Difference between revisions of "Make Watermelon Chips"
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==Steps== | ==Steps== | ||
===Cutting the Watermelon=== | ===Cutting the Watermelon=== | ||
| − | #Choose and wash a watermelon. Select a ripe watermelon. It should feel heavy and firm. Avoid watermelons that have soft spots on the rind since they may be too ripe. Look for a watermelon that has a slightly yellow-colored spot on the rind. This is the spot where the watermelon ripened when it was on the ground. Wash the watermelon before you slice it.<ref>http://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-way-to-pick-a-watermelon-172375</ref> | + | #Choose and wash a watermelon. Select a ripe watermelon. It should feel heavy and firm. Avoid watermelons that have soft spots on the rind since they may be too ripe. Look for a watermelon that has a slightly yellow-colored spot on the rind. This is the spot where the watermelon ripened when it was on the ground. Wash the watermelon before you slice it.<ref name="rf1">http://www.thekitchn.com/the-best-way-to-pick-a-watermelon-172375</ref> |
#*If you tap the watermelon, it should sound hollow, not dull. | #*If you tap the watermelon, it should sound hollow, not dull. | ||
| − | #Cut the watermelon into quarters. If you're using a large watermelon, use a large chef's knife to carefully cut the melon into four large wedges. To make a small batch of watermelon chips, you'll only need to use one quarter wedge. Set the other quarters aside or just make a large batch of the chips.<ref>http://www.thekitchn.com/try-this-dried-watermelon-152025</ref> | + | #Cut the watermelon into quarters. If you're using a large watermelon, use a large chef's knife to carefully cut the melon into four large wedges. To make a small batch of watermelon chips, you'll only need to use one quarter wedge. Set the other quarters aside or just make a large batch of the chips.<ref name="rf2">http://www.thekitchn.com/try-this-dried-watermelon-152025</ref> |
#*If you're using a smaller, personal-sized watermelon, you may need to use half or all of the melon. | #*If you're using a smaller, personal-sized watermelon, you may need to use half or all of the melon. | ||
| − | #Slice the watermelon into strips. Slice the quarter of watermelon into slivers that are triangle-shaped. Try to slice them at least 1/4-inch (6 mm) thin or thinner so they'll dry evenly. Use a smaller paring knife to slice off and discard the rind from each slice.<ref | + | #Slice the watermelon into strips. Slice the quarter of watermelon into slivers that are triangle-shaped. Try to slice them at least 1/4-inch (6 mm) thin or thinner so they'll dry evenly. Use a smaller paring knife to slice off and discard the rind from each slice.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*If you want triangular strips of watermelon chips, you can dry these strips or cut them into smaller pieces. | #*If you want triangular strips of watermelon chips, you can dry these strips or cut them into smaller pieces. | ||
| − | #Consider cutting the strips into small chips. If you want your watermelon chips to be smaller and similar to tortilla chips in size, cut them again. Roughly chop the triangular strips of watermelon into bite-sized chips. Keep in mind that they'll shrink in size as they dry.<ref | + | #Consider cutting the strips into small chips. If you want your watermelon chips to be smaller and similar to tortilla chips in size, cut them again. Roughly chop the triangular strips of watermelon into bite-sized chips. Keep in mind that they'll shrink in size as they dry.<ref name="rf2" /> |
===Using the Chips in a Dehydrator=== | ===Using the Chips in a Dehydrator=== | ||
| − | #Place the watermelon pieces on the trays. Get out the trays that came with your dehydrator. Arrange the watermelon pieces so they're in a single layer. Leave a little bit of room between the fruit pieces to let the air circulate easily.<ref | + | #Place the watermelon pieces on the trays. Get out the trays that came with your dehydrator. Arrange the watermelon pieces so they're in a single layer. Leave a little bit of room between the fruit pieces to let the air circulate easily.<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Turn on the dehydrator. Put the trays with watermelon into the dehydrator and close it. Turn your dehydrator on to the fruit setting. If your dehydrator doesn't have a fruit setting, set it to 135 degrees F (60 C).<ref | + | #Turn on the dehydrator. Put the trays with watermelon into the dehydrator and close it. Turn your dehydrator on to the fruit setting. If your dehydrator doesn't have a fruit setting, set it to 135 degrees F (60 C).<ref name="rf2" /> |
