How to Store Mangoes: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Mangoes Fresh and Delicious

Mangoes, often hailed as the “king of fruits,” are beloved worldwide for their sweet, juicy flesh and rich, tropical flavor. Whether enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in various culinary dishes, mangoes bring a burst of sunshine to our taste buds. Their vibrant colors and fragrant aroma make them a favorite in households and markets, especially during the summer months when they are in season.

However, to fully savor the delightful taste of mangoes, it’s crucial to know how to store them properly. Mangoes can be quite finicky when it comes to ripening and spoilage. Without the right storage techniques, you might find your mangoes either not ripening at all or turning mushy and overripe too quickly. Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy them at their peak of flavor and freshness, reducing waste and enhancing your eating experience.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about storing mangoes. We’ll explore how to determine the ripeness of a mango and the best ways to store them depending on their stage of ripeness. From keeping unripe mangoes at room temperature to refrigerating ripe ones, we’ll cover it all. We’ll also discuss how to store cut mangoes, options for long-term storage such as freezing and drying, and some handy tips to avoid common pitfalls. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to keep your mangoes fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

How to Determine If a Mango Is Ripe

Color

The color of a mango can be a good indicator of its ripeness, although it can vary depending on the variety. Generally, ripe mangoes transition from green to shades of yellow, orange, or red. For example, a ripe Tommy Atkins mango often has a blend of green, red, and yellow hues. However, don’t rely solely on color, as some varieties might remain green even when ripe. It’s best to use color as one of several clues in your ripeness assessment.

Texture

Feel is another important factor in determining mango ripeness. When you gently squeeze a ripe mango, it should yield slightly to pressure, similar to a ripe avocado or peach. An unripe mango will feel firm and hard, while an overripe mango will be very soft and might even start to wrinkle. If the mango feels like it’s about to turn mushy, it’s likely overripe and needs to be used immediately or stored properly to prevent spoilage.

Smell

The aroma of a mango can also tell you a lot about its ripeness. A ripe mango will emit a sweet, fragrant scent, particularly near the stem end. If you pick up a mango and it smells deliciously tropical, it’s probably ripe and ready to eat. An unripe mango, on the other hand, will have little to no aroma. Be cautious of a sour or alcoholic smell, as this indicates that the mango is overripe and possibly fermenting.

Different Stages of Ripeness and Their Uses

1. Green Mangoes (Unripe)
   • Characteristics: Firm, green, and often tart.
   • Uses: Green mangoes are perfect for pickling, adding to salads, or making chutneys. They have a tangy flavor that works well in savory dishes and can add a refreshing crunch.
2. Ripening Mangoes
   • Characteristics: Starting to change color, slightly yielding to pressure, and developing a faint sweet smell.
   • Uses: These mangoes can be left at room temperature to ripen fully or used in dishes where you want a balance between tartness and sweetness. They’re great for making salsa or adding to curries.
3. Ripe Mangoes
   • Characteristics: Vibrant color, gives slightly under pressure, and emits a sweet, fragrant aroma.
   • Uses: Ripe mangoes are best enjoyed fresh, eaten on their own, or used in desserts, smoothies, and salads. Their sweetness and juicy texture make them perfect for enjoying at peak flavor.
4. Overripe Mangoes
   • Characteristics: Very soft, possibly wrinkled skin, and a strong, sometimes alcoholic smell.
   • Uses: While overripe mangoes aren’t ideal for fresh eating, they can still be used in recipes where texture is less critical. They are great for making purees, jams, or incorporating into baked goods like muffins or cakes. Overripe mangoes can also be blended into sauces or smoothies.

By paying attention to these indicators, you can ensure that you pick the perfect mango every time, whether you plan to eat it fresh, cook with it, or store it for later use.

Storing Unripe Mangoes

Room Temperature Storage

Unripe mangoes need to be stored at room temperature to ripen properly. Keeping them at room temperature allows the natural ripening process to occur, enhancing their flavor and sweetness.

