How to Pick the Perfect Mango: A Buyer’s Guide

Mango season is the most awaited time of the year for fruit lovers. But have you ever bought a mango that looked perfect on the outside but turned out tasteless or overripe inside? Picking the perfect mango isn’t just about color—it’s about texture, aroma, and a few simple tricks that ensure you get the sweetest, juiciest fruit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to selecting the best mangoes every time.

1. Check the Aroma

A ripe mango will have a distinct fruity aroma near the stem. If you don’t smell anything, it might not be ripe yet. The best mangoes have a strong, sweet fragrance that signals their readiness to eat.

2. Gently Squeeze the Mango

Unlike some fruits, color alone doesn’t determine ripeness. Instead, give the mango a gentle squeeze—if it gives slightly under pressure (like an avocado), it’s ripe and ready. If it’s too hard, it needs more time; if it’s too soft, it may be overripe.

3. Don’t Rely on Color

Mangoes come in different varieties, and not all turn bright yellow or red when ripe. For example:

• Alphonso turns golden yellow.

• Dasheri stays greenish-yellow.

• Langra remains mostly green even when ripe.

Instead of color, focus on fragrance and texture.

4. Inspect the Skin

A few wrinkles are okay, but avoid mangoes with dark spots, cuts, or shriveled skin, as they might be overripe or damaged. A naturally smooth skin with a slight give is best.

5. Avoid Artificially Ripened Mangoes

Some vendors use chemicals like calcium carbide to ripen mangoes faster. These artificially ripened mangoes may have:

• A powdery white residue on the skin.

• No aroma.

• An overly bright yellow color.

For safety, wash mangoes thoroughly and buy from trusted sources.

6. How to Ripen Mangoes at Home

If your mangoes are unripe, place them in a paper bag with a banana to speed up ripening. Keep them at room temperature, and they should ripen within a few days. Avoid refrigerating unripe mangoes, as it slows the ripening process.

Final Tip: Buy in Batches

Mangoes ripen quickly, so it’s best to buy them in small batches instead of all at once. This way, you can enjoy fresh, perfectly ripe mangoes throughout the season!