The best recipes for canned melon in jars, like pineapple for the winter, with and without sterilization

Even melon can be preserved for the winter and enjoyed for its wonderful flavor out of season. This sweet and honeyed fruit can be preserved in a variety of ways. Adding cloves, cinnamon, or vanilla will enhance the aroma and flavor beyond all expectations. Another interesting option is preserving melon for the winter in jars, like pineapple. The flavor of this melon becomes as close to that of a ripe, juicy pineapple as possible.

General principles of preparation

To preserve the sweet fruit in containers, you first need to prepare the melon and make syrup. All containers for canning must be heat-treated. You can sterilize the jars beforehand by holding them over steam for a few minutes.

A thorough cleaning of the jars with a soda solution and sterilization of already filled jars are also acceptable. Filled jars are then heat-treated in a wide pan of boiling water. After all these procedures, the jars are turned over and covered.

Selecting and preparing the main ingredients

Only a few popular varieties of this juicy berry are often available commercially. It's recommended to choose heavy, elongated fruits. This variety is best suited for canning and long-term storage.

You need to focus on volume - the largest fruits are much sweeter.

Sometimes you might encounter a problem when cooking melon: it quickly loses its shape and becomes overcooked. To avoid this, it's best to choose fruits with orange flesh. They are much firmer and denser. For winter preservation, choose berries that are not too overripe or varieties with fibrous and crumbly flesh. The melon should be brushed, cut into slices, and the seeds removed.

Cooking recipes

Preserving this juicy and aromatic berry at home isn't difficult if you follow the recipe and technique precisely. This sweet ingredient can be used to make a variety of dishes: jam, preserves, compotes, marshmallows, and marmalade. It's also recommended to preserve melon pieces, which taste similar to pineapple.

In the case of melon, you can experiment and choose the most sophisticated recipes and methods for winter preservation.

With ginger

Pickled melon paired with grated ginger creates a unique flavor combination. This recipe delivers a rich aroma and vibrant flavor, making it a true connoisseur's delight.

The ingredients listed are for a liter container. Ingredients:

• one medium melon;
• 150 grams of sugar;
• a pinch of lemon salt;
• filtered water;
• 70 grams of grated ginger root.

How to make: Prepare the main ingredient: cut the berries into small slices. Ginger root can be sliced ​​or grated. Sterilize the containers and place the ginger root in them. Add the slices of sweet fruit and sprinkle with sugar. Don't forget to add citric acid. Bring the liquid to a boil in a separate container and pour boiling water over all the ingredients.

Heat treatment: place the jars containing the mixture in a pot of boiling water and let them sit for 10 minutes. Only then should they be sealed, turned upside down, and allowed to cool.

With pineapple

When paired harmoniously with pineapple juice, you can achieve a wonderful result – a delicate, sweet, and slightly tart melon preserve. Adding this preserve to a salad or dessert creates a culinary masterpiece with a unique flavor. Ingredients:

• two small melons;
• 100 milliliters of table vinegar;
• 1.5 liters of filtered water;
• 500 grams of sugar;
• a few carnation buds;
• medium pineapple.

How to prepare: Prepare the canning jars in advance – wash them thoroughly with a baking soda solution and heat them. Peel the main ingredient and cut into medium cubes. Peel the pineapple and cut into thick wedges. Then, take the cloves and place them in the bottom of the container for sealing. Add the pineapple and sliced ​​melon.

Next, prepare the sweet syrup. Bring water, sugar, and vinegar to a boil in a separate saucepan. Pour the hot solution into the jars and sterilize them. Soak the jars in a pan of boiling water for 15 minutes. Roll them up, turn them over, and store.

In spiced syrup

To preserve sweet berries using this method, you'll need to add spices and a splash of liquor. This combination of flavors creates a unique aroma and makes a wonderful addition to any holiday table. This original recipe will be a hit with many. Ingredients:

• two medium fruits;
• a pair of carnation buds;
• 600 grams of sugar;
• half a liter of filtered water;
• 250 milliliters of port wine;
• cinnamon;
• a packet of vanillin.

How to prepare: Peel the main product, cut it in half, and, using a special cutlery, form small balls from the pulp. In a separate bowl, combine water, cloves, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. Then place the melon balls in the bowl and add the port wine.

Turn off the burner, cover with a lid, and let the syrup steep for 10 minutes. Remove the balls from the container with a slotted spoon and bring the syrup back to a boil. Then repeat the process: place the circles in the syrup and wait until it cools completely. Then transfer the circles to sterile containers, pour the syrup over them, and seal. Store the mixture.

Without sterilization

To minimize the time it takes to prepare winter pickled snacks, you can choose the perfect recipe. One such quick and easy method is a recipe that doesn't require sterilization. The flavor and shelf life of this preserve remain the same, while the time it takes to prepare other preserves is significantly longer.

Ingredients:

• one medium melon;
• 2 liters of filtered water;
• half a lemon;
• a faceted glass of sugar.

How to prepare: Wash, peel, and cut the main sweet product into small cubes. Bring the liquid to a boil in a separate container and place the melon cubes in it. Let it simmer for a few minutes and then pour in the lemon juice, which has been squeezed first. Add the specified amount of sugar and simmer the mixture for half an hour. Pour the sweet syrup into clean containers and preserve. Invert the containers and let them cool completely. Store the mixture.

In honey with cinnamon

A wealth of spicy ingredients and fragrant honey make for a unique and incredibly delicious preserve. If you're looking for new, incredible flavor combinations, you should definitely try this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium melons;
• 150 grams of runny honey;
• a pinch of salt;
• cinnamon stick;
• 100 grams of sugar;
• carnation;
• 200 milliliters of vinegar;
• allspice.

How to prepare: Prepare the base of the recipe: peel and cut into small cubes. Place the spices, honey, salt, and sugar in a small saucepan. Pour in the liquid and make a sweet syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the diced cucumbers. Simmer for 15 minutes to release the juices.

After the time has elapsed, pour in the specified amount of vinegar, mix, and remove from the stove. Place the main component in sterilized containers and pour the hot syrup over it. Sterilize in the oven. Turn the containers over, let them cool, and then store them.

Best before date

Canned melon preparationFully pre-canned and prepared according to all standards, can be stored for up to 10 months. After this shelf life, the flavor of the preserves deteriorates significantly, and the packaging may even spoil completely. If the containers are not stored in a cool place, the shelf life is reduced to several months.

How to store prepared foods at home

Many factors depend on how correctly the product was preserved. If any rules were violated, the product, even if stored correctly, may spoil. The optimal storage temperature for sweet preserves is between 8 and 16 degrees Celsius. The product should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Keeping the plant in sub-zero temperatures is also prohibited. For indoor storage, a temperature no higher than 20 degrees Celsius is suitable. However, in this case, find a secluded, dark, and preferably cool place.