Homemade Honey Citron Preserve (Yuja Cheong)
A Winter Essential: Delicious Honey Citron Preserve / Honey Citron Tea!
As winter arrives, what better way to warm yourself up than with a comforting cup of citron tea? I make this every year, and it never gets old! Its refreshing, sweet, and tangy flavor is always a delight. Let’s make it easily at home! This homemade preserve is packed with the vibrant aroma of yuzu and the natural sweetness of honey, making it perfect for a soothing hot drink or even as a spread.
Ingredients- 3 kg Yuzu (approx. 25 fruits)
- 1.5 kg Xylose Sugar
- 500 g Honey
For Washing the Yuzu- Baking Soda
- Coarse Sea Salt (Flower Salt)
- Baking Soda
- Coarse Sea Salt (Flower Salt)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your yuzu. I’m using 3kg for this recipe. Fresh, high-quality yuzu is key to a delicious preserve, so choose wisely!
Step 2
The yuzu I have are about palm-sized, and 3kg yielded approximately 25 fruits. The exact number can vary depending on the size and variety of yuzu.
Step 3
To thoroughly clean the yuzu, place them in a large bowl filled with water. Sprinkle generously with baking soda and let them soak for 20 minutes. Baking soda helps to remove any pesticides or surface impurities.
Step 4
After 20 minutes, gently rub the yuzu with both hands as if washing them, for a first cleanse. Then, use coarse sea salt and scrub them once more. The salt acts as a natural abrasive to remove any remaining wax or residue from the peel.
Step 5
Crucially, after washing, ensure the yuzu are completely dry. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth. Any residual moisture can lead to mold and spoilage of your preserve.
Step 6
Once completely dry, use a small paring knife to carefully remove the stem ends of the yuzu. Also, trim away any bruised or damaged spots on the peel for a cleaner final product.
Step 7
Now, cut each yuzu in half crosswise. This makes it easier to remove the seeds and separate the flesh from the peel.
Step 8
Using a fork, meticulously scoop out all the seeds from each yuzu half. It’s important to remove as many seeds as possible to avoid an unpleasant texture when consuming the tea later.
Step 9
You’ll find quite a lot of seeds inside each yuzu! Be patient and thorough in removing them; this step is essential for a smooth, enjoyable citron tea.
Step 10
After removing all the seeds, carefully separate the pulp (flesh) from the peel. The pulp will be blended to make juice.
Step 11
Set the separated peels aside. These will be thinly sliced.
Step 12
Now, start thinly slicing the yuzu peels. Slicing them diagonally after cutting the fruit in half can make it easier. Aim for the thinnest slices possible for the best texture and flavor infusion.
Step 13
Slicing the peels can take time, so make it enjoyable! Sit comfortably, perhaps watch some TV or listen to music, to make the process less tedious. This is where your dedication truly shines.
Step 14
Once all the peels are sliced, place the reserved yuzu pulp into a blender. Blend until smooth to create a juice. Pour this blended pulp juice over the thinly sliced yuzu peels.
Step 15
It’s time to add the sugar. Add the 1.5kg of xylose sugar now.
Step 16
Stir the sugar into the yuzu mixture and combine well. The sugar will help draw out moisture and act as a preservative.
Step 17
Next, add the 500g of honey. While you can make this with 100% sugar, adding honey helps the yuzu preserve dissolve faster and adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a smoother sweetness.
Step 18
Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container (like a kimchi container), cover, and let it sit in a cool place, like a balcony, for half a day. This allows the sugar and honey to start dissolving and infusing into the yuzu.
Step 19
Before storing the yuzu preserve, make sure the container is sterilized. You can do this by washing it in hot, soapy water and letting it dry completely, or by boiling it. A clean container is essential for longevity.
Step 20
After half a day, take the container out and give the mixture another good stir. You’ll notice it has become quite thick and well-combined, as shown in the photo. This indicates the sugar and honey are working their magic.
Step 21
Finally, carefully transfer the completed honey citron preserve into your sterilized jars or containers. Congratulations, you’ve just made delicious homemade honey citron preserve! Store it in the refrigerator and enjoy its comforting warmth.
