Mangos are irresistible. Whether you serve them blended, fresh, sliced, canned, or dehydrated, they will find their way to satisfy you. On this post, we will focus on how to dehydrate mangos and why you would want to try them dried. When dehydrating, it’s best to select ripe mangoes, as ripe mangoes are sweeter and have the best flavor and texture for drying. Ripe mangoes can be tested for ripeness by the squeeze test, where they should yield slightly when pressed.
We dehydrate fruits to preserve their nutrients and flavors. Dried mango is a perfect snack and a great snack, rich in vitamins c, and contains less saturated fat compared to many store bought snacks. They can serve as a healthy snack or add-ons to your cereal or bread. Making homemade dried mango allows you to avoid added sugar, unlike some store bought options. Fruit dehydration is a smart way of preservation and an option for long-term storage without consuming too much space on your fridge or your pantry.
Some fruits are available only at certain seasons so it is also one reason why you would want to preserve your favorite fruits until supplies are there, so you will have them preserved and put to use when it is already necessary. Dehydrating tropical fruit like mango, pineapple, and other fruits preserves their natural sweetness and makes delicious dried fruit snacks. If you have a mango tree at home, you can enjoy fresh mangoes for dehydration during mango season. Also, preservation is also a way of saving some fruits from being thrown away because they are damaged or are ripening fast. Mango chips are a convenient way to enjoy dried mango.
They say mangos can be preserved in a lot of ways, but why choose dehydration? Using a dehydrator, you can make a variety of dehydrated fruit, including mangoes, as well as popular snacks like beef jerky. First, you will not be required to cook, and it means nutrients will remain in the fruit. Dried mangos can serve as snacks, or can be used in cooking, desserts, and an add-on to your favorite cereal or bread. It will not use up too much space in your pantry, and you are not required to refrigerate them. Dried mango chips are also a versatile snack option.
One more factor is the fact that you can actually save mangos which are not in their best condition anymore through the process of dehydration. Making a large batch of dehydrated mangoes allows for convenient snacking and storage. Mangos with insect bites, those bruised, or those ripening fast can be saved by removing the bad part and preserving the good.
Make sure that the mangos are washed properly before you proceed with the preservation process. This will allow you to remove the wax and wash away pesticides if you plan to dehydrate with the skin on.
First, you have to remove the skin using a peeler and then cut the mangos into slices. You decide on the size but make sure they are not too thick. Ripe mangoes should be cut into slices about ¼ inch thick for even dehydration.
You can use citric acid or lemon juice mixed with water and then dip the slices after cutting them. The acid will prevent the mangos from oxidizing or go brown so it can retain its brownish to yellowish color until they are dried.
Dehydrating mangoes is a simple process, but the time it takes can vary depending on a few key factors. The thickness of your mango slices, the temperature setting on your dehydrator, and your preferred texture all play a role in how long it takes to dehydrate mango. Generally, mango slices will take between 6 to 12 hours to dry at 135°F (57°C) in a dehydrator. Mangoes can be dehydrated at temperatures around 135°F (57°C) for 8-12 hours until they are pliable. If you prefer chewy dried mango, check the slices after about 6 hours—they should be flexible but not sticky. For a crispier, completely dry texture, let the mangoes dehydrate for the full 12 hours or until the slices snap easily. Remember, the drying time can vary depending on the size and thickness of your slices, so it’s a good idea to check on your dried mango periodically. Whether you like chewy dried mango or a crunchy snack, dehydrating mangoes at home lets you customize the perfect dried mango for your taste.
Once done, remove the dehydrated mango pieces from the dehydrator and allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup. Dehydrated mango pieces can be enjoyed as a snack or used in recipes.
You can choose to dust your dried mango pieces with icing sugar by putting them in a sandwich bag so you can shake and mix the sugar with the mango pieces. The sugar prevents the dried items to get moisture, thus removing chances of developing the growth of . To store dried mango for maximum freshness, place the pieces in airtight containers or zip-lock plastic bags, and consider refrigeration, vacuum sealing, or freezing to extend shelf life. If you want to use dried mango in recipes, you can rehydrate it by soaking the pieces in cold water for several hours until they become plump and soft. They can surely last up to six months.
There are so many choices on the market today when it comes to dehydrators that you can use for fruits. You can either go electricity-free and use the sun as your source of heat. You just have to use trays where you can place your sliced fruits so you can have them heated under the sun. This method could take longer, and it will greatly depend on the weather. Sun drying is least effective for dehydrating mango due to environmental factors like bugs and humidity. You will also need to check your items every now and then to see if you have to make adjustments.
