Choosing a perfectly ripe and ready-to-eat mango can be a tricky task. Mangoes are one of the most popular fruits in the world, valued for their sweet, creamy flesh and tropical flavors. However, mangoes only reach their peak ripeness for a short window of time. Underripe mangoes can be disappointingly sour and fibrous, while overripe ones become mushy and lose their flavor. Follow this guide to learn the steps for identifying mangoes at their ideal ripeness stage so you can enjoy this succulent fruit at its best.
What is the ideal stage of ripeness for a mango?
A ripe mango should give slightly when gently squeezed and have a fruity aroma at the stem end. The skin color varies between mango varieties, but most will develop some golden, yellow, or orange hues as they ripen. Overripe mangoes will be very soft and may have brown spots or wrinkled skin. Underripe green mangoes are hard and lack sweetness. For the best flavor and texture, choose mangoes that are just becoming yieldingly soft.
Check the mango’s firmness
Gently squeezing the mango is one of the simplest ways to gauge its ripeness. An underripe mango will feel very hard, while an overripe one will have little resistance when squeezed. A perfectly ripe mango will give slightly under gentle pressure but still feel firm.
Try holding the mango in the palm of your hand and pressing with light force using your fingertips. The flesh should indent slightly but bounce back. Avoid mangoes with mushy spots or excessive bruising.
Tips for testing mango firmness:
- Compare several mangoes on the shelf for variances in firmness
- Do not squeeze too hard or you may bruise a ripe mango
- Gently press near the middle of each rounded cheek
- Underripe mangoes will feel very hard and unyielding
- Overripe mangoes will have little resistance when squeezed
Look for fruity aroma at the stem end
Bring the mango up to your nose and gently sniff near the stem end. Ripe mangoes exude a rich, fruity aroma that intensifies as they soften. Underripe green mangoes and overripe brown mangoes lack a fresh fragrance.
Tips for checking mango aroma:
- The most fragrant aroma comes from the stem end area
- Sniff mangoes at different ripeness stages to compare
- Choose mangoes with a sweet, floral scent
- Avoid any off odors like fermentation
- Don’t worry if the mango has no scent when very firm
Examine the mango’s skin color
As mangoes ripen, the skin color evolves from green to yellow, orange, red or combinations. Ripe mangoes will display more golden, yellow, or orange tones. Green mangoes are underripe while brown, black spots indicate overripe fruit.
Look for these ripe mango skin colors:
- Golden yellow
- Yellow-orange
- Red blush or patches
- Greenish-yellow (some varities)
Avoid these under/overripe indicators:
- Mostly green color
- Dark brown spots
- Shriveled, wrinkled skin
- Black or mushy bruises
Consider the mango variety
There are hundreds of different mango cultivars which display varying characteristics as they ripen. Some common varieties and their typical ripe skin colors include:
Common mango varieties:
| Mango Type | Ripe Skin Color |
|---|---|
| Ataulfo | Yellow-orange |
| Francis | Yellow-green |
| Keitt | Green-yellow |
| Kent | Green with red blush |
| Tommy Atkins | Red-green |
| Haden | Red-yellow |
Get to know your favorite mango varieties and their typical ripe color. For example, Keitt mangoes will remain greenish even when ripe.
Watch for peel loosening
As a mango ripens, the peel starts to separate from the flesh, most noticeably around the rounded shoulders. Gently press around the side curves of the mango to check for any gap between the peel and inner fruit.
Signs the peel is loosening:
- Gaping around the shoulders when gently pressed
- Peel can be easily peeled from the flesh
- Loosening texture rather than very smooth
Feel for soft give at the stem
Ripe mangoes will yield slightly when pressed near the base of the stem. Underripe mangoes are often still hard near the stem while overripe ones feel very soft.
Testing tips:
- Gently press with your thumb at the base of the stem
- There should be slight give but not mushy softness
- The greater the indentation, the riper the mango
Check for blush of red color
Some mango varieties develop an attractive blush of red as they ripen. A red blush is not a definitive indicator of ripeness by itself, but paired with other signs it can signal ideal maturity.
Look for:
- Red-orange glow on some green varieties
- Increased intensity of red tones
- Red speckles or patches on skin
Judge weight and dimensions
A ripe mango will feel heavier than an unripe one in relation to its size. Overripe mangoes become lighter as moisture content decreases. Ripe mangoes also become more rounded and less elongated.
Considerations:
- Heavy, full shape indicates higher moisture content
- Underripe mangoes feel lighter for their size
- Shriveled mangoes have lost moisture weight
- Ideal mangoes feel full and heavy in the hand
Watch out for shriveling skin
Examine the mango skin for wrinkling, shriveling or desiccated appearance which signals an overripe fruit with decreased moisture. Ripe mango skin may have some small shallow wrinkles but remains mostly smooth.
