Introduction Watermelon juice is the quintessential summer drink — refreshing, hydrating, and deliciously sweet. But what if you could enjoy this favorite beverage even when watermelons are out of season? With the right techniques, you can store watermelon juice for up to 12 months, ensuring that you can savor a taste of summer any time of the year. Here’s how to do it, along with some handy tips on cutting watermelon for juicing.
Preparing and Juicing Your Watermelon To start, choose a ripe, juicy watermelon. It should feel heavy for its size, and have a creamy yellow spot where it rested on the ground. Here’s how to cut and juice your watermelon:
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Wash the Exterior: Rinse the watermelon under cold water to remove any dirt and residues from the rind.
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Slice it Up: Cut the watermelon in half, then into quarters. This makes it manageable and safer to handle.
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Remove the Rind: Slice the pink flesh away from the rind, then chop it into chunks that will fit easily into your juicer or blender.
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Juice the Watermelon: Process the chunks through your juicer, or blend them and strain the mixture to remove the pulp.
Storing the Juice Once you have your fresh watermelon juice, it’s time to store it:
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Sterilize Your Containers: Use glass jars for the best results. Sterilize them by boiling in water for 10 minutes to eliminate any bacteria that could spoil the juice.
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Fill the Jars: Pour the watermelon juice into the sterilized jars, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion if you’re freezing it.
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Seal and Store: Tightly seal the jars. If you’re storing the juice in the freezer, make sure the lids are secure but not too tight as the liquid will expand. For long-term storage without freezing, consider adding a preservative like citric acid or use a canning process to vacuum-seal the jars.
Conclusion With these simple steps, your watermelon juice can be a delightful treat even in the colder months. Whether you’re looking for a cool drink on a sunny autumn afternoon or a reminder of summer in the heart of winter, stored watermelon juice can bring a burst of sweetness and hydration whenever you desire. So next time you see watermelons on sale, remember this method and prepare yourself a stash of summer goodness to enjoy all year round!
