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 a huge 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

To 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.

Tap it. It should make a sound like a hollow thud.

Dehydrating Honeydew Melons: Ripeness Test

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.

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