Mangoes are one of the most delicious and juicy fruits out there. But nothing is more disappointing than biting into a mango only to find it’s gone bad. So, how can you tell if a mango is bad before you take that first bite? Don’t worry-we’ve got you covered with simple, easy-to-spot signs to help you enjoy mangoes at their best!
Visual Signs: What to Look For on the Skin
When checking if a mango is bad, start with its appearance:
– Mold: If you see fuzzy white, gray, or black mold spots on the skin, it’s a clear sign the mango is rotten and should be thrown away immediately.
– Dark or Black Spots: A few small dark spots are normal for ripe mangoes, but if large areas of the mango are covered in black or brown patches, it’s likely spoiled.
– Wrinkles and Shriveling: If the skin looks shriveled or wrinkled, the mango may be drying out and past its prime.
– Oozing Liquid: Mangoes that are leaking juice or feel slimy on the outside are overripe or rotting inside.
Texture: The Feel Test
Next, give the mango a gentle squeeze:
– Slightly Soft: A ripe mango will yield a little when you press it, similar to a ripe avocado. This means it’s ready to eat.
– Mushy or Excessively Soft: If the mango feels very soft, mushy, or has deep indentations, it’s a sign that the fruit is spoiled.
– Hard and Unripe: If it’s very firm and green, it’s just unripe, not bad yet. You can let it ripen at room temperature.
Smell: The Sniff Test
The aroma of a mango says a lot about its freshness:
– Sweet and Fruity: A fresh, ripe mango has a pleasant, sweet fragrance.
– Sour or Alcoholic Smell: If your mango smells sour, fermented, or like alcohol, it’s likely spoiled and should be discarded.
– No Smell: Sometimes a mango with no smell might be underripe or not flavorful yet.
Inside the Mango: What to Check When You Cut It Open
Sometimes the outside looks okay, but the inside tells a different story:
– Normal Flesh: The mango flesh should be bright orange or yellow, juicy, and firm.
– Brown or Black Spots Inside: Dark spots inside the flesh indicate spoilage.
– Mushy or Stringy Texture: If the flesh is overly mushy, slimy, or has an off texture, it’s best not to eat it.
– Unpleasant Taste: If it tastes sour or off, spit it out and discard the mango.
Can You Eat a Mango With Some Brown Spots?
A few brown spots on the skin or flesh don’t always mean the mango is bad. These spots can be natural bruises or signs of ripening. However, if the spots are large, black, or accompanied by mold or bad smell, it’s safer to toss the mango.
What Happens If You Eat a Bad Mango?
Eating a spoiled mango can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, or food poisoning symptoms because of bacterial or fungal growth. If you suspect you ate a bad mango and feel unwell, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
Tips to Keep Your Mangoes Fresh Longer
– Store ripe mangoes in the refrigerator to slow down spoilage.
– Keep unripe mangoes at room temperature until they ripen.
– Avoid storing mangoes in plastic bags, which can trap moisture and promote mold.
– Use mangoes soon after they ripen for the best taste and safety.
Enjoy your mangoes by learning these simple checks! A good mango is a juicy, sweet treat-don’t let a bad one spoil your day.
Fresh mangoes bring sunshine to your taste buds, but knowing how to spot a bad mango ensures every bite is a delight. Happy mango munching!