To truly savour the Alphonso mango, it’s essential to store it correctly. A common question among mango enthusiasts is whether they should be refrigerated. The answer lies in understanding their ripening process, optimal storage conditions, and how to get the most from your mango experience.
Ripening Alphonso Mangoes
Alphonso mangoes are typically harvested before they are fully ripe and need to ripen at room temperature. When you first bring them home, place the mangoes in a single layer in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. The ideal ripening temperature for Alphonso mangoes is around 21-24°C (70-75°F).
To speed up the ripening process, you can place the mangoes in a paper bag. This traps the ethylene gas they naturally emit, accelerating ripening. Adding an apple or banana to the bag can further hasten the process, as these fruits also emit ethylene.
When to Refrigerate Alphonso Mangoes
Refrigeration is only advisable once the mangoes are perfectly ripe. Ripe Alphonso mangoes have a slight give when gently pressed and emit a sweet, fragrant aroma. Their skin will be a vibrant golden yellow with occasional red blushes.
Once your Alphonso mangoes reach this ripe state, you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. Place the ripe mangoes in the refrigerator, ideally in the crisper drawer where the temperature is more stable and humidity is higher. The optimal refrigerator temperature for storing ripe mangoes is between 4-7°C (39-45°F).
Refrigerated ripe mangoes can last for up to five days without significant loss of flavour or texture. It’s important to note that refrigeration slows down the ripening process but doesn’t stop it entirely, so consume your mangoes within this timeframe for the best experience.
What Happens If You Refrigerate Too Early?
Refrigerating Alphonso mangoes before they are fully ripe can significantly impact their flavour and texture. The cold temperature can halt the ripening process prematurely, leading to mangoes that are hard, tasteless, and lack their signature sweetness (which is common with a lot of UK supermarket mangoes). Additionally, the flesh may become mealy and less enjoyable to eat. To avoid this, always ensure your mangoes are fully ripe and ready to eat before placing them in the fridge.
Optimal Temperature for Consumption
For the most enjoyable experience, allow refrigerated Alphonso mangoes to come to room temperature before consuming them. The ideal serving temperature for Alphonso mangoes is around 21°C (70°F). This allows their full flavour and aroma to be appreciated. Simply take the mangoes out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before eating.
Getting the Most from Your Mango Experience
To fully appreciate the exquisite taste of Alphonso mangoes, follow these tips:- Check for Ripeness: Ensure your mangoes are perfectly ripe before refrigerating. Look for a slight softness and a fragrant aroma.
- Proper Storage: Once ripe, store mangoes in the refrigerator at the recommended temperature to extend their freshness.
- Serving Temperature: Allow refrigerated mangoes to reach room temperature before consuming to enhance their flavour and aroma.
- Cutting Techniques: Use the "hedgehog" method for an easy and elegant way to cut and serve mangoes. Slice off the cheeks, score the flesh in a grid pattern, and then turn the skin inside out to expose the cubed mango pieces.