I love snacking on mangoes. They are juicy, sweet, and full of tropical flavors that transport me to a sunny paradise. However, fresh mangoes have one downside – they don’t last very long. That’s why I started experimenting with different methods of preserving them, and I stumbled upon a quick and easy way to make dried mangoes in the microwave. Yes, you read that right – the microwave! In this article, I am going to share with you my secret method for making delicious dried mango slices in just a few simple steps. So grab your mangoes and let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients
The first thing you’ll need to do is gather all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry; you won’t need a long list of items to make dried mangoes. Here’s what you’ll need:
– Fresh mangoes
– Lemon juice
– A knife
– A microwave-safe plate
– Parchment paper
– A microwave
Prepare the Mangoes
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the mangoes for drying. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Choose Ripe Mangoes
Start by selecting ripe mangoes. Their flesh should be slightly soft when you gently press on them. Ripe mangoes are usually sweeter and have a richer flavor, which is perfect for making dried mangoes.
Step 2: Peel and Slice
Peel the mangoes and remove the pit. Then, slice the mangoes into thin strips or small bite-sized pieces. Make sure the slices are uniform in thickness to ensure even drying.
Step 3: Apply Lemon Juice
Next, squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto the mango slices. The lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also acts as a natural preservative and prevents the mangoes from browning.
Start Drying
Now that you have your mango slices ready, it’s time to dry them using the microwave. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly dried mangoes:
Step 1: Line the Microwave-Safe Plate
Take a microwave-safe plate and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the mangoes from sticking to the plate and make the cleaning process a breeze.
Step 2: Arrange the Mango Slices
Place the mango slices on the parchment paper, making sure they are not touching each other. Leave a little space between the slices to allow air circulation, which will aid in the drying process.
Step 3: Microwave in Intervals
Put the plate with the mango slices in the microwave. Set the microwave on high heat and start with one minute of drying time. After each minute, check the mangoes for doneness. The time required for drying will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the power of your microwave.
Step 4: Rotate and Continue
After each minute, rotate the plate to ensure even drying. Some areas of the microwave might have hotspots, so rotating the plate will prevent some slices from overcooking while others are still drying.
Step 5: Test for Dryness
To check if the mango slices are completely dried, take them out of the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes. Test the texture by pressing on a dried slice; it should be slightly firm and leathery. If the mango still feels soft and moist, return it to the microwave for another minute and continue until all the slices are dried to perfection.
Store and Enjoy
Once your mango slices are dried and cooled, it’s time to store and enjoy them. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Cool Completely
Before storing the dried mangoes, make sure they are completely cooled. If you put them in a container while still warm, condensation might occur, and they could become moldy.
Step 2: Store in an Airtight Container
Transfer the dried mangoes into an airtight container. This will keep them fresh for a longer period. You can store them at room temperature, but if you live in a humid climate, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Enjoy!
You’ve done it! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade dried mangoes. They make the perfect snack for when you’re on the go, and they’re also a great addition to trail mixes, granola bars, or yogurt.
A Quick and Easy Method for Delicious Dried Mangoes
Who would have thought that you could make dried mangoes using a microwave? With just a few simple steps, you can turn fresh mangoes into a sweet and tangy snack that will satisfy your cravings. So the next time you have ripe mangoes on hand, don’t let them go to waste. Try out this quick and easy method, and you’ll have a batch of delicious dried mangoes ready to enjoy in no time. Happy snacking!