Summer is almost synonymous with mango, the king of fruits. But choosing the perfect ripe and juicy mango can be a task. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect squeeze.
While choosing a mango, don't focus on its colour, as it is not the best indicator of the fruit's ripeness. Mango comes in several varieties and it is better to know about the varieties you commonly come across before choosing the perfect piece.
Squeeze the mango gently to check its firmness. A ripe mango should yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating that it's soft and ready to eat. But if the mango is too soft or mushy, it is overripe and not good for eating.
Smell the stem end of the mango as ripe mangoes generally have a sweet, fragrant aroma, especially near the stem. If the mango has a strong, sweet smell, it's flavourful and perfect to eat. But if there's no aroma or it smells sour, the mango may not be fully ripe.
Weight is a good indicator of ripeness. Hold the mango in your hand and assess the weight. Ripe mangoes are typically heavier for their size due to their juicy flesh. A heavier mango indicates that it's filled with juice and is ready to eat.
Lastly, it depends on which variety of mango you prefer as they all have distinct flavours. As mango is a seasonal fruit, it may taste better in one season than another. Hence, consider both these options while choosing a mango.