Dried melon: recipes for cooking in an electric dryer and oven

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Dried melon is a great option for a he althy snack or dessert. You can serve it for dinner, take it with you on the road, or just have a snack between meals at home. The fruit retains much of its sweetness when dried, making it a great alternative to chocolate and candy. You need to cut and dry the melon and then store it properly to keep the product fresh and safe.

How to cut properly?

You can use any variety of this fruit, but it is best to take small round fruits. Before drying a melon, it should be prepared. Place it under cool tap water, wiping it with your hands. Use a brush or dishwashing brush to securely brush off any dirt. Then wipe the melon with a paper towel or dry cloth. You don't need to use soap to clean it: just water and a brush or brush.

Use a serrated knife to cut the fruit lengthwise. Be sure to keep your fingers awayfrom a knife blade to prevent injury. Then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and liquid from the center of each half.

Cut each half into four pieces. Each time cut them lengthwise through the middle. This way you can effectively split each half twice, into smaller pieces, until you have eight pieces.

Clean up each slice. Holding one end of the slice between your fingers, place a serrated knife on the opposite end, where the peel meets the rest of the fruit. Carefully cut it off in a slow motion.

Cut each piece into 12mm thick slices lengthwise to make them long and thin.

How to dry in the oven?

To cook dried melon in the oven, follow these steps. Place cheesecloth on a baking sheet and place fruit pieces on top. Be sure to scatter them well enough that they don't touch each other. Set the oven to 63°C. Leave the door slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.

You will need to check the fruit pieces periodically to determine when they are ready. Your definition of doneness may differ: some like melon to be completely dry and crispy, while others prefer to leave it a little soft. Dried melon can take up to eight hours to cook.

However, if you have pets or small children, you should avoid using thismethod.

How to dry in a dehydrator?

Place the melon pieces on the food dryer tray. Set the settings to 57°C and let the fruit dry for about 16 hours. Depending on the texture you prefer, you can leave the slices in the dehydrator for up to 18 hours. As a result, you will get a fragrant and sweet dried melon in an electric dryer.

Please note that trays will vary in shape and size depending on the model of dehydrator used, which may limit the number of slices you can dry at one time. Cooking instructions may also vary, so check the user manual beforehand.

How to dry a melon in the sun

This Dried Melon recipe is a bit tricky as it can't be cooked in every climate. If you live in an area where temperatures easily reach or exceed 38°C and the air is not too humid, you can dry the melon pieces in the sun. To do this, cover a baking sheet with cheesecloth and place the slices on top of it. Then leave it outside in direct sunlight.

Turn fruit slices once a day to dry evenly. Move the tray indoors at night to avoid dew on the fruit.

It will take two to four days for the melon pieces to dry completely. It is advisable to study the weather forecast in advance to guarantee a four-day solar period for this method. And toprotect dry fruit slices from insects and birds by covering them with gauze.

How to store the product?

Place dried melon pieces in an airtight container. It can be anything from a package to a glass jar. You need to make sure that the container you choose is hermetically sealed. This will prevent moisture from mixing into your fruit pieces and keep them dry.

Wrap the jar of dried melon in a brown paper bag. This will protect the fruit slices from direct sunlight, which can cause discoloration. This will keep them edible longer.

Store the product in a cool and dry place. Excess heat or moisture will be absorbed by the fruit slices. If you keep them dry, they will stay fresh longer. If you store the fruit properly, you can eat it up to a year after you pack it.

Spicy melon chips

Many imagine that dried melon is a sweet product. But you can cook this fruit according to the original recipe by making spicy chips. To prepare them you will need:

• 2 ripe small melons;
• 1 l. Art. sweet curry powder;
• 1 tsp sea s alt;
• half tsp cayenne pepper (optional);
• half tsp cardamom;
• 1/4 cup olive oil;
• 1 tbsp l. sesame oil.

Using a vegetable peeler or a very sharp knife, cut the melon into thin slices. Carefully in a deep bowlmix the following six ingredients listed in the recipe.

Dip each slice of melon on both sides in oil. Then roll them one at a time in spices so that they are completely covered. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer and place in the preheated oven at 150 degrees. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are crispy chips. Remove from oven and cool on a baking sheet. If you don't plan on serving the appetizer immediately, store it in an airtight container in the freezer.

How to make candied fruit?

Candied and dried fruits are a great alternative to sweets. At the same time, they are easy to prepare. To make dried melon this way, follow these steps:

1. Cut the melon into 5mm slices.
2. Calculate the amount of syrup based on the following proportion: for every half a glass of sugar, one and a half glasses of water are required. Mix these ingredients and bring to a boil.
3. Add sliced melon to boiling sugar syrup.
4. Cook at low heat, turning the fruit pieces occasionally, for 40-50 minutes, or until the slices are translucent but still whole.
5. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sliced melon to the wire rack. Refrigerate and leave overnight.
6. Dry in a dehydrator at 50 degrees until desired consistency.

Sprinkle the finished candied fruits with a layer of sugar so that they do not stick together. Store in an airtight container betweensheets of wax paper.