Electric dehydrators, however, are easy and efficient to use. Most of their functions are automatic, so you do not have much to do. They also have different shapes and sizes, which give you options to dry a wide variety of foods in one cycle, and they can accommodate large food items too. But if you don’t have one, you can still dehydrate food without a dehydrator.
Most electric dehydrators come with multi-leveled trays which allow you to utilize more space and produce more in one drying cycle. These trays are usually adjustable and removable so you can organize them in any way applicable to your drying needs. There are stainless steel trays and plastic trays, which are designed with non-stick technology so that your foods stay intact but not burned.
There are also units which are equipped with advanced features such as timers, adjustable thermostats, and automatic shut off systems so you can do other stuff while the drying process continues. Dehydration could take hours, and there are timers which have capabilities ranging from 16 to 40 hours, which are definitely helpful when you take care of a lot of things.
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Once your dehydrated mango is ready, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and tasty. Always make sure your dried mango is completely dry before storing to prevent any moisture from causing spoilage. Place your dehydrated mango in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container in a cool, dark place—like a pantry or cupboard—to protect your dried mango from light and humidity. For long term storage, you can even keep your dehydrated mango in the freezer, which helps extend its shelf life and preserve that sweet tropical flavor. With the right storage, your dried mango can stay delicious and ready to enjoy for months.
Dehydrated mango is a versatile ingredient that adds a burst of sweet tropical flavor to all kinds of recipes. Enjoy it as a delicious snack on its own, or mix dried mango pieces into your favorite trail mix for a chewy, fruity twist. You can also chop up dehydrated mango and sprinkle it over oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls for a naturally sweet boost. If you want to use dried mango in baking, try adding it to muffins, cakes, or homemade dried mango bars. For recipes that call for fresh mango, simply rehydrate your dried mango by soaking it in water or a splash of lemon juice until it softens. From mango salsa to mango chutney, there are endless ways to use dehydrated mango in your kitchen—get creative and enjoy the taste of mango season all year long! Dried mango can also be flavored with lime juice and chili powder for a spicy treat.
Dehydrating mango is easy, but sometimes you might run into a few common issues. If you notice mold or yeast developing on your mango slices, it’s likely because the slices weren’t completely dry before storing or were kept in a humid environment. To avoid this, always make sure your dehydrated mango is fully dry and store it in an airtight container. If your mango slices turn out too dry or brittle, you may have dehydrated them for too long or used a temperature that was too high. Keep an eye on your mango during the dehydrating process and adjust the time or temperature as needed to get the perfect texture. By following these tips and checking your dried mango slices as they dehydrate, you’ll be able to enjoy high-quality dehydrated mango in your favorite recipes or as a tasty snack.
After a thorough research and discussion, we can say that we now know how to dehydrate mangos. Aside from that, we also understand what good can it do and why we want to give it a try.
Again, the dehydration process is a way of preserving the nutrients and flavors of fruits. Aside from that, it is also a way of saving them from being thrown away due to damages or because they are ripening fast. Since not all fruits are available on every season, it is also a smart idea to dry and preserve them so we can have them anytime we feel like eating them since they can be preserved for six months the most.
So the next time you think about throwing that fruit away, think about what good can a dehydration do. You will not lose anything since the nutrients will actually stay anyway. Also, the process of preservation has been made easy with the use of dehydrators. You do not need to put much effort since most of them have automatic functions, so you only have to prepare the food and let them do their job.
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Store dried mangoes in airtight containers or zip-lock bags in a cool, dark place, or refrigerate, vacuum seal, or freeze them for longer shelf life, ensuring they are completely dry before storage to prevent moisture and spoilage.
The key steps include washing and rinsing the mangoes, peeling and cutting them into slices about ¼ inch thick, dipping the slices in lemon juice or citric acid to prevent browning, and dehydrating them at 135°F for approximately 6 to 12 hours depending on the desired texture.
Ripe mangoes can be tested for ripeness by the squeeze test, where they should yield slightly when pressed, indicating they are their sweetest and have the best flavor and texture for dehydration.
Dehydrating mangoes retains their nutrients and flavor while requiring less space and no refrigeration, making it an efficient long-term preservation method that keeps the fruits portable and versatile for use in snacks, cooking, and baking.
