Dehydrated watermelon is the healthy candy you didn't know you needed in your life. The texture is a bit denser and chewier than fresh watermelon, but it's still juicy and bursting with flavor. Seriously, you'll be surprised at the wonderful flavor of dried watermelon.
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The dehydration process enhances the natural sweetness of watermelon and gives it a slightly caramelized flavor, making it a perfect healthy snack for when you're craving something sweet.
If you're a regular reader of Daily Dish, you'll know that my dehydrator is my favorite appliance. Owning a dehydrator is a great way to reduce food waste . Instead of throwing away excess fruits and vegetables from your garden, chop them up and pop them in your dehydrator. Then, just sit back and let the dehydrator work its magic. You can dehydrate everything from zucchini to strawberries. It's so simple.
You're going to love this dehydrated watermelon, aka watermelon jerky. The natural sweet flavor of watermelon is intensified by the dehydration process.
Top Tip: If you like watermelon, you've got to try this amazing watermelon tuna.
🩺Health Benefits Of Dehydrated Watermelon
Believe it or not, dehydrated watermelon has quite a few health benefits!
- Rich in nutrients: Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and other important minerals. Dehydrating watermelon can help to concentrate these nutrients, making them more potent.
- Low in calories: Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit, and dehydrating it can help to reduce its water content even further, making it a great snack option for anyone looking to manage their calorie intake.
- High in antioxidants: Watermelon contains antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene, which can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Dehydrating watermelon can help to concentrate these antioxidants even further.
💡How To Tell If A Watermelon Is Ripe
When searching for a ripe watermelon, there's a few things to keep in mind. One factor to consider is the presence of a yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon. This spot indicates that the watermelon has been sitting on the ground, ripening in the sun. It should be a creamy yellowish color. If it's white or green, the watermelon may not be fully ripe.
Another way to test for ripeness is to tap the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe watermelon should produce a deep, hollow sound. A dull, flat sound indicates that the watermelon isn't fully ripe.
You should also check the texture of the watermelon. The skin should be firm and smooth, with no soft spots or blemishes. When you press on the skin with your fingers, it should feel slightly springy but not too soft.
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🍉How To Dehydrate Watermelon In A Dehydrator
- Wash the watermelon thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Slice the watermelon into finger sized pieces that are ¼ - ½ inch thick, removing any seeds or rind. Do not slice the watermelon too thin, or it will crumble during dehydration.
- Lay the watermelon slices on a dehydrator tray, making sure they don't overlap. Leave plenty of room for the air to circulate.
- Place the tray(s) in a food dehydrator and set the temperature to 135 (60°C).
- Allow the watermelon to dehydrate for 12-18 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the humidity in your area. Check the slices periodically and rotate the trays if necessary. At the 4 hour mark, turn the watermelon slices over to prevent them sticking to the dehydrator trays.
- Once the watermelon slices are fully dehydrated, allow them to cool inside the dehydrator. Remove the dehydrated watermelon once it's fully cooled. It should not be sticky.
- Store the dehydrated watermelon slices in an airtight container or bag for 3-6 months.
🎛️How To Dehydrate Watermelon In The Oven
If you don't have a dehydrator, you can always use your oven. It's possible to replicate the effects of a dehydrator with your oven with all kinds of fruit. Take these, baked apple chips, which crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Dehydrating watermelon in the oven is possible too, but it can be a bit tricky. Dehydrating watermelon in the oven can be less efficient than using a dehydrator, and it may not produce the same chewy texture as dehydrated watermelon made with a dehydrator. However, it's still a fun and creative way to enjoy watermelon all year round.
- Preheat your oven to the lowest possible temperature, ideally around 140-150°F (60-65°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- Slice the watermelon into thin pieces, around ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick. Remove the seeds if desired.
- Arrange the watermelon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they don't overlap.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door slightly open to allow for air circulation. You can prop the door open with a wooden spoon or a folded piece of foil.
- Let the watermelon dehydrate in the oven for several hours, checking on it every hour or so to ensure that it's drying out evenly. The total time will depend on the thickness of the slices, but it typically takes around 6-8 hours.
- Once the watermelon is dehydrated, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store the dehydrated watermelon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several weeks.
🙋Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Watermelon seeds are completely safe to eat and can be a nutritious addition to your diet. They're a good source of protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients like magnesium, potassium, and zinc. I recommend roasting or sprouting them before you eat them. This can make them easier to digest and improve their flavor.
Yes, watermelon rinds are edible and can be eaten in various ways. They are often used in cooking and can be pickled, stir-fried, or blended into smoothies.
Watermelon rinds are rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, and also contain a compound called citrulline, which is believed to have potential health benefits such as improving heart health and reducing muscle soreness.
Dehydrated watermelon can last for 3-6 months if stored properly. The exact shelf life will depend on various factors, such as the humidity levels and temperature where it's stored and how well it's sealed.
more!
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📖 Recipe
Dehydrated Watermelon
Ingredients
- 1 large, ripe watermelon
Instructions
Dehydrated Watermelon In A Dehydrator
- Wash the watermelon thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Slice the watermelon into finger sized pieces that are ¼ - ½ inch thick, removing any seeds or rind. Do not slice the watermelon too thin, or it will crumble during dehydration.
- Lay the watermelon slices on a dehydrator tray, making sure they don't overlap. Leave plenty of room for the air to circulate.
- Place the tray(s) in a food dehydrator and set the temperature to 135 (60°C).
- Allow the watermelon to dehydrate for 12-18 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the humidity in your area. Check the slices periodically and rotate the trays if necessary. At the 4 hour mark, turn the watermelon slices over to prevent them sticking to the dehydrator trays.
- Once the watermelon slices are fully dehydrated, allow them to cool inside the dehydrator. Remove the dehydrated watermelon once it's fully cooled. It should not be sticky.
- Store the dehydrated watermelon slices in an airtight container or bag for 3-6 months.
Dehydrated Watermelon In The Oven
- Preheat oven to the lowest possible temperature, ideally around 140-150°F (60-65°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- Slice the watermelon into thin pieces, around ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick. Remove the seeds if desired. Arrange the watermelon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they don't overlap.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and leave the door slightly open to allow for air circulation. You can prop the door open with a wooden spoon or a folded piece of foil. Let the watermelon dehydrate in the oven for several hours, checking on it every hour or so to ensure that it's drying out evenly. The total time will depend on the thickness of the slices, but it typically takes around 6-8 hours.
- Once the watermelon is dehydrated, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store the dehydrated watermelon in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-6 months.
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