How to

How to Make Delicious, Crispy Winter Melon Preserves at Home

"Discover the secret to creating a traditional treat with a modern twist. Our unique method for making preserved gourd candy will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends. This delicious delicacy is a timeless favorite, and with our easy-to-follow guide, you'll be able to master the art of making it yourself. Imagine being able to offer your guests a taste of this mouth-watering treat, made with your own special touch. It's time to unlock the potential of this humble vegetable and transform it into something extraordinary. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave a lasting impression."

Administrator

10 July, 2024

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Ingredients for Preserved Winter Melon

Winter melon: 1kg
Sugar: 800g
Lime water
Lemon
Vanilla extract

Steps to Make Preserved Winter Melon

Step 1: Peel and Remove the Seeds from the Winter Melon

Choose ripe and fragrant winter melons for a more delicious preserve. Peel and remove the seeds, keeping only the flesh. Rinse and cut into pencil-shaped strips about 6-7cm long.

Step 2: Soak the Winter Melon in Rice Water Overnight for Whiteness

Soak the winter melon in rice water overnight to achieve a whiter color.

Step 3: Soak in Lime Water for a Day

Prepare lime water by mixing 200g of edible lime with 10 liters of water. Use the clear water on top for soaking. This step helps remove sourness and firms up the melon, preventing it from disintegrating during cooking. After a day, rinse the melon thoroughly.

Step 4: Blanch and Sun-Dry the Winter Melon

Bring a pot of water to a boil and add half a squeezed lemon. Blanch the melon for about 5 minutes, then rinse once or twice. If the weather permits, sun-dry the melon; otherwise, use a microwave oven for about 20 minutes. This step significantly enhances the whiteness of the melon.

Step 5: Boil the Winter Melon Again

After sun-drying or microwave drying for 30 minutes, boil the melon again with half a squeezed lemon, just like the previous step. Rinse and sun-dry or microwave dry again. By now, the melon should be noticeably whiter. For an even whiter result, repeat this step.

Step 6: Soak the Winter Melon in Sugar for a Day and a Night

The ideal ratio for this step is 1kg of melon to 800g of sugar. Soak the melon in sugar for a day and a night, occasionally stirring to ensure even coating. The melon is ready for the next step when it turns white.

Step 7: Cook the Preserved Winter Melon

After a day and a night of soaking, it’s time to cook the preserve. Start with low heat, and as the syrup reduces, increase the frequency of stirring. You can add grapefruit essence or vanilla for extra fragrance. When the mixture starts to feel heavy, further reduce the heat if possible.

Continue cooking on low heat until the sugar crystallizes. Then, while still on the stove at the lowest heat setting, keep stirring for another 15 minutes until the preserve is completely dry. Wear gloves and toss the preserve in the pan to cool it down quickly. Finally, air-dry it in front of a fan for a few hours before storing it in an airtight container.

Good luck!

Frequently asked questions

To make crispy winter melon preserves at home, you’ll need winter melon, sugar, salt, vinegar, and water. First, peel and remove the seeds from the winter melon, then cut it into thin slices. Soak these slices in salt water for about 20 minutes, and then rinse and drain them. Next, create a syrup by boiling sugar and water, adding the melon slices, and simmering until the syrup thickens. Finally, add vinegar to taste and let the mixture cool before serving or storing in an airtight container.

For preserves, it is best to cut the winter melon into thin, uniform slices. This ensures that the melon cooks evenly and has a consistent texture. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving thin, even slices.

Soaking the winter melon slices in salt water helps to remove excess moisture and draw out some of the bitterness. It also seasons the melon and helps to create a crispier texture.

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar used to suit your taste preferences. For a sweeter preserve, add more sugar to the syrup. If you prefer a tarter flavor, increase the amount of vinegar added at the end.

These winter melon preserves can last for several weeks if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, they are best consumed within the first week for optimal crispness and flavor.