Homemade Watermelon Lemonade Concentrate
Preserve the taste of summer with this refreshing Homemade Watermelon Lemonade Concentrate! This delightful concentrate is perfect for canning and allows you to enjoy the sweet flavors of watermelon and tart lemon all year round. Whether you're planning a picnic, a family gathering, or just want a quick refreshment, simply mix it with water, tonic, or soda for a deliciously thirst-quenching beverage. Each pint provides a burst of natural flavor, making it an ideal addition to your pantry. Share this vibrant, summertime favorite with friends and family!
6
Servings
1150
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Watermelon
6 cups (pureed)
Bottled or Fresh Lemon Juice
4 cups (freshly squeezed if possible)
Sugar
6 cups (granulated)
Instructions
1
Begin by pureeing the watermelon in batches using a food processor, blender, or similar device until smooth.
2
Pour the watermelon puree into a large, stainless steel saucepan, placing it over medium-high heat. It's important not to let it boil at any time during this process.
3
Add the lemon juice and sugar to the watermelon puree, stirring well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4
Using a food thermometer, heat the mixture to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring occasionally. Due to the sugar content, the mixture will heat up quickly, so keep a close watch on the thermometer.
5
Once it reaches 190 degrees, remove the saucepan from heat.
6
Prepare your canning jars by sterilizing them. Ladle the hot watermelon lemonade concentrate into the jars, ensuring to leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
7
Carefully wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue before placing the hot lids on top.
8
Tighten the jar rings just to finger tight; do not over-tighten.
9
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
10
Once done, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a clean towel or wire rack.
Nutrition Information
0
Fat
296
Carbs
0
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Watermelon Lemonade Concentrate?
It is a refreshing, storable drink mix made from watermelon, lemon juice, and sugar that can be canned and enjoyed all year round.
How much watermelon do I need for this recipe?
You will need 6 cups of pureed watermelon.
What type of lemon juice should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of bottled or fresh lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe requires 6 cups of granulated sugar.
What equipment can I use to puree the watermelon?
You can use a food processor, blender, or similar device to puree the watermelon in batches until smooth.
Should I boil the watermelon puree mixture?
No, it is important not to let the mixture boil at any time during the heating process.
What is the target temperature for the concentrate?
You should heat the mixture to exactly 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why should I use a food thermometer?
A thermometer is necessary because the sugar content causes the mixture to heat up quickly, and you must stop at 190 degrees.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, which typically equates to 6 pint jars.
What is the calorie count for this concentrate?
The total recipe contains approximately 1150 calories.
Does this recipe contain any fat?
No, this watermelon lemonade concentrate contains 0 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
The recipe contains approximately 296 grams of carbohydrates.
What amount of headspace should be left in the jars?
You should leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each canning jar.
How long should the jars be processed in a water bath?
The jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
How do I serve the watermelon lemonade concentrate?
Simply mix the concentrate with water, tonic, or soda for a refreshing beverage.
Is it necessary to sterilize the jars?
Yes, you should prepare and sterilize your canning jars before ladling in the hot concentrate.
What type of saucepan is best for this recipe?
A large, stainless steel saucepan is recommended for heating the puree mixture.
Why do I need to wipe the jar rims?
Wiping the rims with a clean cloth removes residue to ensure the lids seal properly.
How tight should I screw the jar rings?
Tighten the jar rings just to finger tight; do not over-tighten them.
Where should the jars cool after processing?
Let the jars cool on a clean towel or a wire rack after removing them from the canner.
Can I store this concentrate in my pantry?
Yes, once properly processed and sealed, this concentrate is an ideal addition to your pantry.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include beverages, watermelon, lemonade, canning, and summer recipes.
Does this recipe have any protein?
No, the recipe contains 0 grams of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is a summertime favorite perfect for picnics and family gatherings.
How many ingredients are needed?
This recipe is simple and only requires 3 main ingredients: watermelon, lemon juice, and sugar.
Can I use this as a base for soda?
Yes, mixing it with soda is a recommended way to enjoy the concentrate.
What is the carbohydrate source in this recipe?
The carbohydrates come from the natural fruit sugars in the watermelon and the added granulated sugar.
Is this a good gift idea?
Yes, homemade canned concentrates are great for sharing with friends and family.
Can I use frozen watermelon?
While the recipe specifies fresh watermelon for pureeing, thawed frozen watermelon may work though texture may vary.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients (watermelon, lemon juice, and sugar) are naturally gluten-free.