So, you’ve got your hands on some mangoes — lucky you! Whether they just arrived at your doorstep or you’ve picked them up from a market, one question usually comes up:
How long do mangoes actually last?
So, you’ve got your hands on some mangoes — lucky you! Whether they just arrived at your doorstep or you’ve picked them up from a market, one question usually comes up:
How long do mangoes actually last?
These golden beauties are known for their rich, honeyed flavour and delicate aroma, but like all good things, they don’t last forever. That said, with the right storage tricks, you can stretch their shelf life and enjoy every juicy slice without a rush. Here’s your go-to guide for getting the most out of your mangoes — from day one to the very last bite.
How Long Do Mangoes Last? Depends on Ripeness
The lifespan of a mango varies based on how ripe it is when you get it. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Unripe (firm, pale skin):
Lasts about 5 to 8 days at room temperature
Ripe (soft, golden):
Good for 2 to 4 days at room temp, or up to 6 days in the fridge
Overripe (very soft, aromatic):
Best enjoyed immediately; may hang on for 1 to 2 days in the fridge
👉 Tip: If your mangoes arrive firm and slightly greenish-yellow, that’s normal. They usually reach peak ripeness within 2–3 days at room temperature.
How Do You Know When They’re Ready to Eat?
Mangoes have their own little way of saying, “Hey, I’m ready!” Look out for these signs:
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The skin turns a rich yellow with fading green patches
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A gentle squeeze gives a little — soft, but not mushy
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That heady, sweet fragrance near the stem becomes unmistakable
Once you spot these signs, it’s mango time. If you want to hold on to that perfect ripeness a bit longer, just pop them in the fridge.
Fragrance is the best clue — a ripe mango has a sweet, floral aroma.
Storing Mangoes the Right Way
A little attention goes a long way when it comes to storage. Here’s what to do based on where your mangoes are in their ripening journey:
1. Room Temperature (for ripening)
Keep unripe mangoes in a bowl or paper bag on the counter — away from direct sunlight. They’ll ripen naturally over 2 to 4 days.
2. Refrigerator (to slow ripening)
Once ripe, move them into the fridge. This slows things down and gives you a few extra days (around 4 to 5) of good eating.
⚠️ Don’t refrigerate unripe mangoes — cold can mess with their texture and taste.
3. Cut Mangoes
Already sliced into that golden goodness? Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Eat within 24 to 48 hours for best flavour and freshness.
If you’d like to experience them at their best, check out our seasonal mango boxes — shipped during the summer harvest and picked for peak ripeness.
Can You Freeze Mangoes? Absolutely.
Got too many ripe mangoes and not enough time (or appetite)? Freezing is your best friend.
Here’s how to freeze them like a pro:
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Peel and cube the mangoes
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Spread the pieces out on a tray so they freeze individually (no clumping)
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Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container
Frozen mangoes can last up to 6 months and are perfect for tossing into smoothies, blending into lassis, or folding into desserts when you need a burst of summer.
Why Shelf Life Actually Matters
Mangoes aren’t just fruit — they’re a short-season treat, often gifted or stocked up when they’re at their best. Wasting even one feels wrong (a sweet, sticky kind of wrong).
Understanding shelf life isn’t just about avoiding spoilage — it’s about enjoying them exactly the way nature intended: rich, juicy, and full of sunshine.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy Them While They Last
Mangoes may be fleeting, but that’s what makes them special. Handle them with care, store them smartly, and you’ll be rewarded with their signature sweetness all the way to the last slice.
👉 Taste the real thing with our fresh mangoes in season — flown fresh each summer.