KOMPAS.com – During the mango season in Indonesia, which usually lasts from the end of the year until the new year, many mangoes are sold on roadsides, markets and supermarkets.
However, to ensure mangoes stay fresh and delicious, it’s important to know how to store them properly.
Unripe mangoes tend to be less sweet and juicy, while overripe mangoes can start to ferment, resulting in a sour taste and aroma.
Also read: What are the side effects of eating too many mangoes?
How to store mangoes
Here is a practical guide to storing mangoes, both ripe and unripe:
Characteristics of ripe mango
Ripe mangoes usually have yellow or reddish-orange skin, not green.
In addition, ripe mangoes have a distinctive fruity aroma and feel slightly soft when pressed lightly.
How to store unripe mangoes
- Store unripe mangoes at room temperature.
- Let the mango continue to ripen naturally for a few days until it becomes sweeter and softer.
- To speed up the ripening process, place the mango in a paper bag at room temperature.
How to store ripe mangoes
If the mango is ripe, it should be consumed immediately. Ripe mangoes are suitable for eating directly, as a mixture smoothies, oatmeal toppingor cake ingredients.
Also read: What are the side effects of eating too many mangoes?
If you don’t want to eat it yet, store ripe mangoes in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures will slow down the ripening process, so mangoes stay fresh for up to five days.
How to store cut mangoes
If you’ve cut a mango but don’t want to finish it straight away, store the mango pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
These mango slices can usually last up to one week. However, make sure to check the aroma before consuming it. If it smells sour, it should be thrown away.
Illustration of the kiojay mango, a superior mango variety originating from Thailand.Can mangoes be frozen?
Mangoes can be frozen and still retain a taste similar to fresh fruit. Here are the steps to freeze mangoes:
- Wait until the mango is ripe.
- Peel the mango, then cut it into slices or dice.
- Arrange the mango pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure each piece doesn’t stick together.
- Freeze for at least two hours or overnight.
- Once frozen, transfer the mango pieces to a special airtight bag freezerremove as much air as possible, then seal and date label.
- Mangoes frozen this way can last up to six months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or soak the bag of frozen mangoes in cold water for about three hours.
Also read: Recipe for Pickled Young Mango, a Sour, Sweet and Spicy Snack
Even though the texture of frozen and thawed mangoes tends to be softer, the taste is still similar to fresh mangoes. Frozen mango is perfect for use in smoothiesfrozen cocktails, or baking ingredients.
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