FOOD NEWS
Why You Shouldn't Rely On Color To Tell If A Mango Is Ripe
By Nicole Rivas
First appearing in the U.S. in the 19th century, mangoes have blossomed through the years as a special fruit featured in all kinds of dishes. However, a problem many run into is figuring out if their mango is ripe, since there’s no correct color to give it away, but fortunately, there are other ways to figure out when a mango is at its peak.
Since mangoes come in a wide array of varieties that all sport different appearances, judging by color alone to test ripeness won’t get you very far. From the reddish-orange Tommy Atkins variety to the distinctly green Kent variety, understanding which type of mango you are using can help you know if the fruit is ripe.
Not only is reading the sticker on your mango a good place to start to see if your mango is in season, but using your sense of touch is also a good practice — evidence shows that the softer the mango, the riper it is. You can also smell the mango to check if it emits a sweet scent that a riper mango would have.
The good news is that even an unripe mango can be enjoyed, as some people either prefer to buy slightly unripe mangoes and let them ripen at home, or incorporate tart, unripe mangoes into more savory dishes or as crisp snacks. Whether it’s ripe or unripe, you’re sure to still find plenty of purposes for this delicious fruit.