Pumpkin Preserves

Ingredients

500g of pickling lime, limestone or alum- best to use @mrswages6-7 liters of hot water2 Kg of sugar2 liters of boiling waterCitric acid or juice of 1 lemon2 kilos Cubed pumpkin- one large pumpkinMastica drops or cinnamon sticks (optional)

Steps

Mix your lime with the hot water, stir until the lime is almost dissolved – allow the mixture to rest and the lime to settle at the bottom.Remove the white layer the floats on top of the water.Scoop out the clear water, leaving the white lime behindthe lime will help keep the preserve crunchy.Add your cubed pumpkin to the lime water, making sure the pumpkin is fully submerged in the solution. Cover and allow to soak for 24 hours.Strain the pumpkin from the lime water, wash 6-7 time to make sure no lime residue is left behind.Layer your pumpkin and sugar in a large pot. Add the boiling water. Bring to a boil and allow to cook for two and half to three hours. The pumpkin will become completely translucent when it’s ready. Add your lemon juice and mastica drops(optional)Allow the preserve to cool and store in sanitized glass jar.Enjoy with nuts or cheese.