Check for:
- Severely wrinkled or shriveled skin
- Puckering and sagging around the shoulders
- Dry, folded areas on the peel
Avoid sap or juices on skin
Exuding sap or juices on the skin surface indicates an overripe mango that is losing moisture. This fluid provides a growth medium for microbial contaminants. Pick mangoes with clean, dry skin for best safety and quality.
Look for:
- Clear or cloudy sap oozing from skin
- Wetness or stickiness on the peel
- Dry sap residues
Sniff for fermented odor
A very overripe mango will begin to ferment, giving off a sour, unpleasant scent from high microbial activity. Never choose mangoes with an acetone or alcohol-like aroma.
Avoid mangoes with:
- Pungent fruity odors
- Sour, acrid smell
- Rotten or decomposing scent
Inspect mangoes closely for bruising
Even ripe mangoes are susceptible to soft spots, bruises and impact damage. Carefully check over the mango skin for any dark brown or black areas, which signal bruised and damaged flesh underneath.
Look for:
- Brown-black spots or patches
- indented, mushy areas
- Scuffs and bruises
Evaluate the stem condition
The stem, or dorso, of a properly ripened mango will be somewhat flexible but still attached. Avoid mangoes with very shrivelled or rotting stems, which signal overripe or decaying fruit.
Ideal stem:
- Green-brown color
- Still attached to fruit
- Flexible and bounces back when bent
Problematic stem:
- Very shriveled or dried out
- Blackened or rotten spots
- Easily detached from the mango
Assess shape for fullness
Ripe mangoes will develop a rounder, fuller shape as the flesh expands. Underripe fruit is more oval or elongated. Overripe mangoes become misshapen as the flesh breaks down.
Ideal ripe mango shape:
- Full rounded shoulders
- Expanded center and waistline
- No sharp angles or flat sides
Consider environmental ripening factors
Mangoes do not continue to ripen once picked from the tree. Mangoes allowed to tree ripen in warm climates develop superior flavor. Check labels for country of origin and choose tree ripened mangoes when possible.
Best sources:
- Tree ripened and picked mangoes
- Warm tropical growing regions
- Indicated as “tree ripened” on label
Judge mango weight versus size
The heavier a mango feels for its size, the more juice and flesh it contains. Underripe mangoes will feel surprisingly light. Overripe fruit loses moisture weight. Choose mangoes that feel very heavy for their dimensions.
Tips for judging weight:
- Underripe mangoes feel hollow and light
- Ideal ripe mangoes feel heavy and full
- Support mangoes from underneath when weighing
- Compare relative weight of different sized mangoes
Watch out for dents and wrinkles
Dents, wrinkles and creases on the mango skin indicate uneven ripening and moisture loss. The indented areas will taste dry and fibrous. Choose the smoothest, fullest mangoes for even texture and juiciness.
Avoid mangoes with:
- Deep wrinkles and creases
- Puckered or shriveled spots
- Dimpled or indented skin
- Collapsing along one side
Consider cutting a small slice
If still uncertain about ripeness after evaluating external signs, cut a thin wedge from the shoulder end of the mango. Examine the flesh for color, moisture and texture. Ripe mango flesh is juicy and soft but still intact.
Ripe flesh qualities:
- Vibrant orange-yellow color
- Moist and juicy appearance
- Yielding soft texture
- Full, rich mango aroma
Choose unblemished, attractive fruit
Always select mangoes free from cuts, bites, disease spots and other exterior blemishes, which lead to contamination and decay. Well cared for mangoes have an unbroken, glossy skin.
Ideal mango condition:
- Intact, unbroken skin
- Shiny, vibrant appearance
- No discolored patches
- No visible bruising or injury
Handle mangoes gently to avoid bruising
Ripe mangoes are fragile and the flesh bruises easily. Inspect mangoes carefully after handling and transporting home. Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged mangoes.
Gentle handling tips:
- Never squeeze mangoes hard
- Support from underneath when lifting
- Pad mangoes to avoid knocking together
- Do not drop or throw mangoes
Plan to eat ripe mangoes soon
Fully ripe, ready-to-eat mangoes have a very short shelf life of only 2-3 days. Eat ripe mangoes immediately or refrigerate for no more than a few days. Freeze sliced ripe mango for longer storage.
Enjoy ripe mangoes quickly by:
- Eating within 2 days
- Freezing puree or slices
- Canning or cooking into chutneys
- Blending into smoothies
Ripen hard mangoes at home
Hard, underripe mangoes can be ripened at home at room temperature over several days. Enclosing mangoes in a paper bag traps ethylene gas and quickens ripening. Store on the counter and check daily until ripe.
Tips for ripening mangoes:
- Leave at room temperature
- Enclose in a paper bag
- Add a ripe banana or apple to hasten ripening
- Expect the process to take 4-7 days
Conclusion
Selecting a perfectly ripe mango is part skill and part art. With practice recognizing the many signs of ripeness, such as aroma, skin color, softness and shape, you will be able to consistently enjoy delicious, juicy mangoes. Always handle the fruit gently, choose unblemished specimens, and be prepared to eat or preserve ripe mangoes quickly.
