1. Paper Bag or Newspaper Method
Place the mango inside a paper bag or wrap it in a newspaper, and leave it on the counter overnight. Check its progress in the morning. The bag traps ethylene gas, a colorless and odorless gas that accelerates fruit ripening. Typically, the mango will soften within a day and emit a fruity aroma, indicating it’s ready to be eaten.
Alternatively, you can find a warm spot and bury the mangoes among onions. In India, this traditional method has been used for ripening mangoes.
Note: When using the paper bag method, ensure that the bag is not too tight and allow for some ventilation to prevent mold growth.
To speed up the process, you can also add a banana or an apple into the bag. These fruits release additional ethylene gas, increasing the concentration within the bag and hastening the ripening process.
2. Rice or Corn Method
This unique method originates from India and Mexico, although with a slight variation. Indian housewives often ripen mangoes by hiding them in a bag of uncooked rice. Similarly, Mexicans use a container of uncooked corn. Despite the difference in materials, the process and outcome are the same. While mangoes typically take about three days to ripen naturally, this method shortens the time to one or two days, or even less.
Similar to the paper bag method, the rice or corn absorbs ethylene gas, accelerating mango ripening.
However, be cautious as this method can sometimes over-ripen the mangoes. Check their progress every 6 to 12 hours to avoid overdoing it. As long as you don’t forget about them, you’ll have perfectly ripened mangoes in no time!
3. Room Temperature Ripening
If you’re patient, you can simply leave the mangoes at room temperature in a clean and dry place. Like other fruits, mangoes will ripen naturally over a few days. This is the most natural way to ripen mangoes, although it takes longer. Wait for the mangoes to soften and emit a strong, sweet aroma before indulging in their deliciousness.
4. Storing Ripe Mangoes
Once your mangoes are ripe, store them directly in the refrigerator without any bags or containers. The cold temperature will slow down the ripening process, and a ripe mango can be kept in the fridge for about five days.
However, do not refrigerate unripe mangoes. Like other tropical fruits, mangoes should not be refrigerated until they are ripe. Low temperatures can not only make the mangoes turn hard but also prevent them from continuing to ripen.
The Secret to Ripe Avocados: Transform Unripe Green Avocados into Perfectly Ripe Fruit in Just 1-2 Days
Achieving that perfect, creamy texture for your avocado toast or guacamole can be a tricky business. But fear not, as we’re about to reveal a simple trick to ripen avocados quickly and easily! Say goodbye to the days of waiting impatiently for your avocados to soften, and hello to a world of perfectly ripe, green goodness.