Buzz
During mango season, it's easy to be tempted to buy more mangoes than you can consume. If you end up with an abundance of mangoes, you can store them for later use. Mangoes are sensitive to weather conditions and require some care to avoid spoilage. To keep them fresh longer, store them in a safe place with controlled temperature.
Steps
Short-term mango storage
Check if the mango is ripe. You can determine the ripeness of a mango by its firmness and aroma. Unlike many other fruits, the color of a mango is not a reliable indicator of its ripeness.
- Unripe mangoes are firm, hard, and lack a distinct aroma.
- Ripe mangoes are soft but not mushy and emit a fragrant smell.
Store unripe mangoes in a dark container at room temperature. Room temperature helps unripe mangoes retain their flavor without spoiling too quickly. Plastic bags or glass jars with ventilation holes can keep insects away while allowing air circulation.
- Check the mangoes every two days until they ripen. Depending on when they were purchased, green mangoes may ripen within 8 days.
Refrigerate mangoes to preserve their flavor. Once mangoes are ripe, you can store them in a cooler place, such as a refrigerator.
- Fresh mangoes can last in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
- The average temperature in a refrigerator is around 4°C.
Watch for signs of spoilage in mangoes. After 6 days, ripe mangoes may show signs of spoilage, such as becoming mushy, developing dark spots on the skin, or emitting a sour smell. Discard the mango if you notice internal discoloration.
- Mangoes with only a few spots on the skin can still be used for smoothies.
Freeze mangoes for long-term storage
Cut mangoes into cubes or slices for easier packaging. If you want to preserve mangoes to enjoy during off-seasons, cut them into small pieces for complete freezing. The mango pieces should be small enough to fit into ziplock bags.
- Most people remove the skin before freezing, but it’s not mandatory. The only difference is that mangoes with skin may take slightly longer to freeze and thaw.
- Try using a vegetable peeler to skin the mango if you find it difficult with a regular knife.
Place leftover mango pieces in a ziplock bag and seal it tightly. Arrange the mango slices in the bag without stacking them on top of each other. Remove as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
Lay the ziplock bag containing mangoes flat in the freezer. Avoid placing the bag upright against the freezer wall to ensure even freezing. Make sure the freezer temperature remains stable at -18°C.
Consume the mangoes within 6 months of freezing. Remove the mangoes from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator. Enjoy this healthy snack once it has softened!
- Dark spots on frozen mangoes indicate freezer burn, which is safe to eat but may affect the flavor.
Tips
- Try dehydrating mangoes to extend their shelf life without freezing.
- Frozen mangoes can be used in salads, ice creams, beverages, and sauces.
What You'll Need
- Refrigerator or freezer
- Kitchen knife
- Ziplock bags
