How to Preserve and Store Mangoes

Mangoes Freshness:

Fresh mangoes should be firm to the touch, have smooth (not wrinkled) skin, and be free of bruises or damage. They should also have a distinct aroma. The color can vary depending on ripeness (from green to yellow or orange) and variety.

Tips for Buying Mangoes at the Supermarket:

• Ensure the display area is clean and properly refrigerated.
• When shopping, follow this order for placing items in your cart: vegetables, fruits, eggs, cheeses and other dairy products, pantry goods, and finally, meats, poultry, fish, and seafood.
• Once at home, if the mangoes are at your desired ripeness, refrigerate them to prevent further ripening.

Uses:

Mangoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in:

• Juices, sorbets, fruit salads, sauces, mousses, ice creams, desserts, and baking.
• Salads and ceviche (using unripe mango, or green mango), with or without seafood.

Storage:

At Room Temperature:

• Mangoes are typically stored at room temperature until they reach the desired ripeness.
• Once ripe, refrigerate them in perforated bags or loose in the fruit drawer.
• Green mangoes can ripen at room temperature and then be refrigerated. They are also used in certain recipes at this stage.

For Freezing Mangoes:

• Ripe mangoes can be peeled, cut into pieces, and stored in plastic bags in the freezer. However, freezing may slightly alter their flavor.

How to Store Mangoes:

Refrigeration:

• Whole Mangoes:
  • Choose ripe but firm mangoes.
  • Wash and dry the mangoes thoroughly.
  • Place them in the refrigerator’s fruit drawer, where they can last for about 10 days.
• Cut Mangoes:
  • Peel and cut the mangoes into slices or chunks.
  • Place the pieces in an airtight container.
  • Store the container in the refrigerator. Cut mangoes will stay fresh for approximately 7 days.

Freezing:

• Whole Mangoes:
  • Wash and dry the mangoes thoroughly before freezing.
  • Cut them as needed for your preparation. For smoothies, portion and pack fresh pieces. For desserts, prepare them in syrup, portion them, and freeze.
  • Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• Mango Pieces:
  • Peel and cut mangoes into pieces.
  • Spread the pieces in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze for 2-3 hours.
  • Transfer the frozen pieces to freezer bags or airtight containers.
  • Label with the date and store in the freezer. Mango pieces can last up to 6 months.
  • Note: Freezing without cooking may alter the fruit’s flavor and texture.

• Mango Slices:
  • Wash, peel, and slice mangoes thinly.
  • Arrange the slices on food dehydrator trays, leaving space between each piece.
  • Dehydrate at 50-60°C (120-140°F) for 8-12 hours, or until completely dry and flexible.
  • Store in airtight jars or sealed bags. Dehydrated mango slices can last up to one year in a cool, dry, dark place.

Preserves and Pickles:

• Mango in Syrup:
  • Wash, peel, and cut the mangoes into chunks.
  • Cook them with sugar and lemon juice until thickened.
  • Pour the hot mixture into sterilized glass jars and seal.
  • Store in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate.
• Mango Pickles:
  • Wash, peel, and cut mangoes into strips.
  • Prepare a pickling solution with vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices to taste.
  • Place the mango strips in glass jars and pour the hot pickling solution over them.
  • Seal the jars and let them rest in a cool, dark place. Mango pickles will be ready in a few weeks and can be refrigerated for several months.

Storage Durations:

• Frozen: 2 months or more.
• Refrigerated: 8-12 days.
• Room temperature: About 7 days.

Tips:

• If the mango is unripe, leave it in a fruit bowl to ripen before refrigerating it to extend its shelf life.
• Avoid placing mangoes in direct sunlight.
• For beverages, it is best not to cook the fruit, as it may lose nutrients.

Nutrients and Properties: Nutrients and Benefits of Mango

Main Nutrients in Mango

Vitamins

• Vitamin A: Promotes eye health, strengthens the immune system, and promotes skin repair and regeneration.
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, helps in collagen production, and gives the skin a radiant glow.
• Vitamin E: Protects cells from damage and contributes to overall skin health.
• Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.

Minerals

• Potassium: Regulates blood pressure and supports heart health.
• Magnesium: Helps with muscle and nerve function, and contributes to overall well-being.
• Calcium: Important for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Antioxidants

• Beta-carotene: Protects cells from oxidative damage and promotes healthy skin.
• Polyphenols: Reduce inflammation and combat the effects of free radicals.

Dietary Fiber

• Promotes digestive health by regulating bowel movements.
• Helps control cholesterol levels and maintain a feeling of fullness, making it ideal for weight management plans.

Health Benefits of Mango

• Boosts the Immune System: Thanks to its vitamin A and C content, mango helps strengthen the body’s defenses against disease.
• Digestive Health: The fiber in mango promotes proper digestive function, relieving constipation and regulating bowel movements.
• Improves Eye Health: Antioxidants like lutein and beta-carotene protect the eyes from UV damage and slow down age-related deterioration.
• Healthy Skin: Its richness in vitamins A and C contributes to more hydrated, radiant, and protected skin against premature aging.
• Cardiovascular Health: The potassium and fiber in mango help maintain balanced blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL).
• Natural Energy: Its natural carbohydrate content makes it an ideal food for healthy energy recovery.
• Suitable for Gluten-Free Diets: Mango is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Did you know?

• Mango is native to Asia and has been cultivated for over 4,000 years.
• There are over 500 varieties of mango worldwide.
• In addition to being delicious, mango can also be used in homemade face masks for its hydrating and rejuvenating benefits.

Include Mango in Your Diet

Mango is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed fresh, in juices, smoothies, salads, desserts, and even in savory dishes like curries and sauces. Enjoy its flavor and benefits while taking care of your health!

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