Pickled Watermelons

Pickled melons - a traditional delicacy that combines sweet and sour flavors with a crunchy crust and an irresistible aroma! This simple pickling recipe is perfect for adding a fresh and spicy note to your meals, giving you the opportunity to preserve the taste of summer for the upcoming winter. Let's discover together how to prepare these pickled melons, an ideal accompaniment for any meal, from roasts to sandwiches!

Total preparation time: 3 days (including fermentation time)
Number of servings: 10-15 servings

Necessary ingredients:
- 10 kg small watermelons (choose well-ripened but still firm melons to withstand the pickling process)
- 1 kg carrots (sweet and crunchy carrots add a pleasant texture)
- 2-3 kg green tomatoes (green tomatoes are preferable for a more sour flavor)
- 5 cherry twigs (their aroma will provide a distinct and pleasant taste)
- 5 dried dill sprigs (dried dill is more concentrated in flavor)
- 5 pieces of horseradish (peeled, for a spicy taste)
- 20 g salt per 1 liter of water (salt is essential for fermentation)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the melons, carrots, and tomatoes well under a stream of cold water. It is important to remove any impurities or pesticides, especially if you are not using organic vegetables.

2. Arranging the vegetables:
Choose a pickling barrel or a similar container (preferably ceramic or glass) and arrange the melons in layers. Add the cut carrots and tomatoes between the layers. Make sure to distribute the cherry twigs and dill evenly among the vegetables.

3. Preparing the horseradish:
Peel the horseradish and cut it in half. This will add not only flavor but also a spicy note that will enhance the taste of the pickles.

4. Preparing the brine:
Boil water in a large pot. Once the water has started to boil, add 20 g of salt for each liter of water. Stir well until the salt is completely dissolved. This is the brine that will ensure proper fermentation of the vegetables.

5. Pouring the brine:
When the brine is ready, carefully pour it over the vegetables in the barrel, ensuring they are completely covered. If necessary, you can add a weight on top (a plastic bottle filled with water) to keep the vegetables submerged.

6. Fermentation:
Cover the barrel with a lid and leave it in a cool, shaded place. It is important that the vegetables stay submerged in the brine. After 2-3 days, you will notice that foam begins to form on the surface – this is a good sign, indicating that fermentation has started. Depending on the ambient temperature, the melons will be fully pickled in 2 weeks if it is warm or in about a month if it is cooler.

Useful tips:
- Periodically check the pickles to ensure they are submerged. If necessary, you can add more brine prepared in the same way.
- Flavoring: If you want to experiment, you can add spices such as peppercorns, bay leaves, or garlic for an even more complex taste.
- Preservation: Once the melons are pickled, you can transfer portions to sterilized jars to keep them longer.

Nutritional values:
Pickled melons are a good source of vitamins and minerals, being low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Additionally, through the fermentation process, they become natural probiotics that aid digestive health.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I do if the melons don't pickle? Check the temperature and ensure the vegetables are completely covered with brine. You can adjust the salt or temperature if needed.
- Can I use another vegetable? Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables such as cucumbers or cabbage.
- What can I serve the pickled melons with? They are delicious alongside roasts, salads, or in sandwiches. They also pair perfectly with a cold drink, such as mint tea or refreshing lemonade.

A personal note:
For an even more special experience, I encourage you to share this recipe with loved ones, turning the preparation into a family activity. Each step is an opportunity to create beautiful memories, and the final taste will surely be appreciated at festive meals!

Now that you know how to prepare pickled melons, all that's left is to get to work and enjoy the taste of these homemade delights!