Hatice ÇetinCommis
24 June 2026 Last updated: 11 September 2026

This lesser-known Anatolian preserve is made by soaking firm, unripe melons in lime water, then simmering them in syrup until translucent. The result is much firmer and more crystalline in appearance than desserts made with ripe melon.

Step by Step

How to make it?

1

Soak the melon in lime water

120 min

Submerge the diced melon in lime water, making sure it is fully covered. Let it soak for 2 hours, until the cubes begin to firm up and turn crystalline.

2

Rinse

10 min

Remove the melon cubes from the lime water and rinse them thoroughly with plenty of water; any remaining lime may make the preserves taste bitter.

3

Simmer in syrup

20 min

Dissolve the sugar in a small amount of water and bring to a boil. Add the rinsed melon cubes and cloves, then cook over low heat for 20 minutes, until the syrup thickens.

4

Add the lemon juice and jar the preserves

5 min

Add the lemon juice just before turning off the heat. While hot, fill clean jars with the melon mixture and close the lids tightly.

Reminder

When preparing the lime water, do not disturb the sediment at the bottom. Use only the clear liquid on top; if the sediment mixes into the melon, the result will taste bitter.

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Comments (2)

4.0 5 reviews 80% recommend it 3 rated without leaving a comment
5 3
4 1
3 0
2 0
1 1
A
Ali Bilgin Commis 2 months ago

Kirecin suda tam olarak ne kadar süre dinlenip berraklaşması gerekiyor, üstteki berrak kısmı almadan önce beklerken bir işaret var mı acaba? İki saatten fazla bekletmek zarar verir mi merak ediyorum.

H
Hatice Recipe Owner 2 months ago

Kireç suyu genelde yarım saat içinde dibe çöker ve üstü camsı bir berraklık kazanır; o berraklığı gördüğünüzde üstten yavaşça alabilirsiniz, iki saati aşması bir sorun yaratmaz.

Ş
Şükrü Uçar Aide de Cuisine 2 months ago

Kavunu tarifte yazan 2 saat yerine 3 saat kirece yattırdım çünkü kavunum oldukça olgundu, sonuç yine de gayet billur ve sert çıktı. Şerbeti 20 dakika kaynatmak benim ocağımda tam kıvamını buldu.

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