Do you ever feel under the weather but are not entirely sure what’s wrong? Maybe you just need a little pick me up to boost your immune system and start feeling healthy again. If that is the case, then this watermelon jelly will be the best thing to have in the house.
This sweet but healing treat has many beneficial properties that will work wonders on your body and help you feel on top of the world again. And the best part? It’s effortless to make!
Keep reading to discover how it can help you and how to make it.
Healing properties of watermelon
Watermelon might be a tasty and refreshing treat, but that’s not all it’s good for. Below are some of the many healing properties the fruit possesses:
Hydrating
Almost everyone knows that staying hydrated is one of the most important things for staying healthy. And if you aren’t a massive fan of drinking plain water, you might want to introduce more watermelon into your diet instead. The fruit comprises 92% water, making it a handy food in aiding hydration.
Rich in nutrients
Not only is watermelon great for hydration, but it is also a fantastic source of some of the most important nutrients for your body. This includes Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Vitamin C is useful in keeping your immune system strong and fighting off disease, and Vitamin A can help boost your skin and eye health.
High lycopene content
Lycopene is a crucial antioxidant that has been found to be helpful in aiding heart health, preventing cancer, and protecting the skin against sun damage. Luckily, watermelon is a fruit that is particularly high in lycopene. Much research has been done into this antioxidant, and its benefits have made it sought after in many people’s diets.
Anti-inflammatory properties
If you’re someone who suffers from joint pain or inflammation, then watermelon can most definitely help you out. This is because the fruit contains many antioxidants, such as the previously mentioned lycopene and vitamin C, which are both known to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage.
Enhances digestive health
Finding the right foods to aid digestion is a crucial part of enhancing your overall health. Watermelon can do just that, as it contains a large amount of water, as well as some fiber. This combination together is known to promote healthy digestion, regular bowel movements, and prevent the chances of constipation.
Basics of jelly making
Before you start making your watermelon jelly, you’re going to want to prepare yourself. One of the ways of doing this is by learning the basics of making jelly. This starts with understanding the key ingredients. You have a fruit, which in this case is watermelon, and this is mixed with sugar (or a sweetener) and a jelly agent, which is usually pectin. Watermelon also has a natural pectin level that assists in helping the jelly set.
There are various forms of apparatus you’ll need for jelly making, too. This includes a large pot, ladle, jars with lids, and a spoon or spatula. You’re going to want to sterilize all your jars and lids before you get started to prevent any bacterial growth. You can do this by boiling a large pot of water and placing the jars and lids in there for at least 10 minutes. Once you place the jelly mixture in the jar, you should seal it and process it by boiling it again to destroy any remaining bacteria.
Proper storage is also paramount for maintaining the quality of your jelly. Once you have sealed the jelly in the jar and it is cooled, you must store it in a cool, dark place. If the jar doesn’t have a proper seal, you must store it in the refrigerator.
Recipe for medicinal watermelon jelly
You should now be prepared for jelly making, which means it’s time to make your medicinal watermelon jelly.
Ingredients:
- Four cups of fresh watermelon juice
- ½ cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup honey (or sugar)
- Two tablespoons ginger
- Four tablespoons powdered pectin
Instructions:
- If you haven’t got watermelon juice ready-made, you’ll need to prepare it. Cut around one small watermelon into chunks, ensuring the seeds are removed in the process. Puree them in a blender and then strain the juice using a strainer or cheesecloth.
- Grab a large pot, combine all ingredients (except the pectin), and place on the stove, bringing to a simmer over medium heat. Ensure you stir the mixture occasionally.
- Sprinkle the pectin over the mixture while it’s still simmering, constantly stirring in the process to prevent any clumping. Bring the whole mixture to a boil for one minute
- Fill your sterilized jars by ladling the hot jelly mixture into them. Ensure you leave around ¼ inch of space at the top and wipe the rims with a clean cloth.
- Place the lids on the jars and tighten the bands. Seal them in a water bath before letting them cool and placing them in a cool, dark place for storage.
Incorporating medicinal ingredients
As you’ve probably noticed from the recipe, watermelon isn’t the only natural ingredient in the jelly. Other medicinal ingredients have been incorporated to enhance both the flavor and health benefits of the mixture.
- Ginger is added to the jelly because it holds a whole host of anti-inflammatory properties to help strengthen your body. You can choose to grate or juice this ingredient. It adds a warm, spicy kick to the mixture.
- Lemon is another fruit that is rich in Vitamin C and other antioxidants. It adds a tangy freshness to the jelly while boosting your immune system at the same time.
- Instead of sugar, the jelly recipe calls for honey. This is because it is a natural sweetener that offers antioxidants and can also soothe sore throats if you ever come down with a cold or the flu.
The best thing when making watermelon jelly with these ingredients is to start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the watermelon’s flavor. You can adjust in the future how you like.
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