Medjool Date Melomel [2]
![Medjool Date Melomel [2] image](https://upcdn.io/W142hmp/recipe/uploads/2025/03/30/IMG_3948-qD8h.jpeg)
Experience the luscious sweetness of Medjool dates in this beautifully crafted melomel. Enhanced with zesty citrus and the wholesome taste of fresh fruit, this honey-sweetened mead is ideal for social gatherings or quiet evenings. Fermented to perfection with wine yeast, it captures the essence of nature's bounty, offering a refreshing sip that warms the heart.
ingredients
- 4 lbs fresh Medjool dates (pitted)
- Juice and rind of 1 lemon
- Juice and rind of 1 orange
- 2 to 4 lbs of apples, bananas, or grapes (or a mix)
- 2 Campden tablets
- 5 cups honey
- 1 tsp yeast nutrient
- 1 packet wine yeast
- 4 gallons of non-chlorinated water
steps
- 1.
Begin by washing and pitting the fresh Medjool dates to ensure cleanliness.
- 2.
In a large pot, combine 4 gallons of non-chlorinated water with the pitted dates. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- 3.
While it simmers, zest and juice the lemon and orange, adding both to the pot. Chop additional fruit (apples, bananas, or grapes) into small pieces, then add to the mixture.
- 4.
Once cooled to room temperature, crush 2 Campden tablets and stir them into the pot to sterilize.
- 5.
Stir in the honey until fully dissolved, followed by the yeast nutrient.
- 6.
When the mixture reaches 70°F, sprinkle the packet of wine yeast on top and stir gently to combine.
- 7.
Transfer the mixture to a fermentation vessel, seal with an airlock, and allow to ferment for 1-2 weeks, monitoring daily.
- 8.
Upon completion, siphon the melomel into clean bottles. Refrigerate or store in a cool, dark space.