Watermelon is one of the main summer fruits: appreciated because it is refreshing and tasty , and it is also very rich in nutrients and health benefits. However, one of the most interesting parts of the watermelon is discarded: the skin. In this article, we will show you how to make a delicious watermelon peel jam .
To prepare this jam you will need: 1 kilo of watermelon zest (only the white part), 500 grams of powdered sugar, 2 oranges (or 1 lemon) and a little vanilla essence. Try to use an organic watermelon if possible.
To choose the right watermelon skin to prepare the jam, you have to follow the opposite reasoning to what is usually done: you have to choose the one with the thickest white part. While eating the pulp of the fruit, remove the peels until you have 3 lbs.
Remove the outer part (the green part) and discard it, then cut the skin into pieces about 2cm high and 2mm thick. Using a peeler can be a big help.
Put the zest in a fairly large saucepan, with the sugar. Let it marinate for 30 minutes with the orange or lemon juice, which are added to balance the sweet flavor. Finally add the vanilla.
Bring everything to a boil, stirring well every 10 minutes. Let it simmer for at least 1 hour. To check the preparation status, just put a teaspoon of the mixture on a small plate: if it cools and does not flow after 2 minutes, it is ready, otherwise continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Once ready, turn off the heat and mix quickly with an immersion blender.
Store in previously sterilized glass jars. Close tightly and turn the jars upside down to vacuum and let them cool. It is recommended to try the watermelon peel jam a week or two after its preparation.