Homemade Watermelon Juice Recipe ( スイカジュース )

Photo: Uncut Recipes

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Ready to experience summer in a glass? We're diving into the delightful world of watermelon juice, a refreshing beverage that's not just delicious but also incredibly hydrating. Picture this: You've just spent a day out in the sun, and your body is yearning for something cool and revitalizing. You could reach for a sugary soda or a store-bought juice loaded with artificial flavors, but why not opt for something natural, homemade, and utterly refreshing?

Meet your new summertime savior: Homemade Watermelon Juice. This delightful drink is not only easy to make but it's also incredibly versatile. Want to add a little zest? Throw in some lime juice. Need a touch of sweetness? A dash of homemade simple syrup will do the trick. And let's not forget the mint leaves, which add a burst of freshness that takes this drink to a whole new level.

But here's the kicker: This recipe doesn't just stop at making juice. Oh no, we're also giving you a unique and tasty way to use those leftover watermelon rinds. That's right, we're talking about Pickled Watermelon Rind. It's a delicious and creative way to minimize waste and maximize flavor.

So, why not give it a try? With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a refreshing and hydrating beverage that's perfect for sipping on a hot summer's day. Cheers to that!

JUMP TO:

INGREDIENTS:

Choosing the Right Watermelon: The main ingredient for this recipe is watermelon juice, which means the quality of your watermelon will significantly impact the final taste of your drink. Choose a ripe, sweet, and juicy watermelon. When selecting a watermelon, look for one that has a uniform shape, without any irregular bumps or flat sides. The watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot on one side, where it rested on the ground and ripened in the sun. This is often a good indicator of ripeness. Additionally, the watermelon should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it is full of water and, therefore, juicy.

Homemade Simple Syrup

Lime Freshness: The lime used in this recipe will add a touch of acidity and brightness to the juice. Make sure to use a fresh lime. A ripe lime should have a bright green skin, feel firm, and be slightly glossy. Avoid limes that have soft spots or blemishes.

MAIN STEPS:

Cutting Technique Matters: While preparing the watermelon juice, it's crucial to cut the watermelon correctly. Cutting the watermelon into two equal halves and then scooping out its flesh will help in better extraction of juice and ensures minimal wastage. Additionally, any juice collected at the bottom of the watermelon half should be poured into the blender as it is full of flavor.

Seed Removal is Essential: If the watermelon contains seeds, it is crucial to remove them all before blending. Even though some blenders can pulverize the seeds, it's better to remove them to ensure a smoother texture of the juice.

Utilizing Watermelon Rinds: Instead of discarding the watermelon rinds, you can try making a Pickled Watermelon Rind. This is not only a great way to minimize waste but also to enjoy a delicious and unique treat.

Lime Juice Proportion: Adding lime juice to the blender is important to balance the sweetness of the watermelon. However, the amount of lime juice should be adjusted according to the sweetness of the watermelon and personal preference. Overdoing it can overpower the watermelon flavor.

Serving Temperature: Pour the Homemade Watermelon Juice into a glass and add a few ice cubes to keep the juice refreshingly cold. Serving the juice cold enhances its refreshing quality.

SERVED WITH:

Starter: Gazpacho (Spain): A cold tomato-based soup made with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions. The light and refreshing nature of gazpacho makes it a perfect starter to enjoy with watermelon juice.

Main Course: Grilled Chicken Salad (Global): A light and healthy salad made with grilled chicken breast, mixed greens, and a variety of vegetables. The lightness of the salad pairs well with the refreshing watermelon juice.

Side Dish: Tabbouleh (Lebanon): A salad made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, and soaked bulgur. It is seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. The freshness of tabbouleh complements the watermelon juice perfectly.

Dessert: Fruit Tart (France): A buttery pastry crust filled with a layer of custard and topped with fresh fruits. The sweetness of the fruit tart pairs nicely with the refreshing watermelon juice.

Cake: Angel Food Cake (USA): A light and airy cake made with egg whites, sugar, and flour. It is often served with whipped cream and fresh berries. The lightness of the angel food cake makes it a perfect match for watermelon juice.

Drink: Mint and Lime Infused Water (Global): A refreshing drink made by infusing water with fresh mint leaves and lime slices. This infused water is a great non-alcoholic option to serve alongside watermelon juice.

Snack: Ceviche (Peru): A dish made with raw fish or seafood marinated in lime or lemon juice and mixed with onions, cilantro, and spices. The acidity of the ceviche pairs well with the sweetness of the watermelon juice.

ALTERNATIVES:

Starter: Watermelon and Feta Salad (Greece): A refreshing salad made with cubes of watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint, and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and minty flavors.

Main Course: Grilled Watermelon Steak (Global): Thick slices of watermelon seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil, then grilled until caramelized. This dish is a unique and healthy alternative to traditional steak.

Side Dish: Pickled Watermelon Rind (United States): Watermelon rinds are often discarded, but they can be transformed into a delicious and tangy pickled side dish. The rinds are cooked in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices until they become tender and flavorful.

Dessert: Watermelon Jelly (Japan): A light and refreshing jelly made with watermelon juice, sugar, and agar-agar (a vegetarian gelatin substitute). This dessert is a perfect way to enjoy the flavor of watermelon in a different texture.

Cake: Watermelon Chiffon Cake (Taiwan): A light and airy chiffon cake flavored with watermelon juice and tinted with natural food coloring. This cake is a delightful and colorful addition to any dessert table.

