Mangoes are a delicious summer fruit, but there are concerns about the use of chemicals to artificially ripen them. This guide will help you identify artificially ripened mangoes and make informed purchasing decisions.
Artificial ripening is the use of chemicals or other methods to speed up fruit ripening to meet demand or extend shelf life. However, many of these chemicals can be harmful and cause long-term health problems.
Artificially ripened mangoes often have a uniform colour and may appear more yellow or orange than naturally ripened ones. They may also have a slightly shiny appearance due to the chemicals used in the ripening process.
Naturally ripened mangoes have a sweet, fruity smell, while artificially ripened ones may have a chemical or different odour. A strange or unpleasant smell may indicate that the mango has been artificially ripened.
Artificially ripened mangoes may feel softer or mushier than naturally ripened ones due to the chemicals used in the ripening process breaking down the cell walls in the fruit. This makes them softer.
Artificially ripened mangoes may have external damage, such as bruises or spots, due to the use of chemicals. Natural mangoes are less likely to have these types of external blemishes.
Artificially ripened mangoes may have a bland or strange taste compared to the sweet and flavourful taste of naturally ripened ones. An off taste or unpleasant aftertaste may indicate that the mango has been artificially ripened.
It’s important to identify artificially ripened mangoes to ensure you’re buying and eating safe and healthy fruit. By checking the skin colour, smell, firmness, external damage, and conducting a taste test, you can easily determine if a mango has been artificially ripened.