Cantaloupe Preserves
Capture the essence of summer with homemade Cantaloupe Preserves, a delightfully sweet and aromatic spread that's perfect for enhancing your breakfasts, desserts, and charcuterie boards. Made with ripe, juicy cantaloupe, a touch of bright lemon juice, and a hint of vanilla, this easy recipe creates a lusciously smooth preserve with customizable texture—use optional pectin for a thicker consistency. The natural sweetness of the cantaloupe is beautifully balanced with the tang of citrus, creating a jam that feels as vibrant as the season itself. With just 15 minutes of prep and simple stovetop simmering, you’ll have golden jars of goodness to enjoy now or store for later. Whether slathered on warm toast, paired with cheese, or drizzled over yogurt, these preserves are an irresistible way to savor fresh summer produce in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups (chopped) ripe cantaloupe
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pectin (optional, for thicker preserves)
Instructions
Peel the cantaloupe, remove the seeds, and chop it into small cubes. Measure 4 cups of chopped cantaloupe.
In a large pot, combine the cantaloupe and sugar. Stir to coat the cantaloupe evenly with sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the cantaloupe to release its juices.
Place the pot over medium heat and add the lemon juice. Stir occasionally as the mixture begins to heat up and the sugar dissolves completely.
Once the mixture starts bubbling, lower the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer gently. Stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pot.
After about 30 minutes of simmering, the cantaloupe should soften, and the mixture should thicken slightly. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to gently mash the cantaloupe into smaller pieces for a smoother texture.
If a thicker preserve is desired, stir in the pectin according to the package instructions. Then, let the mixture simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and stir well. Continue cooking until the preserves reach your desired consistency. To test, place a small spoonful of the preserves on a chilled plate. If it thickens slightly after cooling, it's ready.
Remove the pot from the heat and let the preserves cool for 5–10 minutes.
Carefully transfer the preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly with lids.
For long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Alternatively, store the preserves in the refrigerator and consume within 3 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1952 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.2 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 160 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 481.9 g | 175% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 472.1 g | ||
| Protein | 7.9 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 90 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 2597 mg | 55% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
