Watermelon Rind Jam

 Ingredients: The thick rind of a watermelon, 0.5 kg of sugar, lemon essence (juice from 5-6 lemons)

To prepare a delicious watermelon jam, it is essential to choose a well-ripened watermelon with juicy and fragrant flesh, whether you opt for a red or yellow variety. The first step is to peel the green part of the rind, making sure to remove all impurities. Then, using a sharp knife, scrape the flesh, being careful to obtain pieces of about 1 cm. These cubes will form the base of your jam.

After you have prepared the flesh, take a suitable pan or pot to cook the jam. Place the watermelon cubes in the pan, add a small amount of water, just enough to cover the bottom of the pan. Then, place the pan over medium heat. It is important to stir occasionally so that the watermelon does not stick to the bottom of the pan. If you notice that the liquid reduces too much, you can add a little water, but be careful not to hinder the cooking process.

After a few minutes, the watermelon cubes will soften, and the pleasant aroma will begin to spread throughout the kitchen. That is the moment to add sugar and lemon juice. The amount of sugar can vary depending on your preferences, but a balanced ratio will ensure a perfect jam. The success of this recipe depends on the attention given to boiling. Let the mixture boil until the cubes become glossy, being careful not to boil them too much, as the jam can take on a caramel taste, which is not desired.

If, by chance, you have boiled the jam too long, you can correct the taste by adding more lemon juice. This will bring the jam back to a fresh and balanced flavor. When the jam is ready, add a crushed aspirin tablet, which will help preserve it, mixing well to ensure it is evenly distributed.

Now it is time to transfer the jam into jars. Make sure that the jars are well cleaned and sterilized to prevent contamination. Place the jam in jars, filling them to the brim. After you have sealed the jars with lids, turn them upside down on a flat surface. This method will help create a vacuum, which will improve the shelf life.

Let the jars cool completely in this position, after which you can store them in the pantry for future use. Watermelon jam will be a perfect delicacy to sweeten your mornings, whether you serve it on toast or as a filling for cakes or tarts. Enjoy the taste of summer with every spoonful, even on cold winter days!

 Tags:  sugar lemon sweetness gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes fat-free recipes