Jalapeño Lime Watermelon Jerky

Ok, guys: if you have watermelon, jalapenos, and limes handy then you can make the most amazing snack I’ve had all summer: 3-ingredient jalapeno lime watermelon jerky. It actually might be the best snack I’ve had all year. And ever since making it exactly one day ago I have successfully eaten the whole batch. I’m obsessed is what I’m saying. I’ve also talked about this stuff to literally everyone I know and have gotten a lot of good questions. So, welcome to my jalapeno lime watermelon jerky Q&A:

Does it Taste like Jerky?

Yes! But not the meat kind, silly. Watermelon jerky has the chewiness and dryness of traditional jerky, except it tastes like watermelon. The flavors are quite unreal and unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. The first millisecond of flavor is a bit savory. Then comes a bright, tart hit of lime, then the sweet, refreshing watermelon, then a kick of spice from the jalapeño to round it out. So much amazingness in one little snack.

I was inspired by the regular watermelon jerky at Trader Joe’s (yes I snuck out of quarantine to go to TJ’s and it was the happiest day of my month). The first bite of their watermelon jerky was refreshing and so unique, but it was really crunchy, like a chip. It was also a bit too sweet. I figured with a couple of tweaks I could create the perfect chewy version for those of us reformed sugar addicts out there seeking a more balanced treat.

When contemplating flavors, I first tried chili lime. I feel like that’s just a thing in our heads that’s supposed to be good and I don’t know why because it was not good. Why do people say “oooh” any time you mention something is chili-lime flavored? I was quite underwhelmed. Probably because I used chili powder instead of fresh chili pepper now that I think about it.

Luckily, we had one last batch of jalapenos in the garden and one more lime in the refrigerator. I love it when a recipe comes together haphazardly like that. Together, they made the ultimate flavor trifecta. The lime and jalapeno really balance out the sweetness of the watermelon so that it’s like a mildly sour and spicy candy instead of an overly sweet sugar-bomb.

How do you make jalapeño lime watermelon jerky?

If you have a dehydrator, the whole thing comes together really easily. It’s as simple as slicing your watermelon into long and thin strips, brushing on some lime juice and jalapeno and then turning the dehydrator on. If you don’t have a dehydrator, this is the one I use and recommend.

What does Dehydrating Do?

Dehydrators use low and steady heat to slowwwly remove the water content from whatever you place inside. Traditional jerky is made by putting thin strips of meat on a dehydrator and letting it dry for several hours. All you’re left with is the flavor of the meat. I figured if meat can get all that slow-cooked TLC, then plants can get the same goodness.

When dehydrating fruit, it’s important to know that removing the excess water will leave you with a more concentrated source of sugar, so adding the lime and jalapeno is pretty important to prevent the watermelon from tasting too sweet. And when dehydrating anything, pick a time where you won’t be waking up at an ungodly hour to unplug your machine. This recipe takes 12 hours to make so as you can imagine, starting it at 4 p.m. was not my best idea.

On another note, today is day 10 of my 75 hard challenge I’m the girl who is yearning for bed at 8 p.m. for 6 a.m. walks with the hubby. I don’t even know myself anymore and yet I feel more like myself than ever. I can’t believe I existed without some daily outdoor time. It has done wonders for my mental health and alignment. I highly recommend.

I hope you guys make time for one more watermelon thing before fall comes and we are all drowning in pumpkin, maple and sweet potato flavored everything.

Psst… although, if you do want to get a head start on fall, try my Sweet Potato Protein Pancakes. I promise I won’t tell summer.