Love the refreshing taste of watermelon juice but hate that it only lasts a few days? Here’s a simple, effective method to store watermelon juice for up to a year without losing flavor or freshness! Perfect for enjoying that sweet, hydrating drink anytime — even months after watermelon season is over.
Why It Works:
By properly preparing and storing the juice, you: âś… Prevent fermentation
âś… Avoid spoilage
âś… Preserve taste, nutrients, and color
âś… Save money and reduce waste
How to Store Watermelon Juice for 12 Months:
Ingredients:
- Fresh watermelon (seedless preferred)
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural preservative)
- Optional: a little honey or mint for flavor
Instructions:
- Juice the Watermelon:
- Cut the watermelon into cubes and blend until smooth.
- Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth if you prefer pulp-free juice.
- Add Lemon Juice:
- Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice per liter of watermelon juice.
- Lemon juice acts as a natural preservative, helping prevent spoilage.
- Sterilize Storage Bottles:
- Wash glass jars or bottles thoroughly.
- Sterilize them by boiling in water for 10 minutes or placing them in a hot oven for a few minutes.
- Pour & Seal:
- Fill the sterilized bottles with the watermelon juice, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
- Seal tightly with lids.
- Pasteurize:
- Place sealed bottles in a pot of water (water level halfway up the bottles).
- Bring to a boil and simmer gently for 20 minutes. This kills bacteria and extends shelf life.
- Cool & Store:
- Let the bottles cool completely.
- Store in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard.
Result:
- Fresh, tasty watermelon juice ready anytime
- No chemicals or artificial preservatives
- Stays good for up to 12 months!
Now you can enjoy the sweet taste of summer all year round! 🍉✨ Try this method once, and you’ll never waste watermelon juice again!