Recipe Details
Dehydrated watermelon wedges are a sweet, lightweight treat for summer and fall backpacking. These pliable, non-sticky wedges pack a burst of candy-like flavour, perfect for snacking on the trail.
Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
18h
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Cost: | Cheap |
| Category: | Camping Snacks Dehydrated Recipes |
| Seasons: | Autumn Summer |
Ingredients
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Watermelon
| 5 lbs | Ripe Watermelon |
| 1 Pinch | Pinch of sea salt or chili powder for a different flavour |
Dehydrated Watermelon Wedges Directions
Dehydrated watermelon wedges are like candy for the trail: sweet, chewy, and super lightweight. This recipe turns fresh watermelon into a portable snack that’s perfect for summer and early fall adventures. Although you might be able to dry up a batch for winter and spring hiking.
Preparation Steps
Select and Prep Watermelon: Choose a 5-6 lb seedless watermelon (or remove seeds if needed). Cut into 1/2-inch thick wedges with the rind removed, or, if you are adventurous, try it with the rind on. Aim for uniform wedges to ensure even drying.
Optional Prep: No blanching is needed, but you can pat wedges with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for faster drying. For a flavour twist, lightly sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt (optional).
Arrange for Dehydration: Place wedges in a single layer on dehydrator perforated trays, ensuring no overlap.
Dehydrate: Set dehydrator to 135°F (57°C) and dry for 12-18 hours, until wedges are pliable but not sticky. Check periodically and rotate trays if needed. For oven drying, set to the lowest temperature (around 170°F/77°C), prop the door open slightly, and dry for 14-20 hours, flipping halfway.
Cool and Store: Let wedges cool completely. Store in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag for up to 3 months (watermelon has higher sugar content, so shelf life is shorter than veggies). If you want to keep your watermelon for a long period, vacuum-seal it and toss it into the freezer.
NOTE: Building a reliable trail food system starts with understanding how dehydration affects texture, weight, and rehydration time. See the complete guide to dehydrating food for backpacking.
Recipe Notes
- Trail Use: Enjoy dehydrated watermelon wedges as a sweet, chewy snack on the trail. They’re best eaten as-is, but you can rehydrate in cold water for 10 minutes for a juicier texture.
- Flavour Tip: Add a sprinkle of chili powder before dehydrating for a sweet-spicy kick, perfect for adventurous palates.
- Storage Tip: Use vacuum-sealed bags to keep moisture out, especially for humid summer trips or when you want to store them at home by freezing.
- The Rind: I've seen some people online swear by leaving the rind on when drying. If you're adventurous, try it like I did.
Nutrition facts
Per Serving
| Kcal: | 65 kcal |
| Fibers (g): | 0.5g |
| Sodium (mg): | 2mg |
| Carbs: | 16g |
| Sugar (g): | 14g |
| Fat: | 0.2g |
| Proteins: | 0.5g |