Introduction
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you a fun and delicious recipe for making homemade watermelon jelly the old-fashioned way. Join me on this culinary adventure as we explore the process of creating this flavorful treat that will surely impress your taste buds.
Cutting the Watermelon
To begin making watermelon jelly, you’ll need half of a regular-sized watermelon. Using an ice cream scoop or a spoon, dig out the flesh of the watermelon to extract four cups of watermelon juice.
Straining the Watermelon
After crushing the watermelon, strain the flesh to collect all the juice. This juice will serve as the base for your jelly, ensuring a rich watermelon flavor in every bite.
Adjusting Acidity with Lemon Juice
Watermelon is not an acidic fruit, so to make it suitable for jelly-making, you’ll need to add lemon juice to increase its acidity. By adding half a cup of lemon juice, you can lower the pH level of the watermelon juice, making it ideal for jelly production.
Adding Pectin and Sugar
Next, incorporate two packages of pectin into the watermelon juice and lemon mixture. Stir until the pectin dissolves, and then bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Add four and a half cups of sugar and continue boiling for an additional minute.
Canning the Jelly
Once the jelly reaches the desired consistency, it’s time to can it. Clean the jar rims, add lids, and secure them with bands. Allow the jars to seal and cool before indulging in your freshly made watermelon jelly.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
After letting the jelly set overnight, you can admire the beautifully gelled watermelon jelly. With a taste reminiscent of a watermelon Jolly Rancher, this homemade treat is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Have fun creating your own batch of watermelon jelly and savor the sweet flavors of summer captured in a jar!
Questions:
1. How can you adjust the acidity of watermelon juice for jelly-making?
– Adding lemon juice to the watermelon juice helps increase its acidity, making it suitable for jelly production.
2. What is the purpose of pectin in making watermelon jelly?
– Pectin is added to the watermelon juice to help the jelly set and achieve the desired consistency.
3. Why is it important to clean the jar rims before canning the jelly?
– Cleaning the jar rims ensures a proper seal, preventing any contamination and ensuring the jelly stays fresh.
4. How long should you let the jars sit after they seal before consuming the watermelon jelly?
– It is recommended to let the jars sit overnight or at least for about eight hours to allow the jelly to set properly.
5. What is the flavor profile of the watermelon jelly described in the blog post?
– The watermelon jelly is likened to a watermelon Jolly Rancher, offering a sweet and fruity taste that is reminiscent of summer.