Mangoes are the type of stone fruit that can instantly transport you to a tropical island, no matter where you live. Their ripe, bright yellow flesh bursts with sweetness, perfect for both sweet and savory recipes. And while you can get them all year round, most are best from May through September.
But just because it’s mango season, that doesn’t mean the fruit you have in your hand is ripe. Different varieties ripen at different rates, and they’re all slightly different in color. So, if the color isn’t the best indicator, do you know how to tell if a mango is ripe?
How to know if a mango is ripe is quite similar to other fruits you might find at the store, like peaches and avocados. You just need to use your senses! Then you’re one step closer to drippingly juicy and sweet mangoes that you can simply slice up to eat or make extra special in desserts that taste like pure summertime. Keep reading for more!
The Best Way to Know If a Mango Is Ripe
Give the mango a squeeze! The best way to tell if a mango is ripe is if the skin yields slightly to pressure. If it’s still rock hard, it isn’t ripe, and it needs more time. (If the mango isn’t ripe but you can wait a few days, take it home! You can ripen it on your counter.) If it yields too much and leaves a dent after pressing, it’s likely overripe, and you should probably skip it.
More Ways to Know If a Mango Is Ripe
Want more reassurance that you’re picking a ripe mango? Give it a sniff at the stem end of the fruit. It should smell sweet and tropical. If it doesn’t smell, it’s probably unripe, and worse, if it smells sour or fermented, it’s past its prime.
Also, look at the stem. If the skin around it is mostly smooth with a few tiny wrinkles, it’s ripe. And lastly, mangoes should be plump and full, particularly around the stem area. Avoid overly wrinkled and shriveled mangoes.
How to Store Mangoes
If you have a ripe mango and don’t want to eat it right away, place it in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process. It can hold there for up to five days. If it isn’t quite ripe, place it in a paper bag at room temperature, and check it every other day to test for ripeness. If you put an apple or a banana in the bag with it, it will ripen in about two days. Then you can feast as the mango intended!
