Yes, I have written up a whole recipe just for dehydrated watermelon. It is one of the things where you get so excited about how something turned out you want to give it all hoop-law you can!
Nothing says summer like watermelon. Backyard picnics with the BBQ grilling up your favorite steak or veggie dog, potato salad and corn on the cob. The scene would not be complete without the red and white checkered tablecloth and the big ‘ol red ripe watermelon slices ready to dig into. But did you know that this warm weather gourd is more than just a party favorite?
Watermelon is mostly water at 92% but contains plenty of nutrition. It offers lycopene which is, also, found in tomatoes, guava and red grapefruit and has been found to be a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory (the redder it is the more lycopene!). And you know how big I am on keeping the inflammation down as I deal with my arthritis. Watermelon can provide what avoiding tomatoes (as a nightshade) takes away.
Another tidbit I found fascinating is for menopausal women (getting there myself!) is that consuming watermelon extract has shown to impact blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Wow! And for athletes (that includes hikers), watermelon helps with muscle soreness and recovery. And a little known fact, the watermelon is the official state vegetable of Oklahoma. OK!
Each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There’s even a modest amount of potassium. -LiveScience
So, here’s to eating more watermelon! And because who wants to carry the weight of a watermelon on the trail, let’s get it ready for the trail by dehydrating it.
This is a great way to use up any watermelon you might have or when it goes on sale. I, also, found that if I end up with a watermelon that isn’t as sweet or juicy as I would like it, dehydrating concentrates its flavor.
I have even made a batch with some sea salt sprinkled on it before adding to the dehydrator and it was SO good! And I don’t normally put salt on my watermelon.
Dehydrated Watermelon
The perfect summer treat for on-the-go snacking!
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Paleo, Vegan, Whole Food
Servings: 16 1/4 cup servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole watermelon about 5 pounds
- sea salt optional
Instructions
- Quarter and then slice the watermelon into 1/4 inch pieces. Any thicker and it will take much longer to dry.
- Lay out onto your dehydrator, leaving space in between each piece. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt (optional).
- Let dry for 10-12 hours, flipping the pieces if necessary. You want the watermelon to be dry to the touch (not tacky) but not crispy.
- Store in an airtight container.
If you are new to dehydrating, my Dehydrating 101 page has some great tips!
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