Mangoes are a beloved fruit that many people around the world enjoy. They are sweet and juicy and smell amazing, making them perfect for drinks, salads, sweet treats, and more.
But mangoes can go bad quickly after they ripen, which is a problem if you have bought a lot of them and want them to last. In this article, we’ll share ways to keep mangoes fresh longer, so you can enjoy them for days or even weeks.
Whether you love mangoes or just want to make your fruit stay fresh longer, these tips will help you keep your mangoes tasty for as much time as possible.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Best Mangoes
To make sure you pick the best mangoes, there are some things to keep in mind:
- Color: Mangoes have different colors like green, yellow, orange, and red. Pick mangoes that have a strong color that looks right for their type.
- Firmness: A good mango should be firm but a little soft when you gently press it. Stay away from very hard or very soft mangoes because they might not be ripe or may be too ripe.
- Smell: A ripe mango will smell sweet near the stem. Before you buy, smell it to make sure; if it has no smell, it might not be ripe enough yet.
- Surface: Look at the skin of the mango for any bad spots or bruises. It should also feel smooth and not have any roughness or uneven parts.
- Type: There are different kinds of mangoes, like Ataulfo, Tommy Atkins, and Haden, which have their own taste, feel, and look. Choose the kind that you like most.
If you remember these points when picking mangoes, you can be sure to get delicious fruit that you will enjoy in your food and snacks.
Getting Mangoes Ready to Store
It’s important to prepare mangoes the right way so they can stay fresh when you store them. Here are steps to do this:
- Cleaning mangoes: Wash the mangoes well under water to get rid of any dirt or things on their surface. If needed, you can gently use a brush with soft bristles to clean them.
- Drying mangoes: Dry the mangoes with a clean cloth or paper towel after washing them. Make sure they are totally dry before you store them to stop mold from growing because of any moisture.
Proper Ways to Store Mangoes
Storing mangoes the right way is key if you want them to stay fresh and not spoil. You can store them differently based on if they are ripe. Here are ways to keep mangoes:
1. Keeping Them at Room Temperature
Keep unripe mangoes at room temperature in a place that’s not too warm and dry, away from the sun. When they ripen, you should eat them in 2-3 days.
2. Using the Fridge
For ripe mangoes that you want to keep longer, put them in the fridge. The best temperature is between 50 and 55°F (10-13°C). You can store them in a bag with holes to let air in. This can help mangos last up to five days.
3. Freezing Mangoes
If you want to save mangoes for a long time, freezing them works well. Cut the flesh into pieces, remove the skin and seed, and put the pieces in a container or freezer bag that is tightly sealed. They can last up to six months in the freezer.
4. Putting Them in Cans
Another way to keep mangoes is to can them in syrup. Peel and cut the mangoes, put them in jars with syrup and process the jars in a water bath for 20-30 minutes.
5. Drying Them Out
You can also dry mangoes. Put slices of them on a dehydrator tray and dry at 135°F (57°C) for around eight hours until they are chewy like leather.
By following these different ways to keep mangoes, you can enjoy their wonderful taste and benefits anytime.
Things Not to Do
There are some mistakes to avoid when storing mangoes, so they don’t go bad fast. Here are some tips to remember:
- Don’t Keep Overripe Ones: If mangoes are really soft, smell sour, or have mold, don’t store them. They won’t last and can make other mangoes near them go bad too.
- Don’t Fridge Unripe Mangoes: Unripe mangoes should not go in the fridge. They need to ripen at normal room temperature. If you put them in the fridge, they won’t taste good.
- Always Wash and Dry Them: Make sure to wash and dry mangoes well before you store them. This is so important to stop them from getting moldy and rotten.
- Use the Right Bag: When putting ripe mangoes in a bag, make sure the bag has holes for air or use a paper bag. This is so moisture doesn’t build up and make them spoil.
- Keep Them Away from Other Fruits: Mangoes let out a gas that can make other fruits ripen or spoil faster. Keep your mangoes separate from other produce!
By keeping these tips in mind, you will be able to have fresh and sweet mangoes for longer.
In Conclusion
Mangoes are a tasty and healthy fruit that you can eat all year if they are stored in the right way.
To make sure your mangoes stay fresh and delicious for a long time, pick them when they are ripe, prepare them for storage correctly, and avoid common storage mistakes like putting overripe or unripe mangoes in the fridge.
You can keep your mangoes in the fridge, freeze, can, or dry them. By using the storage tips we have talked about and eating mangoes in your favorite dishes, you can enjoy them any time you want.
