How to Ripen Mango That’s Already Cut

Have you just sliced your mango only to find it’s not that sweet? Let’s see how to ripen cut mango and potentially save your smoothie or salsa from falling flat. We’ll tackle why those mango pieces might linger in the land of too tart and turn them perfectly juicy—keep scrolling!

As usual, this post is based on the strongest nutritional evidence I could find with a focus on the simplest, most delicious foods

…because who has time to waste on actions that don’t work?

Is it Possible to Ripen a Cut Mango?

Yes, it is possible to ripen cut mango, though it’s slightly trickier than ripening a whole mango. 

When mangoes are cut, they are exposed to air which can affect the ripening process. However, you can still encourage ripening in cut mango pieces by creating an environment that enhances the release and absorption of ethylene gas. This is a natural ripening agent produced by fruits.

How to Ripen a Cut Mango

Here are a couple methods to ripen cut mango:

Paper Towel Method

Wrap the cut mango pieces in a paper towel. This helps trap the ethylene gas close to the fruit, speeding up the ripening process to a sweet fruit. Don’t worry, it’s an odourless gas. 

Or, you could enclose the mango in a brown paper bag.

Room Temperature

Simply leaving cut mango pieces on the counter at room temperature can also encourage ripening. 

Ensure they are away from sunlight and heat sources to avoid spoilage. 

So, make sure to keep an eye on it! 

Also, make sure you have covered it up with cling wrap or tie up a plastic bag to protect it from the air. Otherwise the flesh will oxidise, especially if you have cut the mango in a grid pattern. 

What to do with Unripe Mango

When you find yourself with unripe cut mango that won’t sweeten up as hoped, don’t worry—there are other delicious ways to use it up! 

Unripe mangoes have a tart flavour and firmer texture that can be surprisingly versatile in the kitchen.

Tangy Mango Salads: Chop your mango slices into small cubes and toss them into a salad. Their tartness pairs wonderfully with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty lime dressing. Add some lentils or chickpeas for some plant-based protein.

Mango Salsa: Unripe mango pieces can be the star ingredient in a crisp, refreshing salsa. Combine them with diced red onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice. This salsa is perfect as a topping for tacos or as a healthy dip with tortilla chips.

You might like:
Strawberry Mango Avocado Salsa at Nuts About Greens

Pickled Mango: Pickling is a fantastic way to transform unripe mango pieces. Simmer them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices such as turmeric and chilli flakes. 

The resulting pickled mango is excellent as a condiment to add a burst of flavour to curries, sandwiches, and wraps.

Mango Chutney: Make a spicy mango chutney. Cook down the mango with sugar, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and chilli peppers for a savoury, sweet, and tangy sauce that complements everything from rice dishes to cheese boards.

How to Tell if a Mango is Ripe (before you cut it!)

Selecting a ripe mango at the grocery store can greatly enhance your culinary experiences, especially during mango season. However purchasing unripened mangos is good too, as it means you’ll have some later in the week. 

Here are some easy ways to ensure you’re picking the best mango for ripeness:

Feel

The best way to judge a mango’s ripeness is by touch. Give the mango a gentle squeeze; it should feel slightly soft under gentle pressure—like pressing a ripe peach. 

A firm mango typically indicates it’s an underripe mango. In contrast, if it feels too squishy, it might be overripe.

Colour

Look at the mango’s colour, which can vary widely between mango varieties. From vibrant green mangoes to golden yellow mangoes, each type offers unique hints that signal they’re reaching peak ripeness. 

For instance:

• Tommy Atkins: This variety typically shifts from green to a deep red with golden-yellow undertones.
• Ataulfo (Honey Mango): They change from green to a deep, golden yellow.
• Kent: These mangoes have a dark green skin with occasional red blush and ripen to a yellow-green with more extensive red shading.

Smell

Sniff around the stem end of the mango. A ripe mango will emit a sweet, fruity scent. 

If the mango doesn’t smell, it might need more time to ripen. A sour or alcoholic smell suggests it’s past its prime.

Appearance

Examine the skin for any black spots or wrinkles. Small black spots can just be minor imperfections, but if they’re widespread, you have waited too long for a perfectly ripe mango. 

Ripe mangoes usually have smooth, unblemished skin.

Texture of Mango Flesh

When cutting into mango cheeks, the texture of the mango flesh should be consistent and buttery. If the flesh feels too firm, it may still be too green for optimal flavour. Stop right away! (If you can wait, haha).

Using these indicators will help you pick a perfect mango every time, enhancing dishes from salads to desserts with the best flavour and texture.

Tips

It’s easy to get impatient with ripening mango, especially when you’re craving that perfect mango salsa. 

One common misstep is trying to speed up the process using heat, which can cook the mango pieces slightly and ruin their natural texture. Instead, focus on natural methods that preserve the fruit’s integrity. 

If you’ve accidentally accelerated too much, storing the over-ripe mango in an airtight container can help hold it just right for a day or two longer, making sure your effort doesn’t go to waste.

Once your mango pieces are ripe, the fun part begins: using them in delicious recipes! 

Whip up a quick mango salsa with ripe mango cubes. 

Blend ripe mango slices with a bit of plant-based yogurt and ice for a refreshing mango smoothie..

How to Ripen a Cut Mango

Mastering how to ripen cut mango is more than just a kitchen trick; it’s a game changer for your health and beauty routine. With these easy steps, you can enjoy delicious mango from many varieties of mango at any time, ensuring that every slice adds a burst of flavour and nutrients to your meals. Remember, the perfect mango pieces make all the difference, whether in a salsa, smoothie, or simply on their own. Dive into the ripe possibilities and let your taste buds—and your skin—thank you!

References

Most references below will link to the original peer-reviewed study itself. However, sometimes I will link to a video over at NutritionFacts.org instead, which is by far the single best resource of brutally transparent nutritional evidence you will ever see. Dr Greger tells a great story about the realities of the science and if I think you will benefit more from one of his videos, the link will take you there instead.

Happy nerding!