Drink: Watermelon Sangria (Spain): A refreshing sangria made with watermelon juice, white wine, brandy, and mixed fruits. This drink is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

Snack: Spicy Watermelon Popsicles (Mexico): Watermelon juice blended with a bit of chili powder and lime juice, then frozen into popsicles. This snack is a sweet and spicy treat that will cool you down with a kick.

HISTORY:

Watermelons have cultural significance in Japan, especially during the summer months. They are commonly consumed during the summer festivals (祭り or matsuri) and gatherings. It is also customary in Japan to give watermelons as gifts during the summer season. Watermelon splitting, known as ‘suikawari,’ is a traditional Japanese game similar to a piñata, where a watermelon is laid on a tarp, and participants take turns trying to crack it open while blindfolded. This game often takes place at beach outings and summer picnics.

While eating fresh watermelon slices and playing 'suikawari' are still popular traditions, making juice out of watermelon became a more practical way to consume the fruit, especially if it's overripe or too soft to slice. With the growing health and wellness trend in Japan, homemade watermelon juice, which contains no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, has become a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

Watermelon juice is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids, making it a nutritious choice. Additionally, watermelon contains a high water content, making it an excellent hydrating drink.

Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on seasonal foods, and watermelon is no exception. Consuming watermelon and its juice during the summer months is not only a way to enjoy the season but also to cool down and stay hydrated. Homemade watermelon juice in Japan might sometimes include unique additions, such as yuzu (a type of citrus fruit) or shiso (perilla) leaves, which are commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

TIPS:

Use a Cold Press Juicer: Instead of blending the watermelon, use a cold press juicer. This method extracts the juice while preserving more of the nutrients and enzymes and results in a smoother juice without any pulp.

Use Fresh Mint: Use freshly picked mint leaves for garnish. Fresh mint has a more vibrant flavor and aroma compared to dried mint.

Add a Pinch of Salt: Adding a small pinch of salt can enhance the natural sweetness of the watermelon and balance the flavors.

Infuse the Simple Syrup: Infuse the Homemade Simple Syrup with additional flavors such as basil, ginger, or lemongrass. To do this, add the flavoring agents to the water and sugar mixture while it's heating. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from heat and let it steep until it reaches the desired flavor intensity. Strain before using.

Carbonate the Juice: Use a soda maker to carbonate the watermelon juice. This will add a refreshing fizz to the drink. Make sure to chill the juice thoroughly before carbonating.

Add a Splash of Spirits: Turn the juice into a cocktail by adding a splash of spirits such as vodka, gin, or rum. Adjust the amount of simple syrup accordingly.

Infuse the Juice: Infuse the juice with additional flavors by adding herbs or spices to the juice and letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. Strain before serving.

Serve with Flavored Ice Cubes: Instead of regular ice cubes, make ice cubes with lime juice, mint tea, or another flavored liquid. This will add an extra layer of flavor to the drink as the ice melts.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (6 Person) Cups (12 People) Cups (18 People) Cups (24 People) Cups (30 People) Cups (36 People) Cups (48 People) Imperial (6 Person) Imperial (12 People) Imperial (18 People) Imperial (24 People) Imperial (30 People) Imperial (36 People) Imperial (48 People) Metric (6 Person) Metric (12 People) Metric (18 People) Metric (24 People) Metric (30 People) Metric (36 People) Metric (48 People)

Directions:

01 - Begin by using a sharp knife to carefully cut the Watermelon into two equal halves... or slice it.

02 - Next, take one half of the Watermelon and, using an ordinary spoon, gently scoop out its flesh, transferring it into a blender or food processor... or start chopping the Watermelon.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

03 - If your Watermelon contains seeds, make sure to remove them all. However, if you have a seedless Watermelon, you can skip this step.

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04 - If you have sliced the Watermelon in two halves in STEP 01, don't forget to pour any juice that has collected at the bottom of the Watermelon half into the blender.

05 - Additionally, instead of throwing away the rinds, consider trying this Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe!

06 - Repeat the process with the other half of the Watermelon.


Blending the Ingredients:

07 - Next, use a lemon squeezer to extract the juice from the Lime, and then add this juice to the blender.

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08 - Proceed to blend the Watermelon flesh until it transforms into a liquid and is completely pulverized.

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09 - Even if the Watermelon is naturally sweet, adding the Homemade Simple Syrup can help balance the sweetness. Give it another pulse to mix everything and you are ready!

If you prefer, you can also add the syrup directly to your glass later on.


Serving the Juice:

10 - Finally, pour the Homemade Watermelon Juice into a glass. If you like, garnish with a slice of lime and some mint leaves. To keep the juice refreshingly cold, add a few ice cubes to the glass.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

Notes:

Preparation: Begin by cutting the watermelon into two equal halves using a sharp knife. This method helps in preventing the loss of watermelon juice and keeps the working surface clean. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh of the watermelon into a blender or food processor. Remember to pour any juice collected at the bottom of the watermelon half into the blender.

Watermelon Weight: The weight of a watermelon can vary significantly, here's a general weight range for small, medium, and large watermelons:

- Small watermelon:
2-4 kg ( 4.4-8.8 lbs )

- Medium watermelon:
5-8 kg ( 11-17.6 lbs )

- Large watermelon:
9-12 kg ( 19.8-26.5 lbs )

Utilizing Rinds: Instead of discarding the rinds, try making Pickled Watermelon Rind.

Cooling: If the watermelon was not refrigerated before preparing the juice, cover the glass and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours to cool.

Alternative Sweeteners: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can substitute the Homemade Simple Syrup with honey or agave syrup. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.

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Written by: Uncut Recipes

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