Knowledgebase
Watermelon #869818
Asked May 23, 2024, 4:03 PM EDT
Ball canning has a canning recipe for strawberry lemonade concentrate. We reached out to them and they indicated that fruits cannot be swapped in this specific recipe.
However, I have a client asking about canning watermelon lemonade concentrate. I'm finding many refrigerator recipes but no canning, so I'm assuming the pH of watermelon may be a concern. Am I able to make a watermelon lemonade concentrate? Please advise.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
Hi Sandra,
According to the USDA Guide to complete home canning, there is a recipe for watermelon lemonade. To my knowledge and resources, you are correct that there is not a safe, tested recipe for home canning of watermelon lemonade concentrate.
I cannot find the USDA recipe. Can you assist?
Hi Sandra,
Megan Taylor is no longer affiliated with Ohio State University Extension. I looked at her response to you (5/24/2024) and it did not make sense to me. I don't see a watermelon lemonade recipe in the USDA guide to home canning book.
You are correct that melons tend to have a higher pH than other fruits such as strawberries.
Watermelon: 5.18-5.60
Cantaloupe: 6.13-6.58
Honey dew melon: 6.00-6.67
-Nicole
