OVEN DRIED MANGOS

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lime juice over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves to create a light seasoned syrup. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool slightly.

Peel the mangos and slice them into uniform strips or rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick, discarding the pit. Uniform thickness ensures even drying throughout the process.

Submerge or brush the mango slices thoroughly with the cooled lime syrup, ensuring all surfaces are evenly coated. Allow the slices to rest in the syrup for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Arrange the syrup-coated mango slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring the pieces do not overlap or touch one another.

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and dry the mango slices for 3 to 4 hours, flipping them once halfway through to promote even dehydration on both sides.

Check the mangos for doneness — they should feel leathery, slightly tacky, and pliable but no longer wet or juicy. If needed, continue drying in 30-minute increments until the desired texture is achieved.

Remove the dried mango slices from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets before storing in an airtight container or using as a cocktail garnish.