermelon for your child. Allow them to notice the sections (flesh, rind, skin) and describe the differences. Separate the sections and keep the rind (white portion) for the experiment **please be safe with the knife and keep an eye on your child while in the kitchen**. - Reducing Food Waste!
Allow your child to eat the flesh (pink) of the watermelon and add the skin (green) to the compost. Rather than throwing away the rind we will make pickled watermelon rinds!
Part 2: Pickling Liquid!
- Stir vinegar, water, and sugar in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir consistently until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the seasonings/aromatics that you desire. Allow mixture to boil.
- Add watermelon rinds to the mixture and cook until softened (about five minutes).
- Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool for 30 minutes.
Part 3: Jarring the Melon Rinds!
- While liquid is cooling, divide jalapeño slices between mason jars.
- After watermelon rinds are cooled, divide them into mason jars and fill with pickling liquid.
- Jars can be kept refrigerated for up to two weeks. Let sit for at least 24 hours before opening the jars to eat.
Part 4: Taste and Discuss:
- What flavors are we tasting?
- How do watermelon rind pickles compare to traditional cucumber pickles?
- What is the difference between the pickled rind and the watermelon flesh?
Discussion Topics:
- How can we reduce waste in watermelon?
- What is the importance of reducing waste in our society?
