The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 3290 — Mock Ginger Preserve from Watermelon Rind
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3290 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
Remove the dark green outer skin from watermelon rind, cut the pale rind into small pieces and cook in water. Drain thoroughly in a sieve.
Sprinkle the cooked pieces with powdered ginger, using 1 tablespoon ginger for every glass of cooked rind, and leave in a cold place for a day.
Next day rinse the ginger from the rind with lukewarm water, changing it several times. Measure equal glasses of prepared rind and fine sugar, allowing ¼–½ glass water for each glass sugar.
Make syrup, add the rind and boil until it forms a preserve like any other.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 3290. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.