Watermelon Jerky is a summertime favorite around here!
Watermelon’s are plentiful this time of year! Here in the South, you will find farmers selling fresh watermelons and cantaloupes out of the back of their pickup trucks along county roads and at your local farmer’s market.
One of my favorite things to do is to stop off at my local farmers markets, shoot the breeze with those who are reaping the benefits of their harvests and pick up a few locally grown fruits and vegetables to take back home with me. I’m a sucker for fresh peaches and sweet, Black Diamond watermelons from central Oklahoma. I usually don’t make it home without using my sleeve to wipe the peach juice that drips down my chin while driving, but that’s a story for later.
Watermelon doesn’t last long around our place but occasionally we’re able to slice one up and sneak those pieces into the dehydrator to make one of the kids most favorite treats….. Watermelon Jerky!
I recommend buying a seedless variety of watermelon which makes the process of making jerky very simple. Just cut the watermelon into 1/4 inch thick slices and dehydrate them on 135 degrees for anywhere from 15-20 hours until the finished product is dry and leathery. If you don’t have a dehydrator then you can use your oven, set on lowAs the watermelon dehydrates, all of the sugars will condense and leave you with a chewy product that tastes very similar to a Watermelon Jolly Rancher.
The great thing about Watermelon Jerky is that it will store for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place inside of an airtight container.
Everyone loves Watermelon Jerky!
