You are interested in purchasing Mango for a new recipe you discovered. If you are unsure how to preserve your Mango or stockpile it for future recipes, you need to know a few things.
Quick Answer
Mangos can last for 2-5 days if stored at room temperature. Ripe Mango should be stored at room temperature for 1-7 days. Ripe Mango stored in the refrigerator can help it last for up to seven days if whole, four days if cut into pieces. Freezing your Mango as a puree or in chunks will help preserve it for 6-12 months longer.
Contents
Mango is a tropical fruit that does not last long after it is ripe. There are ways you can check Mango to make sure it is still good.
Does Mango Go Bad? How Long Does Mango Last?
Yes, like any other fruit you buy, Mango can and does go bad. So how long should you hang on to the Mango before tossing it?
How Long Does Mango Last Outside?
Unripe: If you have bought unripe Mango, it can last on the counter at room temperature for 1-7 days until it is ripe. You can keep the Mango on the counter once it is ripe, and it will last for another 2-3 days. Make sure that Mango never sits in direct sunlight. Sunlight can stunt the ripening of the fruit. It will be less juicy and may never achieve a sweet taste before going bad.
Ripe: If you have bought a ripe mango, it can last for 2-3 days at room temperature. Once again, make sure the Mango is not in direct sunlight for any period of time.
How Long Does Mango Last in the Fridge?
Unripe: You never want to place an unripe mango in the refrigerator. Putting an unripe Mango in the fridge will stunt its ability to ripen. Mango is a tropical fruit and needs warmer temperatures to ripen properly.
Ripe: A ripe mango can last for up to 5 days if refrigerated. Only when the Mango is ripe, putting it in the refrigerator is an option to extend its shelf-life. Refrigeration can help Mango sustain its freshness, but it will only keep for 3-4 more days.
How Long Does Mango Last in the Freezer?
Unripe: You never want to put an unripe mango in the freezer. The freezer will also stunt its ability to ripen correctly. Exposing tropical fruit to colder temperatures before it turns ripe is never a good idea.
Ripe: You can store Mango in the freezer to help prolong its freshness. Freezing Mango will help sustain its quality, especially if you don’t plan on using the product often. Although this step is not necessary because of how long it maintains in the refrigerator.
How To Tell If Mango Has Gone Bad / How To Know Mango is Fresh
There are ways to tell if your Mango has gone bad. Looking at the color, feel, smell, or taste can help you recognize when Mango it’s bad.
A Mango is bad when it’s-
Moldy: Mold is always a sign to get rid of the fruit. Buy more if there are any signs of mold on the Mango you have stored.
Mushy: Soft and mushy are two different things. You can tell a mango is mushy if it no longer feels solid anymore; it is time to get rid of it.
Watery: If there is liquid leaking from the fruit, you should get rid of the Mango. Mango should not be sitting in a puddle of liquid.
Dark spots: A few small dark spots on the fruit are normal and perfectly fine to eat. When the Mango has huge dark spots on the fruit, the inside is rotting; you should throw it out.
Your instincts will help you to make the right decision. If you do not have a good feeling about it, toss it out.
You can tell a Mango is fresh or ripe by its-
Color: A mostly yellow and red color is standard for the color of a Mango. A little green coloring mixed in, which is fine, but if the Mango is dark green, it is not ripe.
Feel: How the Mango feels is an excellent indicator if the Mango is fresh and ripe enough to eat. When you squeeze the Mango, it should give a little, be sort of soft.
Smell: The stem can give off a fruity scent that can help you identify if it is fresh. The lack of smell doesn’t mean it isn’t, but a sour smell or odor is not what you should smell.
Taste: Mangos taste juicy, floral, sweet with little tart undertones when ripe. When it is not ripe, mangos are hard, lack juice, and tart, almost like a lime.
How to Store Mango?
The best way to store a ripe Mango is in the refrigerator. You can put the Mango in the refrigerator whole or slice Mango use a sealed plastic container.
Shelf: Store unripened Mango away from direct sunlight in a basket or directly on the counter. It can also be placed inside of a brown paper bag to prevent direct contact with the sun. The sun quickens the ripening process.
Fridge: Store a ripened Mango in a refrigerator whole for up to five days. Once Mango is cut, refrigeration helps, but it only lasts for 3-4 days refrigerated.
Freezer: You can freeze Mango if you do not plan to use it immediately. You can puree it and put it in freezer trays or cut it and place it inside freezer-safe containers. Mango will last for up to 12 months frozen.
Can You Freeze Mango? How?
Yes, you can freeze Mango. There are several ways you can go about freezing Mango by pureeing or cutting into chunks.
Puree: Make a puree when your Mango is overripe and store it in the freezer to preserve it longer.
1st: Scoop contents out and blend.
2nd: Pour into ice tray (s) and let it freeze overnight.
3rd: Store Mango cubes inside a freezer-safe container until needed.
Chunks: Cut your Mango and store it in the freezer for later use. The Mango will be on the softer side but will still be a great addition to your recipes.
1st: Remove the peel and pit of the Mango.
2nd: Cut the Mango’s flesh into chunks. It doesn’t matter if they are large or small.
3rd: Place the chunks on a baking sheet that fits inside of your freezer.
4th: Cover a baking sheet with plastic wrap. Then put the baking sheet inside of freezer overnight.
5th: Put frozen chunks inside a freezer-safe container until needed.
The way you choose to freeze Mango is up to you.
How to Thaw Mango?
Defrosting Mango isn’t necessary but a choice you can make if you prefer.
Refrigerator: Placing the frozen Mango directly in the fridge. This method does take longer, so it is best to use this method when you don’t need it quickly.
Cold Water: If you need the Mango immediately, you can submerge it in cold water. Put Mango chunks in a plastic bag and submerge in a bowl of cold water for a couple of hours.
Microwave: Thawing Mango in the microwave is an optional step you can also take. Place Mango in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on defrost for 30 seconds at a time. Make sure to check after 30 seconds before repeating this step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mango’s Shelf Life
When are Mangos in-season so that I can stock up? Mangoes are in season from October to March.
How to enjoy an overripe Mango? The best way to enjoy an overripe Mango is to use it in smoothies or in sauces. Puree it and store it in the freezer to keep it for later use.
Can I eat a Mango if it has a brown rind? Yes, you can eat a Mango with a brown rind; it will not cause any health problems; it just won’t taste good.
How to use frozen Mango? You can use frozen Mango in smoothies, cocktails, salsa, salad, and cooked dishes as well.
Wrap Up
Mango does go bad, and so it is best to store a ripe Mango in the refrigerator. If the Mango is not ripe, it is best to leave it out at room temperature until it does ripen. Finally, it is best to freeze the Mango to preserve it for longer.