Description
Watermelon Honey is a natural sweet syrup made by simmering fresh watermelon juice until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. This refreshing and versatile homemade sweetener captures the juicy flavor of ripe watermelon and can be used as a topping for desserts, pancakes, or in beverages. It requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it a perfect project for summer.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed ripe watermelon (seedless)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance flavor)
Instructions
- Blend the Watermelon: Add watermelon cubes to a blender and blend until smooth, creating a fresh watermelon puree.
- Strain the Puree: Pour the blended watermelon through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large saucepan to remove pulp and solids, ensuring a smooth juice base.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Stir in lemon juice to brighten and enhance the flavor of the watermelon juice.
- Bring to Boil: Heat the watermelon juice over medium-high heat until it gently boils, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer.
- Simmer and Reduce: Let the juice simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Cool and Store: Allow the thickened watermelon syrup to cool slightly before pouring it into a clean jar or bottle. The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Refrigerate: Store the watermelon honey in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use seedless watermelon for smoother syrup and easier preparation.
- Lemon juice is optional but helps balance sweetness and preserve color.
- The syrup thickens more upon cooling, so do not over-reduce during cooking.
- Store in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Watermelon honey can be used as a natural sweetener for drinks, desserts, or breakfast foods.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
