How Is Dried Mango Made? Behind the Production Process

Dried mango is a popular snack enjoyed worldwide, but how exactly is it made? From selecting the perfect fruit to the final packaging, the process involves several steps to ensure a delicious and high-quality product.

Harvesting and Selection

The journey of dried mango begins with selecting the right mangoes. Ripe, but not overripe, mangoes are crucial for achieving the desired sweetness and texture. Farmers typically hand-pick mangoes at their peak ripeness, ensuring they are free from blemishes and diseases. Popular varieties for drying include Carabao (especially in the Philippines), Tommy Atkins, and Kent, depending on the region and desired flavor profile.

Preparing the Mangoes

Once harvested, the mangoes are thoroughly washed to remove any dirt or debris. The next step involves peeling the mangoes, which can be done manually or with the help of automated peeling machines. After peeling, the mangoes are sliced into uniform pieces. The thickness of the slices is crucial as it affects the drying time and the final texture of the dried mango slices. Slicing can be done by hand or using specialized slicing equipment to ensure consistency.

Pre-Treatment (Optional)

Some manufacturers pre-treat the mango slices to preserve their color and prevent browning. This often involves dipping the slices in a solution of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or citric acid. This step also helps to enhance the mango's natural color and prevent oxidation, ensuring a visually appealing final product.

Drying Process

The heart of the production process is the drying stage. There are several methods used to dry mangoes:

Sun Drying: This is the traditional method, where mango slices are spread out on mats or racks and left to dry under the sun. It's a cost-effective method but heavily reliant on weather conditions and can take several days. It also carries a higher risk of contamination.

Oven Drying: A more controlled method, oven drying involves placing mango slices in large ovens at a low temperature for an extended period. This method is faster and more consistent than sun drying but requires more energy.

Dehydrators: Commercial dehydrators are commonly used for large-scale production. These machines circulate warm air around the mango slices, slowly removing moisture. Dehydrators offer precise temperature and humidity control, ensuring consistent results.

Freeze Drying: This advanced method, employed to create freeze dried mango, involves freezing the mangoes and then subjecting them to a vacuum, causing the ice crystals to sublimate directly into vapor. This preserves the mango's flavor, color, and nutrients better than other drying methods.

The drying process typically reduces the moisture content of the mangoes to around 15-20%, which inhibits microbial growth and extends their shelf life.

Adding Sugar (Optional)

Depending on the desired product, some manufacturers add sugar to the mango slices before or during the drying process. This enhances the sweetness and can also help to preserve the fruit. However, there is also a demand for unsweetened dried mango, which appeals to health-conscious consumers.

Quality Control and Inspection

Throughout the entire process, quality control checks are essential. These checks ensure that the mangoes meet the required standards for size, color, texture, and moisture content. Any defective slices are removed to maintain the overall quality of the product.

Packaging and Storage

Once the drying process is complete and the mangoes have passed quality control, they are packaged to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. Packaging materials often include airtight bags or containers. Proper storage conditions, such as cool and dry environments, are crucial to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of the dried mango.

The production of dried mango involves a carefully controlled process from start to finish. From selecting the best mangoes to employing efficient drying techniques, each step is crucial in creating a delicious and nutritious snack. Understanding this process allows consumers to appreciate the quality and effort that goes into every piece of dried mango.

FAQs

Q: What types of mangoes are best for drying?

A: Popular varieties include Carabao, Tommy Atkins, and Kent, chosen for their sweetness and texture.

Q: How long does the drying process take?

A: It varies depending on the method. Sun drying can take several days, while dehydrators can complete the process in a matter of hours.

Q: Is sugar always added to dried mango?

A: No, many manufacturers offer unsweetened options to cater to health-conscious consumers.

Q: How should dried mango be stored?

A: It should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture absorption.

Q: What are the nutritional benefits of dried mango?

A: Dried mango is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. However, it is also high in sugar, so moderation is key.

Q: What is the difference between freeze dried mango and traditionally dried mango?

A: Freeze-dried mango retains more of its original flavor, color, and nutrients due to the unique drying process that uses freezing and vacuum to remove moisture, resulting in a lighter and crisper texture compared to the chewier and denser texture of traditionally dried mango.