1. Selection & Ingredients

• Select mature, firm melons that are heavy for their size. Do not use melons that show signs of decay or mold.
  • Cantaloupe dries better than watermelon.
• Pre-treatment Solution--any of the following can be used to prevent fruits from darkening:
  • Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)- Mix 1 teaspoon powdered or 3,000 mg tablets (six 500 mg tablets), crushed, in 2 cups cold water 
  • Citric acid-1 teaspoon (5 grams) per 1 quart of cold water
  • Bottled lemon juice-1 cup per 1 cup cold water
  • Ascorbic Acid Mixture--follow manufacturer's instructions

2. Equipment

• Use clean, food-grade dehydration equipment or oven with drying trays or racks that allow for good air circulation.
  • ​​​​​​​Many types of food dehydrators can be used and are explained in detail in Food Dehydrators.
• Conditioning containers
  • Large, clean plastic or glass container with lid
• Storage containers
  • Clean, dry home canning jars, plastic freezer containers with tight-fitting lids or plastic freezer bags
  • Vacuum packaging is also a good storage option
• Large bowl (for soaking fruit in pre-treatment solution)
• Colander, strainer or slotted spoon (for draining fruit)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Timer or clock

3. Prepare Ingredients

• Scrub outer surface well with brush under cool running water.
• Remove outer skin, any fibrous tissue and seeds.
• Cut melons into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick slices.
• Soak melons in ascorbic acid or other anti-darkening /antimicrobial solution for 3-5 minutes.
• Remove melons from solution and drain well.

4. Dry

• Arrange pretreated melons in single layers on drying trays.
• Dry at 140 degrees F (60°C) in an oven or dehydrator.
• If necessary, turn large pieces over every 3 to 4 hours during the drying period.
  • Fruits can scorch easily toward the end of drying, so monitor more closely as drying nears completion.
  • Dried fruits should be leathery and pliable.
• Total Drying Time: 6-10 hours in a dehydrator (may take up to twice as long in a conventional oven) 

5. Condition

• Condition melons by placing cooled, dried fruit loosely in large plastic or glass containers, about two-thirds full.
• Lightly cover and store in a dry, well-ventilated place for 4 to 10 days.
  • Stir or shake containers daily to separate pieces.
  • If beads of moisture form inside the container return melons to drying trays for further drying, then repeat the conditioning step.

6. Store

• Store small amounts of conditioned dried melons in moisture-vapor-proof containers or bags.
• Label packages with name of product, date and method of pretreatment and drying.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place or in the refrigerator or freezer.
  • Properly stored, dried fruits keep well for six to 12 months.
  • Discard foods that have off odors or show signs of mold.

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