To make dried mango in the sun, you'll need to prepare the mangoes with a preservative, spread them in a single layer on a clean surface, and let them dry under the sun for several days, turning them regularly. Here’s a detailed guide:
Steps to Sun-Drying Mangoes
Here’s how you can create delicious sun-dried mangoes:
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Prepare the Mangoes:
- Select Ripe Mangoes: Choose ripe but firm mangoes. Overripe mangoes will be too soft to handle.
- Wash and Peel: Thoroughly wash the mangoes to remove any dirt. Peel the skin off using a knife or vegetable peeler.
- Slice: Slice the mangoes into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Uniform thickness helps in even drying.
- Preservative Treatment (Optional but Recommended): To prevent discoloration and inhibit microbial growth, dip the mango slices in a preservative solution. A common solution is a mixture of:
- Citric acid (vitamin C): Helps prevent browning. A concentration of 0.1% - 0.2% is usually sufficient.
- Potassium metabisulfite: Helps to prevent spoilage. Use according to package instructions, typically a very small amount. Always follow safety guidelines when handling chemicals. An alternative is lemon juice if you want to avoid using chemicals.
- Soak the slices for a few minutes, then drain well.
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Prepare the Drying Surface:
- Clean Plastic Mesh or Trays: Use food-grade plastic mesh or trays. Ensure they are thoroughly cleaned to prevent contamination. Wire racks can also be used, but may leave marks on the mangoes.
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Arrange Mango Slices:
- Single Layer: Arrange the sliced mangoes on the prepared drying surface in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This allows for even drying.
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Sun-Drying Process:
- Location: Place the trays in a sunny, well-ventilated area.
- Duration: Drying time typically takes 4-5 days, depending on the intensity of the sun and the humidity.
- Turning: Flip the mango slices at least once a day to ensure even drying on both sides.
- Protection: Cover the drying mangoes with cheesecloth or netting to protect them from insects, birds, and dust. You can create a simple drying enclosure using wood or PVC pipes and netting.
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Check for Dryness:
- Texture: The dried mango slices should be leathery and slightly pliable but not sticky. When you bend a slice, it should not show any visible moisture.
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Cooling and Packaging:
- Cool: Allow the dried mango slices to cool completely before packaging.
- Packaging: Store the dried mango slices in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. Properly packaged, dried mangoes can last for several months.
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Grading (Optional):
- Sort the dried mango slices according to size, color and quality before packaging.
By following these steps, you can create delicious and naturally preserved sun-dried mangoes. Be patient, as the drying process takes time, but the results are well worth the effort.
