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I think I 'poisoned' myself

got_bullmastiff

14 years ago

After reading all the great bits about dehydrated watermelon, I thought I'd give it a try. I have an old Nesco dehydrator.. bottom of the line cheapo.. no temp control.

I anticipated a LONG time to dehydrate. I cut the slices to 1/2 inch wide. Put a lot of space between them and let the dehydrator run for 18 hours..

I kept checking on it.. and it seemed to be dehydrating just fine.. I tried a piece at about 3/4 of the way done after about 12 hours. After 18 hours I had to get to bed and didn't want to leave it running all night. (paranoia) So I took it all out of the dehydrator and put it in the fridge, intending to finish it up when I got home from work on Monday.

Monday afternoon.. SICK! omg.. sooooo sick.. I'll spare you the gory details but it's the only thing that I ate that no one else in the house ate.

Today, I'm fine.. and the watermelon is in the trash.

Do you think it was too long and slow of a dehydrator period? Or maybe my dehydrator got it just warm and moist enough to grow some nasties?

I'm curious if I should consider replaceing my dehydrator.. works great for scallions. Evidently not so great for high moisture fruit.

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Comments (10)

ksrogers
14 years ago
Maybe listeria?? Drying needs enough heat and plenty of air movement to quickly dry things within 24 hours. Watermelon is very high in water and once dried it shrinks way down in size. It may be that your dehydrator trays also had some kind of nasty, maybe a good run through the dishwasher will help?
Linda_Lou
14 years ago
Sorry you got sick. Yes, that is possible. Watermelon or any fruit left like that can make you sick. This is why I keep trying to get folks with those cheapy Ronco type dryers to toss them and get one with a good fan, heat source, and adjustable temperature. Bacteria can easily grow before they dry if done without a decent dehydrator. If I were you, I would buy a new one with those important features.
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digdirt2
14 years ago
Agree that it is time to invest in a new one but you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get a good one with fan and thermostatic control. IMO the Excalibers are way over priced.

Meanwhile, no more drying watermelon. ;)

Dave
got_bullmastiff
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks all... I have to decide if we are really going to use a dehydrator.. then I'll search this forum for recommendations..

I bought this one YEARS ago... I've only used it a few times.. mostly to dehydrate scallions that we got too many of in our CSA
Linda_Lou
14 years ago
Just my 2 cents worth, but I still think the American Harvest/Nesco with the expandable racks is the way to go. An Excalibur won't allow you that option. There are just so many racks and that is it.
I would get a Nesco with a higher wattage and use it. I have 2 American Harvest ones with the fans, heat source, and adj. thermostat I have used for years. No problem at all with them. You can cut window screen to use for lining the racks for herbs, too. Not the aluminum stuff, but the plastic kind.
got_bullmastiff
Original Author
14 years ago
I was looking at those.. I think the issue with mine is no thermostat... at all.. If I can convince My Honey that it's worth it, I'll prolly pick one up. thanks! I do appreciate the 2cents (shouldn't that be a quarter, what with inflation and all?)
got_bullmastiff
Original Author
14 years ago
Is this the one you have? I am thinking I can use my old trays with it too!

Here is a link that might be useful: SnackMaster
Linda_Lou
14 years ago
Mine are older and don't have the controls on top like that. I would think 500 watts would be fine. They do have one that is higher wattage, I have been told. I think it is 750 watts. But, since you have the trays I would get one I could use the trays you own with it. No sense in buying one that won't accomodate yours. Mine also stacks up to 12 high. You can see if the higher wattage one also will use your trays.
My only other remark is that it is NOT safe to use their jerky thing using ground meats. No ground meats are considered safe for jerky. Only lean strips of meat and then following current methods for jerky.
Linda_Lou
14 years ago
Ok, I did some looking around. It is 700 watts. I would prefer it because of the higher temp. available for jerky.
I would not get their clear model. The clear plastic will let light in. You want them to be opaque. Helps retain nutrients and color.

Here is a link that might be useful: Nesco 700 watt dryers
got_bullmastiff
Original Author
14 years ago
Nice! I think for the little extra $$ I would get the 700 watt.

I took a look at the wattage on mine.

350

no wonder I got sick!

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