Introduction
Mangoes are one of the most beloved fruits around the world because of their sweet and juicy taste. However, one of the biggest challenges is determining when they’re ripe enough to eat. Oftentimes, people either pick mangoes that are underripe and too tart to enjoy or ones that are overripe and mushy. In this article, we’ll discuss some visual cues, the smelling technique, the squeeze test, stem examination, and how different varieties of mango ripen to help you determine whether or not a mango is ripe enough to eat.
Visual Cues
The most obvious sign that a mango is ripe is the color. A ripe mango will be yellow, orange, or reddish in color, depending on the variety of mango. A fruit that is still green signals that it’s unripe. If it’s too ripe, the mango will be brown and have a soft texture.
The texture is another significant indicator that a mango is ripe. If a mango has a smooth surface and gives slightly when you press it, it’s likely ripe. If the surface is hard or there are soft spots that feel mushy, then it’s overripe.
If you’re uncertain whether or not the mango is ripe, try cutting it open. If the flesh is still tough and fibrous, it’s still not ready to eat. But if it’s soft and juicy, then it’s perfectly ripe.
Smelling the Mango
Another technique to determine mango ripeness is to use your sense of smell. Ripe mangoes have a sweet and fruity aroma that is quite distinct.
Hold the mango in your hand and place your thumb on the non-stem end of the fruit. Use your other hand to gently press the mango and bring it closer to your nose, inhaling deeply. If you detect a sweet and fragrant scent, that means the mango is ripe and ready to eat.
It’s important to smell the non-stem end of the mango because it’s where the fruit develops the most fragrance and flavor.
The Squeeze Test
The squeeze test is another way to determine whether or not a mango is ripe. The ripe fruit will be slightly soft to the touch, similar to how ripe avocados or peaches feel.
Using your hands, give the mango a gentle squeeze. A ripe mango should yield slightly without being too soft or mushy. Avoid applying too much pressure as this can cause the fruit to bruise.
If a mango feels hard or firm, it’s likely unripe, whereas, if the fruit is very soft or mushy, it’s overripe.
Checking the Stem
Inspecting the stem of a mango can also indicate whether or not it’s ripe. If the stem of the fruit feels loose or wiggles easily, that means it’s ripe.
However, it’s essential not to rely on this method alone because it’s not always accurate. Sometimes, other factors such as damage or bruises can cause the stem to detach from the fruit.
Knowing the Variety
There are many different varieties of mangoes, and they all ripen at different rates. Some popular varieties include Tommy Atkins, Honey, Ataulfo, Keitt, and Alphonso. It’s crucial to become familiar with the specific variety you’re dealing with to make sure you know when it’s ripe.
Tommy Atkins is one of the most widely available and has a green skin with hints of red and orange when ripe. Ataulfo mangoes are smaller and have a yellow skin, and when they’re ripe, they will be a golden yellow color. Honey mangoes are similar to Ataulfo mangoes, but they have red or orange skin when ripe. Keitt mangoes have green skin when unripe and turn yellow-green when they’re ripe. Alphonso mangoes have yellow skin with a touch of red when they’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
There is nothing quite like the sweet and juicy flavor of a ripe mango. Remembering the visual cues, the smelling technique, the squeeze test, stem examination, and knowing the variety can ultimately help in determining whether or not a mango is ripe. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to pick the perfect mango every time.