How to Ripen Mangoes Quickly

Gauge a mango's ripeness by softness, not color.

Mangoes are often sold when hard, but their flavor and texture is best when they are ripe and slightly soft to the touch, similar to a peach. You can accelerate the process by putting a mango in an environment where it will be exposed to higher levels of ethylene gas, which is produced by fruits as they ripen and spurs further ripening.

Things You'll Need

• Paper bag
• Apple or banana

Instructions

1. Place the mangoes in a paper bag.

2. Add an apple or banana to the bag.

3. Roll down the top of the bag to seal it.

4. Leave the bag on a counter top at room temperature overnight.

5. Open the paper bag and check the mango for ripeness. It should be soft when you press gently on it. In addition, the end with the stem stub should have a fruity aroma.

6. Return the mango to the paper bag if it is not yet ripe and recheck roughly every eight hours.

Tips & Warnings

• When the mango is ripe, use it immediately or place it in the refrigerator to keep it from over-ripening. Use a refrigerated ripe mango within a few days.

References

• Leslie Beck, RD: Mango - March 2007's Featured Food
• Fresh Mangoes: All About Mangoes