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.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 4 cups (chopped) ripe cantaloupe
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon pectin (optional, for thicker preserves)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the cantaloupe, remove the seeds, and chop it into small cubes. Measure 4 cups of chopped cantaloupe.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Remove the pot from the heat and let the preserves cool for 5–10 minutes.

Step 9

Carefully transfer the preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly with lids.

Step 10

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

Serving size	(1393.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1951.9

Total Fat 3.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 159.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 481.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.7g	0%
Total Sugars 472.1g
Protein 7.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 90.0mg	0%
Iron 2.6mg	0%
Potassium 2597.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1.4%

Protein: 1.6%

Carbs: 97.0%