Mangoes are a delicious tropical fruit that can instantly transport you to a sunny, palm-lined island. With their sweet and juicy flesh, mangoes are a favorite among many fruit lovers. Unlike some fruits that need to be perfectly ripe before being picked, mangoes continue to ripen after being harvested, making them accessible to everyone in the U.S.
There are several common types of mangoes, including Tommy Atkins (red) and Ataulfo (yellow), as well as other varieties like Keitt, Sapūrana, Kent, and Haden. Each type has its own unique appearance, making it difficult to determine ripeness based on color alone. According to Francisco Vargas, executive sous chef at Hawai’i’s Kona Village, mangoes are ripe when they fall off the tree. For those of us who don’t have mango trees in our backyards, Vargas shares some tips for picking the perfect mango.
One key tip is to go by feel, not color. Ripe mangoes can come in shades of red, orange, green, and yellow, depending on the variety. Keitt mangoes, for example, remain green even when ripe, while Ataulfo mangoes turn golden yellow with a slight wrinkle when ripe. Regardless of the color, ripe mangoes will give in to gentle pressure when pressed with your palm. Avoid poking them with your fingertips, as this can bruise the flesh.
Another tip is to use your nose. A ripe mango will have a pleasant, fruity scent at the stem end, while an underripe mango will have a neutral or herbal smell, and an overripe mango will have a sour or fermented smell.
If you have unripe mangoes that you want to ripen at home, store them on the kitchen counter at room temperature. You can also speed up the ripening process by sealing the mango in a paper bag. Once the mango is ripe, store it in the produce drawer of your refrigerator to prevent further ripening. Ripe mangoes can last for at least five days in the refrigerator, providing you with a cold and refreshing sweet snack whenever you need it.
In conclusion, mangoes are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. By following these tips from Francisco Vargas, you can ensure that you pick the perfect mango every time.
