Dried melon in watermelon juice, Uzbek cuisine. Dried melon at home

Dried melon is a healthy and tasty dessert. Dried fruit can be eaten in its natural form or used as one of the components for preparing various dishes. The properties and subtleties of preparing dried melon are worth considering in more detail.


Composition and calorie content

Dried melon contains many vitamins and microelements that are beneficial to the body. Dried fruits are made using drying. When properly prepared, melon does not lose its beneficial properties. As for nutritional value, 100 grams of the product contains 341 calories. Dried melon contains the most carbohydrates – 82.2 grams. The amount of protein is 0.7 grams, and fats are present in the amount of 0.1 grams.

It is worth noting that all indicators are indicated per 100 grams of dried melon.


Vitamins

The product contains the most vitamin C. This element is vital for the human body and maintains normal general health. The product also contains many B vitamins. Each of the elements of this group has its own serial number and is responsible for performing individual functions. Taken together, these vitamins strengthen the nervous system and also improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dried melon contains nicotinic acid, which is responsible for many vital processes of the body, for example, brain function, blood circulation, good vision and much more. Vitamins A and E are of great importance for health, since in addition to strengthening the immune system, they are responsible for the good condition of the skin. In addition to stimulating skin cell renewal, vitamin A helps strengthen bone tissue and teeth.



Microelements

In addition to vitamins, dried fruit contains many microelements. The product contains potassium in large quantities, which is primarily necessary to maintain water balance in the body. This element is also responsible for the performance of the brain and the condition of muscle tissue and blood vessels. The properties of sodium are similar to the functions of potassium, so it is worth saying that the elements help each other in strengthening the body. Sodium is responsible for water-salt metabolism, improves the condition of the nervous system and muscles, and also promotes the production of gastric juice.

Calcium is one of the essential elements that is necessary for bones and teeth. In addition, the element is involved in the process of blood clotting. Magnesium is very important for stabilizing the mental and emotional state, as this element improves the condition of the nervous system. This trace element also helps get rid of frequent headaches and migraines.




How is it useful?

The beneficial properties of dried fruit are due to its composition. During the drying process, melon retains its beneficial qualities, so the properties of the dried fruit are not inferior to the fresh product. Dried fruits bring the following benefits to the body:

  • has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system as a whole; Regular consumption of dried fruit helps strengthen the heart muscle and improves its function;
  • removes harmful substances and toxins from the body, which improves liver condition and overall health;
  • promotes the removal of bile from the body, which also reduces the load on the kidneys and gallbladder;
  • has a diuretic effect and helps remove sand and small stones from the kidneys;
  • improves the functioning of the nervous system, helps with sleep disorders, relieving insomnia, and also protects against stress and helps cope with anxiety;
  • strengthens bone and muscle tissue;
  • has a moderate laxative effect, so it can be used as a preventative against constipation;
  • It is recommended to use during menopause to reduce symptoms;
  • increases male potency;
  • improves the general condition of the body during pregnancy and promotes the normal development of the fetus;
  • improves the functioning of the immune system;
  • strengthens nail plates, promotes hair growth and improves skin condition.

Harm

Dried melon contains a lot of calories and is therefore not recommended for overweight people. The product also contains a lot of sugar, so dried fruit should be excluded from the diet of people suffering from diabetes. Dried melon takes a long time to digest.

For this reason, if you have diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the product should be used with great caution.



How to choose fruits for drying?

To prepare delicious dried fruits at home, you need to choose a suitable and high-quality melon. First of all, it is important that the fruits are ripe and unspoiled. As for the variety, you should give preference to the following types of melon:

  • "Persian";
  • "Collective farmer";
  • "Pineapple";
  • "Gulyabi";
  • "Torpedo".

"Collective farmer"

"Pineapple"

"Torpedo"

Other varieties can be used. The requirements for melon for drying are dense pulp, rich taste and aroma. As for the maturity of the fetus, it can be determined using some simple methods.

  • When purchasing, you should pay attention to the smell of the fruit. A pleasant, unobtrusive aroma should emanate from the peel of a ripe melon. The lack of smell will indicate that it is not yet ripe.
  • In addition to the aroma, the sound can also indicate the ripeness of the fruit. You need to lightly slap your palm on the surface of the melon. If the sound is muffled, then the fruit is ripe, but a ringing clap will indicate the opposite.
  • The melon skin should be elastic. If you press lightly on the peel, there should be no indentations. If the skin loses its original shape after pressing, then the fruit is overripe.
  • There should be no damage or defects on the surface of the melon. Whatever variety is purchased, the skin of the fruit should have a uniform shade without extraneous spots of a different color.


