Mangoes are a popular fruit, but not all of them are sweet and tasty. If you don’t know how to choose wisely, you might end up with sour, unripe, or even spoiled fruits. So, when buying mangoes, keep these four things in mind to ensure you get the best ones.

1. Check the Color

When selecting ripe mangoes for immediate consumption or offering as a tribute, pay attention to their color. Typically, you’ll see mangoes of the same variety displaying shades of green, yellow, or a combination of both. This is because mangoes are tropical fruits that need to be picked and transported before they are fully ripe. If they were allowed to ripen completely before transportation, they would quickly bruise and spoil.

So, if you observe mangoes with more green hues, they are likely underripe, while those with a dull yellow color have probably been sitting for too long and are best avoided. Ripe mangoes will have a bright yellow color, with a shiny and smooth skin. Especially when choosing mangoes for offering as a tribute, opt for those with this vibrant yellow color as they will look the most appealing.

2. Examine the Skin

Fresh, ripe mangoes will usually have a few small black spots on their skin, which doesn’t affect the quality of the flesh inside. However, if you see mangoes with abundant and rough black spots, it’s best to avoid them. Such mangoes may have degraded flesh due to prolonged storage.

If you’re buying mangoes for offering as a tribute, go for those with bright yellow skin and no black spots as they will look the most attractive.

3. Smell the Mangoes

Don’t hesitate to use your sense of smell when choosing mangoes. Delicious mangoes will have a strong, sweet fragrance, with a hint of gentle sweetness. On the other hand, unripe mangoes or those ripened with chemicals will lack any aroma or may have an odd smell. Spoiled mangoes will definitely emit an unpleasant odor, so avoid those.

4. Test for Firmness

When selecting mangoes, first feel them with your hands to gauge their firmness. Mangoes that are too firm or too soft are not ideal. These indicate unripe and overripe fruits, respectively. To enjoy the sweetest and most nutritious mangoes, or if you’re buying them for offering as a tribute, choose mangoes that are slightly soft and ripe. With these, you won’t have to wait for days after the offering to enjoy their delicious taste.

Frequently asked questions

Selecting a mango can be tricky, but there are a few key indicators to look out for. Color is one factor, a ripe mango will have a golden yellow hue with perhaps a hint of red. The fruit should also give slightly when gently squeezed, indicating softness. A fragrant aroma is another good sign, and finally, the stem end should be slightly tender.

While a ripe mango will be soft, you don’t want it to be too soft as this could indicate over-ripeness. A mango that is too soft may have an unpleasant texture and could be on the verge of spoiling. It’s a delicate balance, but with practice, you’ll get a feel for the perfect level of ripeness.

Yes, size can also be an indicator of ripeness and flavor. Generally, larger mangoes tend to be more ripe and have a sweeter taste. The variety of mango can also make a difference, with some types known for their superior flavor and texture, such as the Alphonso or Kent mangoes.

To extend the life of your mangoes, it’s best to store them at room temperature until they are ripe. Once ripe, they can be moved to the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process. Whole, uncut mangoes can last up to 5 days at room temperature and up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

Absolutely! Mangoes are excellent candidates for freezing. Simply peel and slice the mango, then place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe bag or container for later use. Frozen mangoes are great for smoothies, desserts, or as a cool snack.

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