How to tell When a Mango is Ripe

Are you “in the know” about the tropical fruit known as a mango? Traditionally, mangos aren’t so popular in North America – but it’s not because they don’t taste amazing (they do). There are actually a couple of reasons why the fruit has taken so long to catch on: first, ripe mangos have a short shelf life. Secondly (and this is the bigger reason), it can be very expensive to import mangos to the United States. This means that fresh mangos aren’t seen as often as other fruits in grocery stores, so many Americans simply don’t think of them.

This is a great pity because mangos are so darn delicious, with sweet-tart, juicy flesh that’s fabulous eaten alone or added to salads, smoothies, salsas, and other recipes that can benefit from a tropical twist. Mango is also super healthy…a nutritional powerhouse, the health benefits of mango include high fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients (including beta-carotene). Plus, a one-cup serving of diced mango has only about 120 calories, so mangos are a great sweet treat that won’t pack on the pounds when enjoyed in moderation.

Selecting Mangos at the Grocery Store

Ready to give mango a try? You won’t regret it – if you know how to choose the best ones at the grocery store!

If you want to ensure the mango you’re buying is ripe, don’t rely on color to tell you – like many fruits, a mango’s color is not an indicator of ripeness (in fact, the color of the mango is more likely to tell you what variety of mango the fruit is). Some mangoes have a greater degree of “blush” than others, while other mangoes may come with small marks or skin blemishes. This is normal and is caused by the fruit rubbing against a branch or another piece of fruit on the tree – such marks won’t affect the quality of the fruit’s flesh.

To tell if a mango is ripe, start with a plump, rounded fruit and give it a sniff. If it gives off a delicious, sweet fragrance, that’s your first clue. Next, give it a squeeze…the skin should give a little when gently pressed. If it’s too mushy, the mango is overripe. A mango that’s soft like a perfectly ripe peach is ready to enjoy…if you want the fruit to last a few days at home before eating it, select a slightly firmer mango with tight skin.

Florida Mangos from Pittman & Davis

The good news is that you don’t have to go through the above steps if you buy your mangos from Pittman & Davis! Our Florida Red Mangos are grown in the United States (so they don’t have to travel far too far to get to you or spend any time sitting in a distribution center) and always arrive fresh and perfect and ready to enjoy.

Pittman & Davis partners with a family farm that specializes in mangoes. No more imported mangos…they took five years to develop a specific variety right in Florida. Pittman & Davis ensures the mangoes you order from us come from trees at least ten years old (mature trees produce better fruit). The fruit is harvested as soon as it’s ready, then shipped right out the same day – no waiting around in a distribution center. You won’t find mangoes this fresh and delicious in a chain grocery store!

Mango Tips: How to Enjoy Your Fruit

Now that you have your fresh, ripe mangoes, what’s the best way to enjoy them? We love eating them fresh out of hand, but they also work great in a variety of recipes. Here are just a few of our favorites:

• Pittman & Davis Red Florida Mango Trifle
• Pittman & Davis Mango Chicken Salad Sandwich
• Pittman & Davis Sticky Rice with Coconut and Mango
• Pittman & Davis Mango-Strawberry Salsa
• Pittman & Davis Mango Halo-Halo

How to Store Mangoes

If you plan to eat them within a day or two you can store your mangoes at room temperature. Otherwise, whole mangoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you peel and cut up your mangoes you should store them in an airtight container. Frozen mango cubes and slices will keep up to six months in the freezer.

Enjoy your mangos!