How to dry it yourself?

In order for dried fruits to retain all the beneficial properties of melon after drying, it is important to approach this process responsibly. There are several ways to dry a product, each of which differs in the drying method.

In an electric dryer

One of the most convenient ways to prepare dried fruits, vegetables and berries is to use a device such as an electric dryer. At the same time, you do not need an expensive unit with complex drying programs - the simplest model will do. The melon must first be washed, peeled and seeds removed. In the meantime, you need to warm up the electric dryer by leaving it on for five minutes. The peeled fruit is cut into small pieces. The thickness of one piece should not be more than five millimeters. As for the length, you need to focus on the size of the electric dryer so that the pieces fit easily into it.

When the machine warms up, place the melon on the tray so that the pieces do not touch each other, but lie at a short distance. The drying process in total lasts no more than twelve hours. The temperature in the device should be at +70 degrees.



In the oven

Not everyone has such a unit as an electric dryer. But buying such equipment for single or rare use is impractical. You can prepare dried melon in a conventional oven, and in terms of taste and quality it will be in no way inferior to the product from the dryer. The procedure for preparing the fruit is similar: the melon is peeled and seeds removed and cut into thin short pieces. The oven must be preheated to a temperature of +70 degrees. You need to put parchment paper on a baking sheet, and the melon is already placed on it.

Drying a product in an oven has some peculiarities. The fact is that during the cooking process the melon will lose a lot of moisture, which should evaporate. To do this, keep the oven door slightly open during cooking. Due to the abundant release of moisture during the first five hours of drying, it is necessary to regularly change the parchment paper. Otherwise, the melon will turn out boiled and not dried.

The total cooking time will be at least ten hours. In this case, everything will depend on the varietal of the melon.



On the street

Drying melon in direct sunlight and in a draft is considered by many to be the best and correct way. Residents of regions with warm climates can apply this method in practice. Hot and dry summers will be the ideal conditions for drying melons outside. Melon for this drying method is prepared in a slightly different way. The fruit is thoroughly washed, cut in half and cleared of seeds.

Each half must be cut thinly, not separating the pieces from each other, but leaving them connected at one end. The plates must be moved in different directions so that they do not touch each other. You need to act very carefully so that not a single piece comes off. For the first two days, the product must be kept on a sieve in the house at room temperature. During this period, the melon must be turned over regularly.

After this, you need to place ropes between thin dried pieces of fruit. In this case, the rope should not be too thin, otherwise it may cut the melon and disconnect the plates. The fruit is hung outside in the sunniest place. The drying process can take fourteen days - it all depends on weather conditions.

Home | cooking | canning | How to dry melon for the winter

Sun-dried fruits and berries are the best alternative to sweets, chips, dried goods...
This is not a low-calorie product, but in some cases it is even more dietary than fresh fruit.
You can dry almost any fruit. Except watermelon (pulp), because if you dry almost distilled water, nothing remains...
Melon can be dried and dried. Depending on how much moisture remains in this melon berry, you will get either dried or dried melon.
Another reason why you sometimes need a recipe for canning melon can be its size. As a rule, the larger the ripe melon, the tastier it is. But not every group, even a very large one, can eat a 12-kilogram berry.
And so we dry the part that we couldn’t handle, roll up compotes, make preserves and marmalade...

How to dry or dry melon:

At home (if there is no special drying), an oven or convection oven is used for this purpose. In the photo, the “collective farmer” melon has gone to drying. This variety has denser and less watery pulp. It can be dried completely and left dried. There are melons that are more watery than watermelon. It is better to prepare melon marshmallow from these varieties.
photo 1.

Peel the melon.

How to dry melons

Remove only the topmost hard yellow layer. Cut into thin strips. The thinner it is, the faster the melon will dry out. Place in a single layer on air fryer or oven racks.

At what temperature and how long to dry: In a convection oven: in 2 steps for 20 minutes at 65 C and maximum fan strength (if there is an adjustment). In the oven: in 3-4 batches at 50-60 C for 20-30 minutes.
photo 2.
Roll the strips into rolls - this makes them easier to store and eat. Store dried or dried melon in closed containers, but ventilate periodically and check to see if there are fruit moths there (how do they get there!?). The calorie content of dried melon is quite high - depending on the variety, up to 500 kcal. But if there are no restrictions on the consumption of sugar, including fructose, a small portion of dried melon can be a wonderful snack.
August 8, 2014.

