Pineapple Squash is a refreshing, traditional African beverage that transforms leftover pineapple skins and cores into a delicious, sweet drink. This recipe highlights the importance of zero-waste cooking, extracting every bit of flavor from the fruit. The resulting liquid is simmered with sugar to create a rich syrup, balanced by the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. It has a smooth, slightly viscous texture and a vibrant, tropical taste. Perfect for serving chilled over ice or diluted with water, this squash is ideal for hot summer days, family gatherings, or as a unique addition to your pantry. It&# 226;ÂÂs a simple, vegan-friendly treat that brings a taste of home-style hospitality to your table.
Pineapple Squash
Description
Pineapple Squash is a refreshing, traditional African beverage that transforms leftover pineapple skins and cores into a delicious, sweet drink. This recipe highlights the importance of zero-waste cooking, extracting every bit of flavor from the fruit. The resulting liquid is simmered with sugar to create a rich syrup, balanced by the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice. It has a smooth, slightly viscous texture and a vibrant, tropical taste. Perfect for serving chilled over ice or diluted with water, this squash is ideal for hot summer days, family gatherings, or as a unique addition to your pantry. It&# 226;ÂÂs a simple, vegan-friendly treat that brings a taste of home-style hospitality to your table.Ingredients
Directions
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Place the pineapple peels and cores into a large, non-reactive saucepan.
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Add enough water to completely cover the pineapple pieces.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
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Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cloth, pressing the solids to extract all juice.
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Measure the extracted juice.
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For every cup of juice, add 1 cup of sugar to the strained liquid.
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Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
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Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely.
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Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
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Pour the squash into clean, sterilized bottles and seal tightly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 935.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.1g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 2.7mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 242.1g81%
- Dietary Fiber 0.1g1%
- Sugars 240.6g
- Protein 0.1g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
This recipe utilizes pineapple peels and cores, which are often discarded but contain significant flavor. Ensure you use organic pineapples if possible, or wash the skins thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticides.
The squash is highly concentrated. To serve, dilute with water or sparkling water to taste, typically a ratio of 1 part squash to 3-4 parts water. Serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
Store the squash in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the bottles properly.
Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the sugar ratio accordingly.
