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How to Ripen Mangos Faster

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Michele D. Lee/Demand Media

Mangoes taste best ripe -- and they develop quickly. You can tell a mango is ripe when the fruit’s flesh is soft like a ripe peach. Coloring is not a certain indicator of ripeness, however, according to the Cookthink website, most varieties turn a yellow shade when ripe. A mango develops a strong, fruity smell when it is ready to be eaten.

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Michele D. Lee/Demand Media

Allow the mango to sit at a mild room temperature until its consistency becomes softer but not spongy to the touch.

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Michele D. Lee/Demand Media

Place an unripe mango with a second fruit, such as an apple, banana or another mango, in a paper bag. The mango will ripen overnight. The ethylene gas the fruit emits speeds the process.

  • Mangoes taste best ripe -- and they develop quickly.
  • A mango develops a strong, fruity smell when it is ready to be eaten.
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Michele D. Lee/Demand Media

Set a mango in a tray with the stem end facing downward. Protect the fruit against shriveling by putting a damp washcloth over the fruit as it ripens.

Ripen A Green Mango

Tropical mango fruits have sweet yellow flesh inside an inedible rind. The fruits are harvested under ripe and then ripened off the tree before use. Choose firm fruits with no visible bruises when purchasing or harvesting mangoes. Skin color doesn't indicate ripeness, and a green fruit is no less ripe than a yellow or pink one. Roll the top of the bag to close it. Press the mango gently with your thumb. Mangoes typically take between three and eight days to ripen. Store cut mangoes in the fridge for up to four days.

  • Set a mango in a tray with the stem end facing downward.

Tip

Mangoes grown in a greenhouse take even less time to become ripe. Do not buy mangoes that have a sour smell, as the best mangoes give off a sweet, fruity aroma.

Warning

Avoid storing mango fruit at temperatures below 50 degrees F, as it takes days from its shelf life.

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