3 Step-by-Step Methods for Making Watermelon Rind Jam + Spices and Cooking Time

According to Saednews, Jam is a sweet preserve made by combining fresh fruit with sugar, and it holds a special place in Iranian breakfast tables. There are many types of jam, and watermelon peel jam is one of them. It is made from the often-discarded part of the watermelon: its peel.

In this recipe, the white inner layer of the watermelon peel—known for its crisp and unique texture—is cooked with a syrup flavored with rose water and cardamom, resulting in a clear, aromatic, and elegant jam. Below is a step-by-step guide to making delicious homemade watermelon peel jam.

Ingredients for Watermelon Peel Jam

• Watermelon peel: 1.5 kg

• Sugar: 1.7 kg

• Strained watermelon juice: 1 liter

• Lemon zest: from half a large lemon

• Fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon

• Citric acid: ¼ teaspoon

• Special watermelon jam spice mix: 1.5 teaspoons

How to Make Watermelon Peel Jam (No Lime Method)

Step 1

For best results, use oval watermelons. Remove all red and pink parts from the peel.

Step 2

Peel off the green outer layer completely, leaving only the white, crisp inner part. Cut it into pieces about 3 cm long and 1 cm wide. You can also use cutters for decorative shapes. Make sure all pieces are uniform in size and thickness.

Step 3

Place the prepared watermelon peel pieces in an enamel or stainless-steel pot. Add cold water until fully covered.

Step 4

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, skim off any foam from the surface using a spoon to ensure a clear jam.

Step 5

Depending on thickness, boil for 5–10 minutes. Then drain and immediately rinse with cold water to preserve color and texture. Let excess water drain completely.

Step 6

In a suitable pot, mix:

• 1200 g sugar

• Prepared watermelon peels

• Watermelon juice (or plain water)

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Skim foam again, then reduce heat to medium-low and partially cover the pot.

Step 7

After some time, add the remaining 500 g sugar and stir. Then add lemon zest, lemon juice, citric acid, and desired spices. Let it simmer gently with the lid slightly open until it thickens.

To test readiness, place a spoonful of syrup on a plate; if it does not spread and stays in place, the jam has reached the right consistency.

Step 8

Stir gently during cooking to avoid breaking the pieces. After turning off the heat, allow the jam to cool completely. Remove any whole spices (like cloves), then transfer to clean, dry jars and store in the refrigerator.

Watermelon Peel Jam with Baking Soda Method

Baking soda helps soften the peel and create a tender texture.

1. Wash 500 g watermelon peel and remove the green outer layer.

2. Cut into small, uniform pieces.

3. Boil in water with ½ teaspoon baking soda for about 10 minutes.

4. Rinse thoroughly to remove any baking soda.

5. In another pot, prepare a sugar syrup (about 400 g sugar + water).

6. Add saffron and rose water for aroma (optional).

7. Add peeled watermelon pieces and cook on low heat.

8. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

9. Simmer for 30–45 minutes until thickened.

10. Cool completely and store in sterilized jars in the refrigerator.

Traditional Method with Lime (Calcium Water)

1. Wash 1 kg watermelon peel and remove the green layer.

2. Cut into small pieces.

3. Soak in lime water (1 tablespoon edible lime in 1 liter water) for 12 hours.

4. Rinse thoroughly several times.

5. Boil until softened (30–60 minutes).

6. Add 1 kg sugar and cook until thick (1–1.5 hours).

7. In the last 15 minutes, add lemon juice, rose water, and cardamom.

8. Cool and store in clean jars in the refrigerator.

Spice Mix for Watermelon Peel Jam

• Nutmeg: ¼ tsp

• Mixed spice: ¼ tsp

• Green cardamom: 1 slightly heaped tsp

• Cloves: 4 pieces

• Ginger powder: ½ tsp

• Cinnamon powder: ⅓ tsp

• Anise powder: ¼ tsp

Tips to Prevent Sugar Crystallization

• Use lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid to make the environment slightly acidic.

• Avoid high heat; strong boiling can cause crystallization.

• If crystallization occurs, reheat with a little water and lemon juice.

Tips to Prevent Mold

• Use enough sugar.

• Ensure the jam is well cooked and thick.

• Store in clean, dry, sterilized jars.

• Use small jars to reduce air exposure.

Serving and Decoration

• Garnish with chopped pistachios, almonds, or walnuts.

• Can be used in cakes and pastries.

Storage

• Use sterilized glass jars (boiled for 10 minutes).

• Fill jars close to the top to minimize air exposure.

• Store in the refrigerator.

Final Note

Total cooking time is approximately 1 hour.
Watermelon peel jam can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or breakfast accompaniment.