Ideal Conditions (Temperature, Humidity)

• Temperature: Mangoes ripen best at temperatures between 70-75°F (21-24°C). Avoid exposing them to temperatures above 85°F (29°C) or below 55°F (13°C), as these extremes can hinder the ripening process or cause chilling injury.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity levels are ideal. High humidity can lead to mold growth, while very low humidity might cause the mangoes to dehydrate.

Time It Takes for Mangoes to Ripen

Depending on how green they are, mangoes usually take between 3 to 8 days to ripen at room temperature. Monitor them daily, as they can go from unripe to perfectly ripe quite quickly.

Tips to Speed Up Ripening

1. Using Paper Bags
   • Placing mangoes in a paper bag traps ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that mangoes emit as they ripen. This concentrated ethylene environment speeds up the ripening process. Simply place the mangoes in a paper bag, fold the top, and leave it at room temperature.
2. Pairing with Other Fruits Like Bananas
   • Bananas, apples, and avocados also produce ethylene gas. Adding one of these fruits to the paper bag with the mangoes can further accelerate ripening. The increased ethylene concentration from multiple fruits quickens the process, usually shaving off a day or two from the normal ripening time.

Storing Ripe Mangoes

Refrigeration

Once mangoes are ripe, refrigeration is the best way to slow down the ripening process and prolong their freshness.

How to Properly Store Ripe Mangoes in the Fridge

• Preparation: Before refrigerating, ensure the mangoes are clean and dry to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
• Storage: Place the ripe mangoes in a plastic bag or airtight container. This helps to maintain moisture and prevent the mangoes from drying out.

Ideal Temperature Settings

• Temperature: Store ripe mangoes at a temperature of around 50-55°F (10-13°C). The crisper drawer in your fridge is often the best place, as it maintains an ideal humidity level for fruits.

How Long They Can Be Stored Before They Start to Deteriorate

Ripe mangoes can typically be stored in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days. Monitor them regularly for any signs of spoilage, such as excessive softness, dark spots, or a fermented smell.

Alternatives to Refrigeration

1. Cool, Dark Places
   • If you don’t have space in your refrigerator or prefer not to refrigerate, a cool, dark place can be an alternative. A pantry or cellar that stays around 50-55°F (10-13°C) is suitable. Ensure the mangoes are kept in a breathable container, like a basket or a bowl, to prevent moisture build-up.

By following these guidelines, you can manage the ripening process effectively and ensure that your mangoes are enjoyed at their best, whether you’re speeding up ripening or extending their shelf life once ripe.

Storing Cut Mangoes

Once you’ve cut into a mango, it’s important to store it properly to keep it fresh and flavorful.

1. Using Airtight Containers
   • Place the cut mango pieces in an airtight container. This helps to minimize exposure to air, which can cause the mango to dry out and lose its flavor.
   • If you don’t have an airtight container, you can use plastic wrap or a resealable plastic bag, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing.
2. Refrigeration Specifics (Temperature, Duration)
   • Temperature: Store the container in the fridge at around 36-40°F (2-4°C). This temperature range slows down bacterial growth and keeps the fruit fresh.
   • Duration: Cut mangoes can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this, they may start to lose their texture and flavor.
3. Preventing Browning
   • Using Lemon Juice or Other Methods: To prevent cut mangoes from browning, you can sprinkle them with a little lemon juice. The citric acid in lemon juice acts as an antioxidant, which helps to preserve the color and freshness of the mango.
   • Alternatively, lime juice or pineapple juice can also be used, adding a slight tropical twist to the flavor.

Long-term Storage Options

Freezing Mangoes

Freezing mangoes is a great way to enjoy their delicious taste all year round.

1. How to Properly Prepare and Freeze Mango Slices
   • Preparation: Start by peeling the mangoes and cutting them into slices or cubes. Ensure the pieces are uniform in size for even freezing.
   • Freezing Process: Spread the mango pieces out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pieces are not touching each other to prevent them from sticking together. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few hours until the mango pieces are solid.
   • Storage: Once frozen, transfer the mango pieces to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
2. Storage Duration and How to Use Frozen Mangoes
   • Duration: Frozen mangoes can be stored in the freezer for up to 10-12 months. For the best quality, try to use them within this timeframe.
   • Uses: Frozen mangoes are perfect for smoothies, baking, or even as a cool snack. They can also be thawed and used in recipes that call for fresh mangoes, though the texture might be slightly softer.