| − | #Dehydrate the watermelon for 8 to 12 hours. Leave the watermelon chips in the dehydrator for 8 to 12 hours. You may want to turn the fruit halfway through the drying time to prevent it from sticking to the trays. The watermelon chips will be dry and chewy once they've finished dehydrating.<ref | + | #Dehydrate the watermelon for 8 to 12 hours. Leave the watermelon chips in the dehydrator for 8 to 12 hours. You may want to turn the fruit halfway through the drying time to prevent it from sticking to the trays. The watermelon chips will be dry and chewy once they've finished dehydrating.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*The time it takes to dehydrate the watermelon will depend on how much water is in the melon, the size of the chips, and your dehydrator. | #*The time it takes to dehydrate the watermelon will depend on how much water is in the melon, the size of the chips, and your dehydrator. | ||
#Store the watermelon chips. Once the watermelon chips have dried, scoop them into an airtight container. If you'd like to store them for a long period of time, add an oxygen absorber packet to the container. This will absorb excess moisture that could cause the chips to spoil. | #Store the watermelon chips. Once the watermelon chips have dried, scoop them into an airtight container. If you'd like to store them for a long period of time, add an oxygen absorber packet to the container. This will absorb excess moisture that could cause the chips to spoil. | ||
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===Making the Chips in an Oven=== | ===Making the Chips in an Oven=== | ||
| − | #Place the watermelon pieces on a nonstick sheet. Get out a large nonstick baking sheet. Arrange the watermelon pieces so they're in a single layer. Leave some room between the watermelon pieces to let the air circulate easily.<ref>http://www.foodstoragemoms.com/2014/03/dehydrate-watermelon/</ref> | + | #Place the watermelon pieces on a nonstick sheet. Get out a large nonstick baking sheet. Arrange the watermelon pieces so they're in a single layer. Leave some room between the watermelon pieces to let the air circulate easily.<ref name="rf3">http://www.foodstoragemoms.com/2014/03/dehydrate-watermelon/</ref> |
| − | #Turn your oven on. Turn your oven on to the lowest setting that's available. Put the sheet with watermelon in the oven and leave the door to the oven open. You'll need to let as much air as possible circulate as the fruit dehydrates. This is why it's important not to shut the oven door.<ref | + | #Turn your oven on. Turn your oven on to the lowest setting that's available. Put the sheet with watermelon in the oven and leave the door to the oven open. You'll need to let as much air as possible circulate as the fruit dehydrates. This is why it's important not to shut the oven door.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Dry the watermelon for 2 to 4 hours. Keep the watermelon in the oven for about 2 hours. Turn the pieces over and return them to the oven. Leave the door open and dry them for another 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The watermelon chips should be smaller, dry, and slightly crispy or chewy (depending on if you did strips or small pieces).<ref | + | #Dry the watermelon for 2 to 4 hours. Keep the watermelon in the oven for about 2 hours. Turn the pieces over and return them to the oven. Leave the door open and dry them for another 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The watermelon chips should be smaller, dry, and slightly crispy or chewy (depending on if you did strips or small pieces).<ref name="rf3" /> |
#Store the watermelon chips. Once the watermelon chips have dried, transfer them to an airtight container. If you'd like to store them for a long period of time, add an oxygen absorber packet to the container. | #Store the watermelon chips. Once the watermelon chips have dried, transfer them to an airtight container. If you'd like to store them for a long period of time, add an oxygen absorber packet to the container. | ||
#*Consider using mason jars or airtight plastic containers to store the watermelon chips. | #*Consider using mason jars or airtight plastic containers to store the watermelon chips. | ||
