How to Choose Mangoes

Mangoes are a sweet, smooth gulp of the tropics which make for great smoothies. The best-tasting mangoes are the Haden, Kent and Keitt varieties.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mangoes

1. Look for mangoes that are firm and plump if you want to allow them to ripen after you buy them.

2. 

   Look for yellowish-orange or reddish tones to indicate a ripening mango.

3. 

   Press gently on mangoes to make sure they yield a little to pressure if you want ripe mangoes and will eat them soon.

4. 

   Avoid mangoes with a green or gray tone to the skin, or with too many dark blemishes.

5. Make sure the flesh fills the skin and does not leave it sagging.

6. Smell mangoes at the stem end and choose those with a fresh, fruity smell.

Tips & Warnings

• Some varieties, such as Keitt mangoes, never change color, so rely more heavily on softness to indicate ripeness.

• A few black spots on the skin are typical of ripe mangoes.

• Put mangoes in a paper bag to ripen at room temperature; store ripe mangoes in the refrigerator.