Drying Mangoes

Drying mangoes is another excellent method for long-term storage, providing a chewy, sweet treat that can be enjoyed anytime.

1. Methods for Drying Mangoes
   • Oven Drying: Preheat your oven to its lowest setting (usually around 140-170°F or 60-75°C). Slice the mangoes thinly and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Dry the mango slices in the oven for 2-4 hours, flipping them halfway through. Keep the oven door slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape.
   • Dehydrator: If you have a food dehydrator, this is an ideal method. Arrange the mango slices on the dehydrator trays and dry them at 135°F (57°C) for 8-12 hours, or until they are fully dried but still pliable.
   • Sun-Drying: In a warm, sunny climate, you can sun-dry mango slices. Place them on a clean mesh screen or drying rack, cover with a thin cloth to keep insects away, and leave them in the sun for several days, bringing them inside at night.
2. Storage and Uses for Dried Mangoes
   • Storage: Store dried mangoes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They can last for up to 6-12 months if stored properly.
   • Uses: Dried mangoes make for a delicious and healthy snack on their own. They can also be chopped and added to trail mix, cereals, or baked goods. Rehydrating dried mangoes by soaking them in water can also make them suitable for use in various recipes where you’d typically use fresh mango.

By following these storage methods, you can enjoy the delightful taste of mangoes well beyond their typical season, ensuring you always have this tropical treat on hand.

Tips and Tricks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Storing Unripe Mangoes in the Fridge
   • Many people make the mistake of refrigerating unripe mangoes, thinking it will prolong their shelf life. However, cold temperatures can hinder the ripening process, leading to tasteless and hard mangoes. Always allow mangoes to ripen fully at room temperature before refrigerating.
2. Leaving Ripe Mangoes Out for Too Long
   • Once a mango is ripe, it should be consumed or refrigerated promptly. Leaving ripe mangoes at room temperature can quickly lead to overripeness and spoilage.
3. Improper Storage of Cut Mangoes
   • Not using airtight containers or failing to refrigerate cut mangoes can result in them drying out, losing flavor, or becoming a breeding ground for bacteria.

Signs of Spoilage and How to Identify Them

1. Appearance
   • Look for signs of mold or dark spots on the skin. While small blemishes are often harmless, extensive darkening or mold growth indicates spoilage.
2. Texture
   • If the mango feels overly soft or mushy, it is likely overripe or spoiled. A healthy ripe mango should have a slight give when gently squeezed.
3. Smell
   • A sour, fermented, or alcoholic smell is a clear sign that the mango is no longer good to eat. Fresh ripe mangoes should smell sweet and fragrant.

Innovative Storage Hacks

1. Using Ethylene Absorbers
   • If you want to slow down the ripening process of mangoes stored with other fruits, consider using ethylene absorbers in your fridge. These packets can help control the ethylene gas levels, extending the shelf life of your fruits.
2. Freezing Pureed Mango
   • Instead of freezing mango slices, consider pureeing the mango and freezing it in ice cube trays. This method is excellent for easily adding mango to smoothies, sauces, or desserts without needing to thaw and chop.
3. Mango Vinegar
   • If you have overripe mangoes that you don’t want to waste, consider making mango vinegar. Simply ferment the mango pieces with water and sugar to create a unique, tropical-flavored vinegar.

Proper storage of mangoes is essential to enjoy their delightful taste and rich nutrients. We’ve covered various stages of ripeness, the best practices for storing unripe and ripe mangoes, how to store cut mangoes, and long-term storage options like freezing and drying. We’ve also shared tips to avoid common mistakes, identify spoilage, and even some innovative storage hacks.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your mangoes remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Proper storage not only extends the life of your mangoes but also preserves their wonderful flavor and nutritional benefits.

We hope this guide helps you make the most out of your mangoes. Do you have any special tips or tricks for storing mangoes that we didn’t mention? Have any questions about mango storage? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation juicy!