Compressed fruits and vegetables are a fun and simple way to add dimension to any dish. Follow these step-by-step instructions and substitute with melon, pineapple, tomatoes, jicama, apples… you name it! The key is to use fruits and vegetables that are more porous than others.

For a quick infusion, place a small amount of your favourite vinegar, liqueur, juice, simple syrup or tea in with the watermelon. The fruit will absorb the liquid and create a new flavour profile.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients: 
Watermelon, sliced 1″/2.5 cm, seeds removed. 
Amount, thickness and shape will vary, depending on need.

Step 1: 
Place sliced and seeded watermelon into vacuum bag.

Step 2: 
Place vacuum bag into chamber vacuum sealer and pull a full, 100% vacuum on the fruit.

Step 3: 
If using immediately, remove from vacuum bag and serve.

If saving for a later time, the compressed fruit will remain compressed for a maximum of two days. After two days, juices will start to expel from the fruit, surrounding the fruit in the vacuum pouch. The fruit is usable, but less desirable.