Dried melon - a delicacy for adults and children

Dried melon

To prepare baked melon you will need:

- melon weighing approximately 1.5 kg;

- orange;

- sugar (to taste);

- lemon juice (tablespoon);

- cinnamon;

1. First of all, the melon needs to be peeled and pitted. Then cut into slices about 1-1.5 cm thick and place in a layer in a baking dish. Sprinkle with lemon juice, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, add another layer of wedges, pour with lemon juice again, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

2. The orange should be cut into rings and placed in a mold on top of the melon slices.

3. Place the mold with the melon and orange in the oven and bake at maximum temperature for about an hour and a half (until the oranges are sure to darken - you can throw them away after cooking).

It is better to choose an unripe melon for baking or a firmer variety - a juicy melon gives off too much liquid when baked.

Dried melon- This is an elegant and unusual delicacy that will appeal to both adults and the younger generation. There are quite a lot of different varieties of this amazing fruit, which vary in taste, color and size, but they all contain useful microcomponents that give strength, health and beauty.

To make delicious dried melon at home, it is advisable to use only the best fruits. In order to choose a good product correctly, we recommend reading a few recommendations. A ripe melon always gives off a sweet and fresh aroma. Also, a ripe melon’s crust should be slightly soft, but if it is hard and elastic, this means that the fruit is not yet fully ripe. And lastly, the ponytail must be dry.

There are several ways to dry fruits and berries, for example, this can be done in the oven or the old method - under the sun. In this step-by-step photo recipe, we have prepared instructions for preparing dried melon in an electric dryer, which describes each step in detail.

Dried melon is beneficial to health, primarily due to the content of trace elements and amino acids.

How to make dried melon at home

It is the melon pulp that perfectly serves to strengthen hair and capillaries. Also, its beneficial properties extend to people with cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the benefit of dried melon also lies in the content of folic acid, which is simply necessary for pregnant women.

You can make a healthy and tasty compote from dried melon, and also add a few pieces to tea to diversify the taste and aroma.

After preparing wonderful dried melon, you need to follow the rules for storing it. It needs to breathe, which means that in a tightly closed container, it will probably become moldy. It is necessary to store dried melon correctly in paper bags or in a glass jar, but use paper instead of a lid.

So, let's start preparing an exquisite and tasty delicacy called “Dried Melon”.

Fresh fruits contain the maximum amount of nutrients, but, unfortunately, have a limited ripening period. Therefore, methods of canning and drying have long been mastered. Thus, dried melon is a valuable product that should be included in the menu.

Why is it useful?

The benefits of dried melon are due to its composition:

  • vitamins A, C, D, PP;
  • folic acid;
  • riboflavin;
  • pyridoxine;
  • beta-carotene;
  • mineral salts;
  • iron;
  • cellulose;
  • starch;
  • sugar (mostly sucrose);
  • proteins.

At the same time, the calorie content of the product is 341 kcal per 100 g of dried fruit.

The delicacy is sold in the form of individual pieces or braids. Recommended for dietary nutrition. But it is important to know how many calories are in dried melon in order to correctly calculate the portion. Usually it is an additive to baked goods, porridges, and people drink tea with it instead of sweets.

The beneficial properties of dried melon include saturating the body with potassium, which is responsible for the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels.

  1. Sodium helps to better transmit nerve impulses.
  2. Calcium is responsible for bone health and is absorbed only in the presence of vitamin D.
  3. Phosphorus is also indispensable for the body.
  4. Magnesium has a positive effect on the psychological state.

Dried or dried melon pulp cleanses the liver, removes toxins, normalizes the functioning of the gallbladder, expelling excess bile. Thanks to its diuretic effect, dried melon in pigtails or in pieces relieves problems with the kidneys and bladder. Numerous vitamins and microelements will serve as an excellent source of protecting the body from overwork, insomnia and vitamin deficiency.

Melon can only be harmful to those who suffer from diabetes or have problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Dried Thai melon contains almost the same calories, but it contains less sugar than regular melon.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding

The sweet delicacy is good for pregnant and lactating women. This is an excellent vitamin supplement that will provide the body with the necessary elements needed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It is only important not to overdo it, so as not to cause allergic reactions or increased blood sugar. In this case, you should add pieces of dried fruit to compote or porridge.

You should choose only a high-quality product - the braid or slices of dried melon should not be covered with seeds or unpeeled peel, or other impurities. The dried fruit tastes like the rich aroma, texture and sweetness of banana.

How to make dried melon - varieties

If you wish, you can make candied melon yourself. In this case, you will get a truly natural product, especially if the fruit was grown on your own plot and without pesticides.

Not all varieties are suitable for drying. The optimal ones are:

  • Pineapple;
  • Collective farmer;
  • Gulyabi;
  • Torpedo.

