Cantaloupes are abundant this time of year. Last year I planted cantaloupe but had so many and didn’t have a clue what to do with them. They were delicious but since so many of them were wasted, I didn’t plant any this year. Kroger had them on sale for 88¢ each, I bought a couple and they were the sweetest cantaloupes so I began researching to see what could be done with them. I figured I’d buy a few more and test some methods of saving them and if it worked out, I’d plant them again next year. The first thing I made was cantaloupe/peach jam.
Cantaloupe/Peach Jam
The plan was that the jam would mostly be used as an add in for our homemade yogurt.
Next, I dehydrated cantaloupe. With it being such sweet cantaloupe, dehydrated . . it tastes like candy! Vince says it’s almost too sweet for him. I love my dehydrator so much that I bought a second one to have two going at once this year. I use the Excalibur and even though it’s more expensive than some, it’s worth every penny. I’ve used several less expensive models in the past, before I convinced myself the Excalibur was worth the cost, and I can’t say enough good about it. Several folks I know who had used other dehydrators and given up on dehydrating decided to give the Excalibur a try and they also are completely sold on it.
Dehydrated Cantaloupe
Two cantaloupes were thinly sliced and except that I ate quite a bit of it . . you know . . it has to be tested so I’ll know when it’s done.
I do believe we’ll be planting cantaloupe again next year.
While looking at ideas for cantaloupe, I saw dehydrated watermelon too. Our watermelons should be getting ripe soon so I’ll try some of that too.
Roberta says
You do know you can freeze the cantaloupe and then use with yogurt, etc to make smoothies. Love using it like that. Just cut in cubes and pop in the freezer. I usually lay them out in the bag so only one cube thick then you can break off the amount you want in that smoothie.
Hugs!!!!
Roberta says
Forgot, I’m going to try dehydrating some too. Thanks for the tip!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs!!!!
Judy D in WA says
I never thought to dehydrate cantaloupe. I have done watermelon and it is like candy! Love it it the cold, nasty winter.
Jane says
How thick did you cut it? I have tried watermelon but not canteloupe
CookieE says
Thanks for the tip. I’ve only frozen cantalope in fruit salad with honeydew and grapes. Wonder how dehydrated honeydews would work.
danielle says
what about a type of melon salsa made with cantaloupe?
Tinkerfeet says
I just started to dehydrate ( I am a little late to the party) but so far I am liking what I have done. Love all the ideas you and your readers write about.