For homemade preparations, the best melon recipes for the winter

Melon for the winter - recipes are not limited to the usual jam and compote. In the cold season, it is possible to buy this berry in supermarkets, but its taste will not be so intense. During the melon season, try one of the recipes that will help preserve its taste and aroma. They can be served as a dessert or added to baked goods.

Dried melon

The easiest way to make melon for the winter is to dry it. The process does not use sugar or other additives, so the dish is perfect for those who follow a healthy lifestyle. This low-calorie dessert can be taken with you as a snack or combined with other dishes.

This melon recipe only needs this berry for the winter. It is more convenient to dry it, but you can simply spread it out at room temperature under the sun.

1. A whole melon is peeled. Then it must be cut into two pieces and the pith core removed.
2. Then it is cut into large slices and laid out to dry so that they do not come into contact with each other.
3. In drying, set the temperature to about 60 ᴼС. The production time depends on the technical characteristics of the apparatus, as well as on the juiciness of the fruit and the thickness of the slices. On average, the process can take from 7 to 20 hours, and in natural conditions - up to several days. The pieces will be done when they are reduced in size and will not stick to your hands.

The finished dried melon is stored in a dry, dark place. You can also pack it in vacuum bags.

Melon canning

Melon, canned for the winter, retains all the taste. If cooked properly, it will resemble a pineapple. For an average melon weighing 2 kg, you will need a glass of sugar, a liter of water and a little citric acid.

1. First of all, you need to prepare the syrup, since it is used cold. Water is combined with sugar, brought to a boil and kept on low heat for 10 minutes. Finally, citric acid is added.
2. Next, you need to peel the melon, cut it into small pieces and put it in the jars. They must first be sterilized in boiling water.
3. Melon slices are poured with syrup, the jars are covered and pasteurized. Then they need to be taken out, put on a towel with the lids down and let the conservation cool.

Melon, marinated for the winter, is soaked in sugar syrup and remains juicy. In winter, it goes well with honey and cinnamon. It is added to curd casseroles, served as a filling for pancakes.

Melon pastila

One of the unusual melon recipes for the winter is marshmallow. Many housewives undeservedly forget about this sweetness, but it can become not only an everyday dessert, but also a real decoration of the festive table. It resembles candy and has a dense, viscous consistency.

For 1 kg of melon pulp, you will need about 2 glasses of water and 1 glass of sugar. The pastille will turn out to be more juicy and sweeter if you replace sugar with liquid honey.

1. For a recipe for harvesting melon for the winter, you should choose a juicy ripe berry that will exude a rich aroma. It must be peeled, pitted and cut into small cubes.
2. All ingredients are mixed in a saucepan and put on a low heat. The contents must be constantly stirred. The pastry dough is considered ready when it acquires a homogeneous soft consistency.
3. Next, the mixture is crushed and put into drying.The layer thickness should not exceed 0.5 cm, otherwise the mashed potatoes will not dry well and will not be able to be stored for a long time. The pastille must be dried at high temperature for 4 hours, and then the same amount at medium power.
4. When the candy is dry, but still warm, it needs to be taken out of the dryer and rolled out of it. Then each of them is cut into small portions.

The pastille is kept in the refrigerator and is still usable until the next harvest. In order for it to retain its taste and not dry out, each roll must be tightly wrapped with cling film.

Even if the farm does not have a dryer, there are no fewer options for preparing melons for the winter. An oven can be used instead of this apparatus. In this case, the marshmallow puree is spread in a thin layer over parchment paper, having previously greased it with vegetable oil.

Melon is a versatile delicacy that is useful both raw and as a base for winter preparations. There are many melon recipes step by step with a photo, each of which will bring back the summer flavor in the cold season. Canned or pickled melon is perfect for hearty winter baked goods, filling for cakes, pies or pancakes.

Dried, it can be served with nuts and honeyand also decorate desserts with it. Pastila is an unusual sweetness that is not even sold in all supermarkets. In any case, it is worth taking care in the summer and preserving the melon flavor and aroma for the whole year.