I got this recipe from the same neighbor that made this delicious Mix'n'Bake Cake, so you can be absolutely sure it's preservatives free. So, preserves without preservatives... Cool, right? :)
Another good thing about this recipe is that you don't need the whole watermelon. You will need the rind only, so you can still enjoy in the sweet and juicy flesh.
Let's now proceed to the recipe, and I will tell you some other info and hints as the preparation goes on...
Ingredients needed:
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Directions:
1. Prepare the watermelon rind. I usually save the rind whenever I cut a watermelon and cook the preserves when I have enough rind. So, you need to carefully peel the dark green skin, using a knife or a potato peeler, and leave the light part of the rind with just a little pink flesh. Dice the rind into 2x2cm pieces. It should look like in the photo below. Keep the watermelon dices into the fridge until cooking, unless you cook them right away.
Note that dices' size will be slightly reduced after cooking.
Once you have done this, put the rind into a deep pot and pour some cold water, just enough to cover the dices. Add vinegar and bring it to a boil over high heat. Cook for 5 minutes after it starts boiling and then drain. Put the rind back in the pot and add some cold water again to cover the rind, bring to boiling and cook for 5 minutes, this time without vinegar. Drain. Repeat this procedure 5 or 6 more times, until the rind dices become translucent.
You can add some lemon zest in the last round of cooking for a richer flavor. Drain for the last time.
4. Add cooked and drained watermelon rind into the hot treacle and cook for a few more minutes. The preserves are ready!
5. Put the preserves into glass jars right away, while still hot, and make sure you seal them well. Let the preserves cool completely in room temperature and then keep the jars into cold place. If packed in this way, the preserves can last for a few years!
It's best to use small jars, for example those of 300 ml or smaller and to use the preserves as soon as possible after opening the jar. Store at cold place after opening. |
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Enjoy and bon appétit!