The Secret to Choosing the Perfect Mango: Ignore Size, Focus on These 4 Tell-Tale Signs for Succulent Flesh and Thin Seeds.

Mangos are a delicious and nutritious tropical fruit, packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and essential minerals. They are also known for their ability to lower blood pressure and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. But how do you choose the perfect mango? It can be a challenge to find one that is ripe, sweet, and full of flavor.

Today, Bếp Eva will share some simple tips to help you select the best mangos. With these tricks, you’ll enjoy sweet and juicy mangos every time!

1. Check the Skin

A ripe mango will have smooth, shiny skin with a slight bounce when gently pressed. You may notice tiny black spots on the surface, which is normal. However, if these spots are large, abundant, and densely clustered, it’s best to avoid that mango as it may have been sitting for too long and could have an unpleasant odor and degraded flesh.

2. Shape Matters

When it comes to mangos, shape plays a crucial role in determining the amount of flesh. Opt for mangos that are longer in shape as they tend to have thinner seeds and more edible fruit. Rounder, shorter mangos may appear more appealing, but they often have thicker seeds and less flesh.

Many people mistakenly believe that rounder mangos are the best choice, but in fact, it’s the longer ones that offer more fruit for your money.

3. Sniff Test

A ripe mango will emit a sweet, fragrant aroma. If you don’t detect any scent, the mango is likely unripe or has been treated with preservatives, and it’s best to leave it behind.

4. Color

When selecting a ripe mango, look for a combination of green and yellow on the skin. Mangos are tropical fruits that must be harvested while still green to survive transportation. If the mango is mostly green, it was likely recently picked, while a more yellow hue indicates a longer storage period.

Additionally, you can gently press the surface of the mango with your finger. A mango that yields to gentle pressure is ripe and juicy. If the skin is hard, it’s unripe and will taste sour. Mangos with deep indentations have been stored for too long and should be avoided. In general, mangos that are either too soft or too hard won’t taste optimal.

Once you’ve purchased your perfect mangos, it’s best to eat them fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them using one of the following methods to prolong their freshness and prevent spoilage.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Tropical fruits like mangos are sensitive to light, temperature, and humidity. To extend their shelf life, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Wrapping mangos in a plastic bag and keeping them in a well-ventilated area can help them stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Refrigerate

To keep mangos fresh for a few days, wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. While this helps protect the mango from external factors, prolonged refrigeration can affect its flavor.

Use a Carton Box

Mangos thrive in dry and dark conditions, so storing them in a carton box is an excellent option. First, wrap each mango in newspaper and then place them in the box, ensuring they aren’t packed too tightly together. Keep the box in a cool, dry place, and always store mangos with their stems facing downward to prolong their freshness.