If you’re looking for a fresh, fruity, and entirely natural sweetener, watermelon honey is a delicious way to bottle the essence of summer. Made from nothing more than pure watermelon, this syrup is created by slowly reducing fresh juice into a thick, pourable concentrate that resembles honey in texture and color. It’s simple, refreshing, and surprisingly versatile in the kitchen.
Whether drizzled over pancakes or yogurt, stirred into iced tea, or used to glaze grilled meats, watermelon honey offers a unique sweetness that’s light and subtly fruity. Best of all? You only need one ingredient to make it.
Why You’ll Love Watermelon Honey
- No added sugar or preservatives – Just pure, ripe watermelon.
- Naturally sweet and low in calories – A great alternative to refined sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Simple and economical – A great way to use up extra watermelon.
- Endlessly versatile – Works in both sweet and savory recipes.
- Visually stunning – A deep amber or ruby hue depending on the fruit’s ripeness.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe watermelon
That’s it. The sweetness and flavor come entirely from the natural sugars present in the fruit itself.
Time Required
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
What You’ll Need
- Large knife and cutting board
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (optional)
- Medium to large saucepan or pot
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Sterilized glass jars or storage containers
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Watermelon
Slice the watermelon, removing the rind and any visible seeds. Cut into chunks. You’ll need roughly 10–12 cups of flesh from a large watermelon.
2. Blend Until Smooth
Place the watermelon chunks into a blender or food processor. Blend until fully liquified. If your blender is small, work in batches.
3. (Optional) Strain for Smoothness
For a silkier texture, pour the puree through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove pulp and foam. This step is optional, depending on your desired consistency.
4. Reduce the Juice
Transfer the strained puree to a heavy-bottomed pot. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Let the mixture simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has reduced by 90% and reaches a syrupy, honey-like consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon and drip slowly.
5. Cool and Store
Once thickened, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes. Pour the cooled watermelon honey into sterilized jars or containers. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezer: Pour into silicone ice cube trays and freeze for up to 6 months.
- Canning: For longer shelf life, water-bath canning is recommended.
Nutrition Information (per tablespoon)
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
Note: Nutrition values will vary slightly based on how much the watermelon is reduced.
How to Use Watermelon Honey
This syrup pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods and drinks. Try it with:
- Breakfast: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or Greek yogurt.
- Drinks: Stir into tea, lemonade, or cocktails as a natural sweetener.
- Desserts: Glaze cakes, ice cream, or fruit salads.
- Savory Dishes: Brush over grilled chicken or pork for a fruity glaze.
- Baking: Mix into muffins or bread for added moisture and flavor.
Helpful Notes
- Choose a very ripe watermelon for the best flavor and highest sugar content.
- The final syrup will be slightly thinner than traditional honey.
- The deeper the reduction, the more concentrated the flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t walk away while it simmers—keep an eye and stir regularly to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
Watermelon honey is an easy, all-natural way to transform a summer staple into something elegant and useful year-round. With just one ingredient and a bit of patience, you’ll create a beautifully rich syrup that enhances everything it touches.
Try it once, and you might never look at watermelon the same way again.
Watermelon Honey
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the watermelon into chunks, removing the rind and seeds.
- Blend the chunks in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- (Optional) Strain the puree to remove excess pulp for a smoother result.
- Pour the watermelon puree into a pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency.
- Let it cool completely, then pour into sterilized jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator.
