How to Ripen Mangoes at Home

For the best mango flavor, wait until the fruit turns slightly yellow before cutting into it.

Tropical mangoes have a succulent orange flesh loaded with vitamin C, potassium and beta carotene. This "super fruit" belongs to the Mangifera family and can be yellow, green, red or even multicolored. This oval-shaped fruit takes a month to three months to ripen on the tree. Once harvested, mangoes continue to ripen unless refrigerated. Ripened fruit smells faintly fruity and feels slightly soft to the touch.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Paper bag

Instructions

1. Rinse the mango in cool running water. Pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Put the mango in a paper bag and loosely close the top.

3. Leave the mango in the paper bag at room temperature for one to two days. Open the bag to check for ripeness each day. Return the mango to the bag for an additional day if the fruit needs further ripening.

4. Store ripened mangoes, whole or cut, in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process.

Tips & Warnings

• Freeze ripened mangoes in zippered storage bags for up to six months.

References

• National Mango Board: How to Choose a Mango
• International Mango Industry: All About Mangoes