Natural vs Chemical Ripening of Mangoes: How to Distinguish Them
Mangoes are considered one of the favourite fruits of summer. Their delicious taste, refreshing flavours, and juicy nature make them popular among people of different ages. But it’s worth noting that many of the mangoes available in the markets have been ripened artificially by chemicals. Therefore, it is crucial to distinguish naturally ripened mangoes from chemically ripened ones while purchasing. Naturally ripened mangoes are relatively safe and healthy since they get ripened through the natural process. In contrast, chemically ripened mangoes might contain some elements that are hazardous for health when consumed regularly. Here are some quick tips for distinguishing them.
Check the colour
There is no better way to tell the difference between naturally ripened mangoes and those ripened artificially than by looking at their colours. Naturally ripened mangoes will always be characterised by green, yellow, and orange colours. On the other hand, the chemically ripened mangoes will be characterised by a bright yellow and golden colour, which will be uniform on all sides. Sometimes, the mangoes may appear bright but still have green parts despite being on the outside.
Smell the Mango
The ripe mango fruits have a very nice fruity smell. particularly around the stem part. The natural fragrance of mangoes gets enhanced with proper ripening. Chemically ripened mangoes have minimal to zero fragrance. Some may have an odd or chemical fragrance. If the mangoes do not have a fresh fragrance, then they are not naturally ripened.
Check the texture
Another way to determine if a mango has been ripened naturally is by feeling its texture. Ripe natural mangoes will be soft but somewhat firm. In some cases, chemically ripened mangoes tend to become very soft on the outside but remain hard on the inside. This might be an indication that the mango is not fully ripe.
Black Marks and Powder Formation
Chemically-ripened mangoes may have black marks, black spots, or powder on their skins. Such conditions may arise as a result of chemicals that have been used to ripen the fruits. It is always advisable to thoroughly wash your mangoes under clean water before consumption. It would be wise to soak the fruits in water before consuming them.
Taste Matters
Mangoes that ripen naturally tend to be sweeter and juicier than those chemically ripened since they ripen gradually and produce their sugars naturally. On the other hand, mangoes that are chemically ripened may not be as sweet. In fact, many people can tell when the fruit has been artificially ripened because it lacks the strong taste and fragrance of naturally ripened mangoes.
Reasons to Prefer Natural Mangoes
According to many nutritionists, natural fruits should be preferred whenever possible since ripening agents, if not properly used, could cause negative impacts on the body. The benefits of naturally ripened mangoes are that they have more flavour, texture, and nutrients. Mangoes should preferably be bought from reputed sellers or local markets.