Dried or dried melon has the Uzbek name kauyndak and is widespread in Uzbek and Turkmen cuisines.

Dry the melon either in the oven or in an electric dryer.

There is a method of drying in the sun and wind. The fruit is cut in half, seeds and peel are removed. The half is cut into strips, but not completely. It is laid out on a wire rack and dried for a couple of days, constantly turning over. Then it is hung on ropes in the sun. Dries better in windy weather. Then it is braided into a pigtail.

Drying melon at home

The ideal option is an electric dryer. A medium-sized melon fruit needs to be washed and dried. Cut and remove the seeds, remove the peel and the unsweetened hard part near the peel. Cut the pulp into 0.5 cm strips.

Heat the electric dryer to 70°, place the slices on trays so that they do not touch each other. Drying melons takes up to 12 hours, but every 2 hours you need to turn off the electric dryer for 10 minutes to prevent it from overheating.

A more troublesome method is cooking in a gas oven. The fruit is also cut into strips and laid out on parchment, the baking sheet is placed in an oven heated to 70°. For better evaporation of moisture, you should turn on the ventilation mode or open the oven door slightly.

It is important to periodically change the parchment so that the slices are not in their own juice, otherwise they will bake and not wilt. Cooking time is 10 hours.

Cooking recipes

Candied fruits can be consumed throughout the year, as they retain their beneficial properties for a long time. You just need to store the product correctly - in a glass jar or a cotton or linen bag, since dried fruits must “breathe”. Before use, you need to check for the absence of mold and traces of insects.

The delicacy can be served cut into pieces or with the addition of other products:

  • sprinkle the strips with finely chopped nuts and wrap them in rolls;
  • Roll dried melon slices into balls and roll in poppy seeds;
  • sprinkle strips or slices of melon with water, dry and sprinkle with sesame seeds;
  • add raisins and dried apricots to the slices - you get a healthy salad. You can season it with yogurt or add cottage cheese.

When mixing candied fruits with other dishes, you should remember that the calorie content per 100 grams of dried fruit changes, especially if it is added to cereals and baked goods. You need to be especially careful with honey, which makes the melon even sweeter. For those who are on a diet, it is useful to have a tablet with the calorie content of different foods to calculate the number of calories in dishes with several ingredients.

The properties of dried melon make them useful for children over one year old, and it is better to introduce it into the diet from the age of three, when the child’s digestive system is able to cope with such a product. However, you shouldn’t get carried away with candied fruits either, otherwise the child may develop diathesis or allergies. You need to start with small portions so that the child’s digestive system gets used to the new dish.

Melon in nature qualifies as a sweet, very aromatic and nutritious berry. She can gain up to 25 kg in her weight. There are quite a few different types and varieties of this tasty product. All types are different from each other in color, different tastes, shapes and forms.

However, this family is united by unique properties that give not only an unforgettable taste sensation, but also beauty, health, and an influx of strength. And in winter, a braid of dried melon or sweet candied fruits will greatly please you.

Dried melon is a very sweet and tasty product that not only adults, but also children will want to enjoy. Melons selected only from the best specimens are dried. Farmers have to make considerable efforts to grow high-quality melons, from which various delicacies will later be created.

The number of calories contained in the dried product allows you not to worry about your figure and forget about the diet. It helps to rejuvenate the body and keep it in good shape.

Beneficial properties and harm of dried melons

The beneficial properties of this berry leave no doubt. First of all, it is filled with beneficial amino acids and vitamins. The pulp will help strengthen hair and bones, improve the condition of blood vessels. It is very useful for people suffering from:

  • cardiovascular diseases;
  • jaundice;
  • urolithiasis;
  • nervous and mental disorders.

It is useful to take in dried form for pregnant women or during menopause. During this period, women need folic acid, which melon boasts of containing. Dried fruit has a positive effect on restoring hormonal balance, while simultaneously strengthening the body's protective functions.

Distinctive beneficial properties include the presence of an enzyme with which you can cope with insomnia, overcome impotence and get rid of irritability. It prevents cells from being destroyed, preserving the vital activity of nerve cells.

It is important to know: The benefits of dried melons are no less than those of fresh ones, since vitamins are not lost during processing, maintaining the nutritional value of the product.


Speaking about possible harm, we can note a certain conflict with some products, which sometimes leads to disorders. It is highly undesirable to consume such a delicacy with alcohol, honey and dairy products. People suffering from diabetes should definitely give it up (you can read detailed information about the benefits and harms of melon for the human body).

