Summer in a Jar: Sweet Success with Homemade Watermelon Jelly
When the local Meijer store offers an enticing sale on seedless watermelons, it's the perfect opportunity to not only indulge in their refreshing flavor but also experiment with creating something unique.
This week, I decided to turn my fresh watermelon into a delightful batch of homemade watermelon jelly. By blending the watermelon, combining it with sugar, lemon juice, and sure gel fruit pectin, and preserving the jars through canning, I embarked on a journey of transforming this summer fruit into a sweet and vibrant jelly. Join me as I share the recipe and the joy of hearing those satisfying "pings" when the jars seal, signifying a successful batch of homemade watermelon jelly.
Homemade Watermelon Jelly Recipe:
Ingredients:
- - 4 cups of blended seedless watermelon
- - 1/4 cup lemon juice
- - 6 cups granulated sugar
- - 1 box (1.75 oz) Sure Gel fruit pectin
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the canning process. Sterilize your jars, lids, and bands by placing them in a large pot of boiling water for a few minutes. Remove them from the water and set them aside to dry.
2. In a large pot, combine the blended seedless watermelon and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Gradually add the sugar to the watermelon mixture, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Add the Sure Gel fruit pectin and continue boiling for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and ensure proper incorporation.
5. Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam that may have formed on the surface of the jelly.
6. Carefully ladle the hot watermelon jelly into the prepared jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
7. Place the lids and bands on the jars, tightening the bands until they are finger-tight (not overly tight).
8. Process the jars in a boiling water canner for about 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation. Adjust the processing time according to your altitude, if necessary.
9. Once the processing time is complete, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined countertop. Allow the jars to cool undisturbed.
10. As the jars cool, you may hear the satisfying sound of the lids "pinging," indicating a successful seal. This moment of accomplishment is truly rewarding.
11. After the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid is firm and does not move, the jar is properly sealed. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.
Transforming a ripe watermelon into homemade watermelon jelly allows you to capture the essence of this summer fruit and enjoy its sweetness throughout the year.
By blending the watermelon, combining it with sugar, lemon juice, and Sure Gel fruit pectin, and preserving the jars through canning, you can relish in the satisfaction of creating a vibrant and flavorful jelly. The "pings" of sealed jars serve as a testament to your successful culinary adventure. Spread this homemade watermelon jelly onto toast, scones, or use it as a delightful topping for desserts, and let the taste of summer linger on your palate. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and share the joy of homemade preservation with family and friends.
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