How to properly freeze watermelon for the winter: 7 freezing methods
We always associate a large sweet berry with summer warmth. And every time, we look forward to the onset of the melon season. Therefore, you can increasingly hear the question: “Is it possible to freeze a watermelon in the freezer?” The answer to this question is positive, but you need to be prepared for the fact that when frozen, watermelon loses its original structure and some of its sweetness. We’ll talk about how to properly approach the issue of freezing this berry in this article.
Content
- 1 Preparing to Freeze
- 2 7 ways to freeze watermelon
- 2.1 Method No. 1: Freezing a whole watermelon
- 2.2 Method No. 2: Freezing watermelon pulp into pieces
- 2.3 Method number 3: How to freeze watermelon with sugar
- 2.4 Method number 4: How to freeze watermelon in syrup
- 2.5 Method No. 5: Freezing pulp in fruit juice
- 2.6 Method No. 6: Freezing watermelon puree with sugar
- 2.7 Method number 7: How to freeze watermelon juice for the winter
- 3 Storing and defrosting watermelon
Preparing to Freeze
Before freezing, the peel of the berry is thoroughly washed with soap. Then wipe dry with towels.
At least 1 hour before placing food in the freezer, the freezing unit must be set to the “Super frost” mode, since the finicky watermelon pulp needs to be quickly frozen.
7 ways to freeze watermelon
Method No. 1: Freezing a whole watermelon
Some people ask the question: “Is it possible to freeze a whole watermelon for the winter?”The report is obvious - it is possible, but there is little point in such freezing. Once defrosted, the watermelon will completely lose its shape and texture and become very watery.
See the video from the channel “Chinese Things” - “I froze a watermelon and will eat it in winter”
Method No. 2: Freezing watermelon pulp into pieces
You can freeze pieces of watermelon for the winter. To do this, the peel is cut off from the watermelon, and the pulp is cut in any way. During processing, if possible, all seeds are removed.
Then the pieces are laid out on a cutting board covered with cellophane. It is important to place the cubes at some distance from each other so that they do not stick together. The board is placed in the freezer for 12 hours.
After this, the pieces of watermelon are poured into one bag and sent back to the chamber for storage.
See the video from the channel “DIY ideas for creativity” - Watermelon popsicle, delicious ice cream without extra calories
Method number 3: How to freeze watermelon with sugar
For such freezing, the pieces, without seeds, are placed in containers and sprinkled with sugar. The ratio of pulp and sugar is 1:5.
The containers are tightly closed with a lid and put into the freezer.
Method number 4: How to freeze watermelon in syrup
For this preparation, both ready-made fruit syrup and one prepared independently from sugar and water in a 1:2 ratio are suitable.
To prepare the syrup, add sugar to boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Then the syrup is cooled. It is advisable to keep it in the refrigerator for some time.
Cold syrup is poured into containers filled with pieces of peeled watermelon. It is important that the syrup covers them completely. The containers are sealed with lids and sent to the freezer.
ADVICE: Line the inside of the container with cling film.After the food is completely frozen, the ice briquette can be removed from the container and, tightly packed with the edges of the film, stored separately.
Method No. 5: Freezing pulp in fruit juice
Watermelon cubes are placed in plastic containers, after removing the seeds from them. The pulp is poured with chilled juice. The juice for this preparation can be anything: pineapple, orange or apple.
Next, the filled containers are sent to the freezer for storage.
Method No. 6: Freezing watermelon puree with sugar
To prepare the puree, the watermelon pulp is punched with a blender and mixed with sugar to taste. The workpiece is placed in plastic cups or ice trays.
After the puree is completely frozen, the cubes are removed from the molds and placed in a separate bag, and the cups are sealed on top with cling film.
Method number 7: How to freeze watermelon juice for the winter
Frozen watermelon juice is used in cosmetology or as ice for cocktails. To make ice cubes from watermelon juice, you need to squeeze the watermelon pulp, crushed with a blender, through cheesecloth. The finished juice is poured into molds and frozen.
Storing and defrosting watermelon
Frozen watermelon is stored in the freezer at a temperature of -18ºC for 10 to 12 months.
Melons should be defrosted slowly: first in the main compartment of the refrigerator, and then at room temperature. Under no circumstances should you use a microwave oven for defrosting.