How to dry

Melon can be dried or dried. The amount of moisture remaining in the final product will determine whether the melon will be dried or dried. At home, if special drying is not available, it is recommended to use an oven or grill.

To prepare, prepared specimens should be washed, cut and seeds removed. The surface is cleaned of sand. Only the hard top layer needs to be removed. Next, the melon is cut into strips.

Note: The drying speed will depend on the thickness of the strips.

Then place it in one layer on the wire rack. How to correctly place the slices on the drying surface is shown in the photo.

In the grill, the drying process should be carried out in two approaches of twenty minutes and at 65 degrees. When drying in an oven preheated to a temperature of 220 C, insert a tray with chopped slices for fifteen minutes. Afterwards the temperature drops to 85 and the door opens slightly. For six hours, it is advisable to turn the slices over every half hour to ensure even drying.

Which varieties are best to use?

When choosing a variety for drying, remember that sugar varieties with sufficient pulp hardness are best suited. One of the most suitable varieties is.

Melon "Collective Farmer"

The variety has good density and a relatively low water content. Good for both complete drying and drying. Lesser-known varieties of melons include “Gulyabi”, “Ditma” and “Persian”.

Melon "Persian"

You should know: It is better to store drying in a jar or linen bag.

Candied fruits: recipe

In winter, we can be pleased with this amazing product in the form of candied fruits (photo). To do this, you should choose slightly unripe specimens.

So, to prepare candied fruits you need:

  • wash and peel the melon and remove seeds, and then cut into small slices;
  • mix sugar with water. The result is a sweet syrup;
  • melon pieces are placed in this syrup and boiled until tender;
  • then put in a cool place for 12 hours. Repeat the cooking and settling processes several times. During the last cooking, a little citric acid is added;
  • The prepared candied fruits are placed in a colander and the remaining liquid is drained. Finally, dry in the open air, covered with gauze or in a slightly open oven.

For storage, place the finished product in jars pre-lined with parchment paper and cover with powdered sugar or sugar.

From the listed advantages we can conclude that the popularity of melon is undeniable. You can enjoy all its benefits not only during the season, but also treat yourself in winter by preparing dry melon or candied fruits.

From this video You will learn how to dry melon in slices:

Dried melon prepared on the basis of sweet, high-quality fruit. The finished product is a real delicacy that is loved by both adults and children. In industrial conditions, special chambers are used for drying.

Beneficial features

The benefits of dried melon are identical to the fresh version, since all minerals and vitamins are preserved in it. The fruit is an ideal product for rejuvenating the body. Dried fruits have a beneficial effect on the condition of bones and hair. If you regularly eat dried melon, your cardiovascular system will improve. It is recommended to include the product in your diet for dropsy, jaundice and urolithiasis. Dried melon has a positive effect on the nervous system.

It is useful for pregnant women to consume dried melon, as it contains folic acid. It also contains an enzyme that Helps cope with insomnia, stress and loss of energy. Dried melon contains beta-carotene, which is necessary to nourish the skin, and it also improves the condition of hair and nails.

Dried melon contains dietary fiber, which cleanses the intestines of waste products, which in turn improves the functioning of the digestive system. The product contains vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, improves brain activity and is involved in a large number of processes in the body.

Dried melon contains chlorine and sodium - minerals that are responsible for water balance. Dried fruit contains large quantities of potassium, which has a positive effect on the condition of the heart and blood vessels.

Use in cooking

Dried melon is used as an independent snack, which is served for dessert. It is also used as a filling for baked goods, or as an addition to various desserts. If desired, dried melon can be used to prepare various drinks.

How to dry melon at home?

In the summer, you can prepare dried melon at home yourself. The fruit must be washed, cut and seeds removed. Then the melon is cut into slices, the thickness of which should not be more than 2 cm. Remove the peel and the hard part next to it. Take a baking sheet and place the slices so that they do not touch each other.

The oven needs to be preheated to 220 degrees, and only then place the baking tray with fruit into it. Drying time at this temperature is 15 minutes. After this, reduce the temperature by 85 degrees and open the door slightly. Cooking time 6 hours. Every 30 minutes. The pieces need to be turned over. After this, place the melon in a room that can be ventilated until it is completely dry.

You need to store melon in a glass jar or bag.

Harm of dried melon and contraindications

Dried melon can be harmful when combined with the wrong foods, as this can cause eating disorders. First of all, it is not recommended to combine the product with honey, fermented milk products and alcohol. It is not recommended to consume dried melon for people with diabetes. The calorie content of the product is high, so it is not recommended to abuse the sweet dessert. You should not eat melon if you have problems with the liver or stomach.