Dehydrating Melons ~
Enjoy Them All Year Long!

Have you tried dehydrating melons? No? Well, here you'll see I have chosen two different melons to show you: the honeydew and the good old drool-down-your-chin watermelon!

I mean, who can resist an enormous slice of chilled watermelon, sitting by the pool with your feet dangling in the water? But watch out for those sticky drips down your chin!

When Dehydrating Watermelons,
Do A Ripeness Test First

EFD IMAGE PERMISSION CAMTASIA 2018 FOR SUSAN GAST AND EASY FOOD DEHYDRATING

There are a few ways to tell if your melon is ripe and ready to eat. First, you'll want to make sure the fruit is firm to the touch. Also, take a sniff near the stem end of the melon - it should smell sweet and fragrant. Lastly, give the melon a gentle thump - if it sounds hollow, it's ready to eat!

Also: Check if your watermelon is ripe, look for a white patch on it.

The white patch means it's been sitting in the field long enough to have created that patch where the sun didn't get to. Therefore, it wasn't plucked too soon.

Dehydrating Honeydew Melons: Ripeness Test

EFD IMAGE PERMISSION CAMTASIA 2018 FOR SUSAN GAST AND EASY FOOD DEHYDRATING

For honeydew ripeness testing, clean the oil off your thumb and rub it across the honeydew's surface and when it squeaks, you're good! Also, if the skin is a little pale white, the melon probably could do to be a little more on the yellow side before eating.

Honeydew and watermelons are very easy to dehydrate—see the instructions below—and don't forget to roast the seeds (instructions at the bottom of the page also).

There's a high vitamin A content and Folate, followed by vitamin C, and vitamin K in Honeydews. In the mineral department, honeydews are loaded with Potassium, followed by Phosphorous and Magnesium.

Melon Nutrition Info.

Honeydew melon is a good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Watermelons also have a great vitamin A level, followed by vitamin C, Folate, and Choline. 

There's plenty of minerals to be found in watermelons: Phosphorous, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, and Fluoride!

Watermelon is a good source of carbohydrates too, and Omega-6 fatty acids.

Let's Get Busy Dehydrating Melons

Are you ready to get started dehydrating melons? Here's how to do it:

1. Remove the skin and seeds from your honeydew or watermelon
2. Slice the fruit into 1/2" thick slices and arrange on your food dehydrator trays
   
3. Turn on your food dehydrator and set the temperature between 125°F and 135°F (or per your food dehydrator's instructions).

• Drying time: between 8-20 hours. They can either be pliable, or crisp to your liking, but for long-term storage, the dryer the better!
  
• Please remember to rotate your dehydrator trays for even drying.

Best Areas for Growing Melons

Melons are a versatile fruit that can be used in sweet and savory dishes alike. If you're looking to add this tasty fruit to your garden, you'll want to make sure you have the right conditions for growing melons.

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According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, melons need full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

When it comes to planting, you'll want to start your melon seeds indoors about three weeks before the last spring frost. Once it's time to transplant the seedlings outdoors, make sure to space them 48 inches apart in rows that are 8 feet apart.

Different Types of Melons

There are many different types of melons, including watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews. Each type has its own distinct flavor and texture, so you'll want to choose the right one for your taste.

I hope you learned a lot today about dehydrating—and growing—melons!

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