How To Ripen Mango At Home

How To Choose The Right Mango

Selecting a delicious mango can be easy and enjoyable when you know what to look for. Here's a more detailed guide to help you pick the best one:

a) Appearance:

• Don't focus solely on color. Mangoes come in various hues, from green to yellow, orange, and red.
• Different varieties have distinct shapes and sizes, so familiarize yourself with common types in your area.

b) Touch test:

• Gently squeeze the mango. A ripe one will give slightly under pressure.
• Medium-ripe mangoes feel somewhat firm.
• Unripe mangoes are very firm to the touch.
• Remember, mangoes can be enjoyed at all ripeness levels, each offering a unique taste experience.

c) Ripeness and flavor:

• Unripe mangoes have a sour-tart taste, perfect for certain dishes.
• they ripen, the flavor becomes naturally sweeter.
• Choose based on your preference and intended use.

d) Use familiar fruits as a reference:

• If you're experienced with selecting peaches or avocados, apply that knowledge to mangoes.
• Like these fruits, mangoes soften as they ripen.

e) Aroma:

• Ripe mangoes often have a fruity scent near their stems.
• This can be one of the most pleasant ways to choose a mango.

f) Avoid misconceptions:

• Red coloring on some varieties isn't an indicator of ripeness.
• Always prioritize feel over appearance when judging ripeness.

g) Practice makes perfect:

• Don't be discouraged if you're new to choosing mangoes.
• With experience, you'll develop a knack for selecting the best ones.
• Soon, you might even be teaching others how to choose mangoes!

How To Tell If A Mango Is Ripe

Determining the ripeness of a mango is crucial for enjoying its best flavor. There are three main factors to consider: feel, smell, and appearance. Let's explore in more detail the three main factors: feel, smell, and appearance.

1. Feel:

The texture of a mango is perhaps the most reliable indicator of its ripeness. It requires a gentle touch and some practice to master.

Unripe mangoes:

• Feel hard and solid, similar to a baseball
• No give when gently squeezed
• May feel slightly heavier for their size due to higher water content

Ripe mangoes:

• Yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to pressing the tip of your nose
• Feel softer than unripe mangoes, but not mushy
• Have some give around the stem end
• May feel slightly lighter as some water content has converted to sugar

Overripe mangoes:

• Feel very soft or mushy
• May have sunken spots or feel squishy

2. Smell:

The aroma of a mango can provide valuable clues about its ripeness. The stem end is where the scent is most concentrated.

Unripe mangoes:

• May have a faint, green smell (similar to grass or unripe fruit)
• Often have little to no discernible scent

Ripe mangoes:

• Emit a sweet, fragrant aroma
• Smell is often described as tropical, fruity, and slightly floral
• Aroma is strongest near the stem end
• The stronger the sweet smell, the riper the mango

Overripe mangoes:

• May have an overly sweet or fermented smell

3. Appearance:

While visual cues can be helpful, they're not always reliable due to the variety of mango types. However, there are some general guidelines:

Unripe mangoes:

• Often predominantly green
• Feel hard to the touch
• May have a waxy sheen

Ripe mangoes:

• Colors can include various shades of yellow, orange, red, or pink
• May have a mix of colors
• Skin might have a slight give when gently pressed
• Some varieties remain mostly green even when ripe

Overripe mangoes:

• May have very dark coloration or excessive wrinkling
• Could show signs of bruising or soft spots

How To Ripen Mangoes

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to mangoes. These tropical delights often arrive at our homes or local markets in a less-than-ready state, firm and tart, holding the promise of sweet, juicy perfection.

But fear not, mango enthusiasts! The journey from a hard, green fruit to a luscious, aromatic treat is one you can master with a few simple techniques.

1. How do you Ripen a Mango in Paper Bag

This method creates a small, enclosed environment that concentrates ethylene gas, which fruits naturally produce to ripen themselves. The paper bag traps this gas while still allowing some air circulation, preventing mold growth.

• Place mangoes in a paper bag
• Fold the bag closed to trap ethylene gas
• Keep in a warm spot, like a sunny windowsill or near a heat source
• Check daily for ripeness by gently squeezing the fruit
• Expected time: 2-5 days, depending on initial ripeness

2. How to Ripe Mango in Rice

Rice acts as an insulator and moisture regulator. It helps maintain a consistent temperature and absorbs excess moisture, creating an ideal environment for ripening without risking mold or over-ripening.

• Fill a container with uncooked rice, about 3-4 inches deep
• Place mangoes on top of the rice, ensuring they don't touch each other
• Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap
• Keep in a warm place, away from direct sunlight
• Check daily for ripeness by smell and touch
• Expected time: 2-5 days

3. How Mango Ripe in Banana

Bananas are known to produce more ethylene gas than many other fruits. By pairing them with mangoes, you're essentially creating a natural ripening chamber.

• Put mangoes and a ripe banana in a paper bag
• Close the bag, but not too tightly to allow some air circulation
• Keep in a warm place, ideally between 68-77°F (20-25°C)
• Check daily for ripeness by gently pressing the mango
• Expected time: 2-5 days, potentially faster than the paper bag method alone

4. How to Ripe Mangoes in Oven

This method uses controlled heat to speed up the ripening process significantly. However, it requires careful attention to avoid cooking the fruit.

