Wintermelon Syrup is a syrup made from wintermelon, also known as ash gourd. This syrup has a subtle, mellow sweetness -- perfect for cooling beverages, and as a sweetener for herbal teas.
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What is wintermelon?
Wintermelon (also known as wax gourd or ash gourd), is a large vine fruit commonly used in Asian cuisine.
Despite its name, it's not a melon in the traditional sense -- it has a mild, slightly sweet taste and is often cooked in soups and stir fries, or used in desserts.
What is candied wintermelon?
Candied wintermelon is a traditional Chinese confection made by cooking wintermelon in a sugar syrup until the melon becomes translucent, sweet, and coated with a crust of sugar on the exterior.
It has a chewy texture and a mildly sweet, caramel-like flavor, which is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, especially during Chinese New Year.
Candied wintermelon is used as an ingredient in Chinese Wife Cake pastries (also known as sweetheart cakes).
Why you'll love this recipe
Easy to make: simple ingredients, with no additives or artificial colors.
Customizable: adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Versatile: use the syrup in Taiwanese-style drinks such as wintermelon green tea, bubble tea, green tea, milk tea, lemonades, cocktails, or even in baking.
Ingredients you'll need
- candied wintermelon: look for candied winter melon that is packaged at Asian grocery stores - it's typically available during Chinese New Year, and is an ingredient also used in Wife Cake pastries
- water: to blend the wintermelon
- sea salt: to balance out the sweetness
- vanilla extract: adds a touch of flavor
How to make wintermelon syrup
Combine the candied wintermelon with water in a high-powered blender.
Blend until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, cooking for about 7-10 minutes, until slightly thickened and syrupy.
Add in a pinch of sea salt and stir in vanilla extract.
Strain the syrup through a sieve into a clean glass jar or container.
Discard the wintermelon pulp, or enjoy it as a snack.
Let the syrup cool completely and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How to use
Mix into wintermelon milk tea with milk and tapioca pearls.
Add to iced green tea for a refreshing wintermelon green tea.
Drizzle over shaved ice, or use as a sweetener in iced teas.
How to store
Store the cooled wintermelon syrup in a clean, sterile, airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Expert tips
For a thicker syrup, simmer a bit longer to reduce further.
To add a caramel note to the wintermelon syrup, add in a little brown sugar, or a slab of Chinese-style brown sugar to the mixture.
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Wintermelon Syrup
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
- 100 g candied wintermelon
- 125 ml water
- pinch sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine the candied wintermelon with water in a high-powered blender.
- Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer, cooking for about 7-10 minutes, until slightly thickened and syrupy.
- Add in a pinch of sea salt and stir in vanilla extract.
- Strain the syrup through a sieve into a clean glass jar or container.
- Discard the wintermelon pulp, or enjoy it as a snack.
- Let the syrup cool completely and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
David @ Spiced
I have to admit that I'm not familiar with wintermelon, but this seems like such a creative and easy recipe. Now I'm craving a cup of tea!
Michelle
Thanks David, yes wintermelon tends to be lesser known in the Western world.. but it does add a delicious flavor to tea!
Ben | Havocinthekitchen
What a lovely recipe! This wintermelon syrup sounds like the a lovely sweetener to elevate teas, iced drinks (cocktails, too), or even desserts.
Michelle
Yes, the sweetness that comes from the candied wintermelon is subtle and light, which makes it great for desserts or drinks! 🙂 Thanks Ben.