You've Been Storing Mangoes Wrong This Whole Time

Mangoes might be one of the trickiest fruits to handle. From choosing a perfectly ripe mango to properly cutting it to avoid wasting any of the delicious fruit, mangoes are fairly high maintenance and require some extra effort. But even after you have mastered the basics, you still might be making a big mistake with your mangoes. It's actually really important to store your mangoes properly to keep them in tip-top shape for as long as possible. 

Mangoes should be kept on the countertop until they are perfectly ripe. The mistake most people make is thinking that mangoes are ripe according to their color, but it can only really be indicated by the fruit's firmness (via Food Network). The fruit will gradually soften and get sweeter over the course of a few days (via Mango). But once ripe, you do not want to continue to store them there. Once the fruit is slightly soft to a squeeze, then it is time to store them correctly.

Once mangoes become perfectly ripe, you should move them into the refrigerator. The colder temperature helps to slow the ripening process, according to Mango. If you want to store whole, ripe mangoes in the refrigerator, then the fruit will keep for up to five days without any prep. However, if you prefer to peel and cut your mangoes, it will keep in the refrigerator for several days in an airtight container, too.

Ripened mangoes that have been peeled and cut can also be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to six months. It is, however, very important to use an airtight container to ensure the fruit does not become freezer burned.

With these tips for ripening and storing mangoes properly, you can keep prepped mango ready at all times. Don't forget to keep frozen mango on hand. It's perfect for cutting down on food prep time or for breakfast smoothie bowls for an easy, refreshing start to the day.