• Preheat oven to 150°F (65°C)
• Place mangoes on a baking sheet, spaced apart
• Heat for 15-20 minutes, but start checking at 10 minutes
• Check every 5 minutes for softness
• Remove when the mango yields slightly to gentle pressure
• Let cool before eating or refrigerating
• Fastest method, but requires close monitoring to prevent over-ripening

5. How do you Ripen Mangoes in Newspaper

This traditional technique provides insulation and helps maintain a consistent temperature while absorbing excess moisture, which can prevent mold growth.

• Wrap each mango individually in a sheet of newspaper
• Ensure the mango is completely covered
• Keep in a warm place, like a kitchen counter away from direct sunlight
• Check daily for ripeness by gently unwrapping and feeling the fruit
• Expected time: 3-7 days, depending on initial ripeness and room temperature

How To Store Mangoes

Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit enjoyed around the world. Their sweet, juicy flesh and vibrant flavor make them a popular choice for snacking, cooking, and adding to various dishes.

However, to fully enjoy mangoes ripen and prevent waste, it's important to know how to store them properly. The ideal storage method for mangoes depends on their ripeness:

Room Temperature:

Unripe mangoes should be kept at room temperature. This allows them to continue ripening naturally. Place them on the counter or in a paper bag to speed up the process.

Refrigerator:

Once mangoes are ripe, transfer them to the refrigerator to extend their freshness. Ripening mangoes can last up to 6 days in the fridge. For whole, unpeeled mangoes, simply place them in the fridge. If you've peeled or sliced your mangoes, store them in an air-tight container before refrigerating to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.

Freezer:

Freezing is an excellent option for long-term storage, keeping mangoes usable for up to 10 months. While freezing changes the fruit's texture, frozen mangoes are perfect for smoothies, baking, or cooking.

Freezing methods:

• Chunk method: Cut mangoes into pieces, freeze on a baking sheet for 3-5 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This prevents pieces from sticking together.
• Puree method: Blend mangoes and freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portions, ideal for smoothies.
• Syrup method: For longer preservation (up to a year), soak mango pieces in simple syrup before freezing. Make the syrup by boiling 2 cups of water with 1 cup of sugar, then cool it. Place mangoes in an air-tight container, pour the cooled syrup over them (leaving some space at the top), and freeze.

Can You Use Under or Over Ripe Mangoes?

Mangoes are nature's chameleons, offering a spectrum of flavors and textures as they ripen. This tropical fruit's versatility is unmatched, providing culinary opportunities at every stage of its journey from firm and tart to soft and succulent.

Whether you've picked a mango too early or found one that's a touch too ripe, fear not – there's a world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored. Let's dive into the art of using mangoes at different stages of ripeness, transforming what might seem like imperfect fruit into perfect culinary creations.

Under-ripe mangoes:

Under-ripe mangoes, with their firm texture and tart flavor, are often overlooked gems in the culinary world. These green or barely yellow fruits may not be ideal for eating out of hand, but they shine in numerous dishes, particularly in Southeast Asian cuisine.

Their crispness and acidity make them perfect for adding a zesty punch to both savory and sweet preparations. 

Green mango salads

• Popular in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine
• Shred or julienne the firm mango and mix with herbs, chili, and a tangy dressing
• Adds a refreshing crunch and sour kick to salads

Pickles and chutneys

• The tartness and firmness are ideal for preserving
• Can be spiced with various seasonings like mustard seeds, turmeric, or chili
• Great accompaniments for curries or sandwiches

Sauces

• Use in savory sauces for grilled meats or seafood
• Blend with onions, garlic, and spices for a tangy condiment
• Adds brightness to rich dishes

Smoothies

• Combine with sweeter fruits like bananas or strawberries to balance the tartness
• Adds a tropical flavor and boosts vitamin C content
• Great for a refreshing, healthy drink

Marinades

• The acidity helps tenderize meat
• Mix with oil, herbs, and spices for a flavorful marinade
• Particularly good with chicken or fish

Over-ripe mangoes:

When a mango becomes too soft to slice neatly or feels mushy to the touch, it's entered its over-ripe stage. But don't toss these sweet, aromatic fruits just yet! Over-ripe mangoes are culinary gold for those who know how to use them.

Their intense sweetness and soft texture make them ideal for a variety of desserts and beverages.

Smoothies

• Blend easily due to their soft texture
• Creates a creamy, sweet base for tropical smoothies
• Mix with yogurt or coconut milk for added richness

Baked goods

• Use in muffins, cakes, or quick breads for natural sweetness
• Can replace some of the sugar and fat in recipes
• Adds moisture and a tropical flavor to baked treats

Ice cream or sorbet

• The soft flesh makes a creamy base for frozen desserts
• Blend with cream or coconut milk for ice cream
• For sorbet, blend with sugar syrup and freeze

Jams and jellies

• The extra sweetness is perfect for spreads
• Cook down with sugar and lemon juice for a tropical jam
• Great on toast or as a filling for pastries

Fruit leather

• Puree the mango and spread thinly on a baking sheet
• Dehydrate in a low oven or food dehydrator
• Makes a healthy, chewy snack

Face masks

• Mash the mango and apply it directly to the skin
• Rich in vitamins A and C, which can benefit skin health
• Mix with yogurt or honey for added skincare benefits