Mangoes are the ultimate superfood treat, which is why you’ll find them in grocery stores all year round. But let’s be real: finding one that’s actually ready to eat can be a total gamble. If you’ve ever brought home a rock-hard fruit, don’t worry! Here is everything you need to know about how to ripen a mango at home.
How to Spot a Ripe Mango
You can usually tell a mango is ready to eat by its scent—look for a sweet, intense aroma coming from the stem end. Give it a gentle squeeze, too; the skin should feel slightly soft and give a little under your fingers. Another pro tip? Check the stem. On a ripe mango, the stem area often plumps up and sticks out slightly because the fruit is so full of flesh. You can also get a better idea of ripeness if you know the harvest season and origin of the specific variety you’re buying.
The Best Way to Ripen a Mango
Mangoes ripen best at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20 to 25°C). Since they’re tropical fruits, whatever you do, keep them out of the fridge! Cold air won’t help them ripen and can actually ruin the flavor and texture. For the best results, wrap your mango in a piece of newspaper to help it ripen evenly. Just make sure to peek inside once a day so you don’t miss that perfect window of ripeness.
When is it Too Ripe?
If your mango starts smelling a bit like alcohol or fermented cider, it’s gone too far. At this stage, the fermentation process has kicked in, and eating it might lead to an upset stomach. By the way, this goes for your furry friends, too! While dogs can enjoy mango as a treat, overripe fruit is a no-go for them as well. Also, keep your mangoes away from apples unless you’re in a huge rush; apples release ethylene gas, which can make mangoes ripen (and rot) much faster than you might want.
Quick Checklist for Perfect Mangoes
Ripening a mango at home is super easy. To make sure you get a delicious snack every time, just keep these points in mind:
- Try to buy a mango that’s already slightly soft if you want to eat it soon.
- Check the origin and harvest time for clues on quality.
- Never put an unripe mango in the refrigerator.
- Let them sit out at 68°F to 77°F.
- Wrap them in newspaper and check on them daily.
- Be careful about storing them next to apples.
- Toss any fruit that smells fermented or looks spoiled.