Aromatic Honey Grapefruit & Basil Preserve
Aromatic Honey Grapefruit & Basil Preserve
Honey Grapefruit Basil Preserve
Discover the delightful Honey Grapefruit Basil Preserve, where the sweet and slightly bitter notes of grapefruit meet the fragrant aroma of basil leaves, all enhanced by the golden sweetness of honey. Enjoy it warm as a soothing tea to help ward off colds, or creatively use it as a vibrant dressing for your salads. This simple homemade preserve is a wonderful addition to your kitchen for a touch of health and flavor.
Main Ingredients- 2 grapefruits
- 500g honey
- 20g fresh basil leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly cleaning the grapefruits is key. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the grapefruit peels, then gently scrub the surface with a soft sponge. This method effectively removes any residual pesticides or impurities.
Step 2
Handle the fresh basil leaves with care to preserve their delicate aroma. Rinse them gently under running water, pat them dry, and carefully pluck the leaves from the stems. Set them aside for use.
Step 3
For garnish, first, slice 2-3 thin rounds from one grapefruit before cutting it further. Trim the ends of the grapefruit and slice it thinly, about 0.5 cm thick, including the peel. Then, cut the remaining grapefruit in half and slice it into 0.5 cm thick rounds.
Step 4
For the second grapefruit, you’ll need to carefully remove all the peel. First, peel the outer skin thinly, then meticulously remove the white pith (albedo) as it can impart bitterness. After that, use a knife to carefully separate the segments (flesh) from the membranes. This fruit pulp will add depth to your preserve.
Step 5
Let’s start making the preserve! In a large, clean bowl, pour in the honey. Add the prepared grapefruit slices and gently stir to combine them with the honey.
Step 6
Add the separated grapefruit pulp, the sliced grapefruits, and the roughly chopped basil leaves to the bowl. Pour enough honey to generously cover all the ingredients. Stir everything together gently to ensure all components are well mixed.
Step 7
Prepare a clean glass jar by sterilizing it in boiling water and ensuring it is completely dry. Carefully transfer the honey-grapefruit-basil mixture into the sterilized jar and seal it tightly with the lid. Let it sit in a cool place at room temperature for one day to begin the infusion process, then refrigerate. For the best flavor, allow it to mature for at least a week before enjoying.
