Watermelon rind preserves

Ingredients:

1-1/2 qts. prepared watermelon rind (about 6 cups)
4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
4 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup thinly sliced lemon (about 1 medium lemon)

Preparation:

Rind:

Trim the green skin and pink flesh from the rind.
Cut into 1-inch pieces.
Dissolve the salt in 8 cups of water and pour over the rind.
Let stand 5 to 6 hours. Drain, rinse and drain again.
Cover with cold water and let stand 30 minutes.
Drain. Sprinkle the ginger over the rind.
Cover with water and cook until fork-tender. Drain.

Preserves:

Combine the sugar, lemon juice and 6 cups water in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Boil for 5 minutes. Add the rind and boil gently for 30 minutes or until syrup thickens.
Add sliced lemon and cook until the rind is transparent.
Pack hot into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space.
Remove air bubbles. Adjust caps. Process 20 minutes in boiling water bath.