A method for using microwave energy to accelerate freeze-drying produce having a skin that involves freezing the produce, rupturing the skin of the produce, reducing the pressure of the ruptured and frozen produce to a pressure that permits sublimation, applying a first microwave power to the produce to achieve an initial microwave power density of at least 30 W/kg, and applying a second microwave power to the produce when the produce temperature exceeds a threshold value, wherein the second microwave power is less than the first microwave power.