Dulce de patilla

Instructions

1. Cut the watermelon and remove the red flesh, then peel off the thin green outer skin so only the white rind remains.
2. Cut the rind into pieces about 2 cm wide and cook them for 10 minutes in boiling water to soften them, then drain.
3. In a large pot, heat the water with the sugar and cinnamon sticks until fully dissolved.
4. Add the rind pieces and the lemon juice, then let it simmer gently.
5. Keep cooking for about 1 hour, stirring from time to time, until the syrup thickens and the pieces turn translucent.
6. Let it cool, then store in a clean jar or serve as is.