The onset of mango season usually involves the purchase of the mangoes in large quantities, and the proper storage of the mangoes can prove to be challenging. The question arises of whether the mangoes should be stored in the fridge or stored outdoors. However, this is not a general rule because it all boils down to how mature the mangoes are.



Poor storage conditions for mangoes can result in spoilage as far as the taste, juiciness, and freshness of the mangoes are concerned. Refrigerating the mangoes could turn out to be harmful if done before the time comes. Knowing when to store your mangoes and when to keep them outdoors is what will make the difference.







Best way of storing mangoes: Refrigerate or leave them outside

The appropriate way of storing them depends on the level of ripening that has occurred. In case the fruits are not yet ripe, they must never be stored in the fridge. Mangoes require warmth to ripen; hence, putting them in the fridge may interfere with the process.



In case they are already ripe enough, having turned soft and fragrant, they can then be stored in the fridge in order to prevent their ripening further.







How to store unripe mangoes for proper ripening

The unripe mangoes should be stored in a cool and well-ventilated environment at normal temperatures. In addition, mangoes must not be stored in a stack but rather separately on a piece of cloth or paper. It is also important that they should be rotated each day.



This will help them ripen uniformly on all sides while retaining their natural sweetness and fragrance.









How to store ripe mangoes in the refrigerator

However, once ripe and ready for consumption, the refrigerator proves to be an effective storage location for mangoes since it slows down the process of decay, making them last longer, from five to seven days.



It is essential not to use airtight packaging when storing fresh mangoes because they require some breathing space. Therefore, putting mangoes into the fridge's bottom drawer or in permeable packaging will keep them fresh for a long time.









How to store cut mangoes to keep them fresh

Mangoes that have been cut need to be handled with greater caution since exposure to air leads to their rapid deterioration. In order to avoid such a scenario, it is best to keep the cut mangoes in an airtight container and refrigerate them.



In addition to refrigerating the cut mangoes, another tip would be to squeeze a little bit of lemon juice onto them in order to delay the oxidation process.









Simple tricks to make mangoes last longer

Here are some simple ways through which one may be able to preserve their mangoes for a longer time. Firstly, it might be useful to wrap a paper towel around the stem of the mango, since water tends to collect at this end, causing the fruit to deteriorate earlier.



It is equally important not to stack mangoes, since it causes pressure marks and makes them rot quickly.







Why proper mango storage matters

Wrong storage techniques can also change the taste and consistency of mangoes. Mangoes that have been put into the refrigerator before they are ripe will not taste good, while those that are kept outside the fridge when they are already ripe will rot.



The right technique for storing them according to their maturity stage will ensure you have tasty mangoes.







What you should remember

Mangoes do not require equal treatment at all stages. Allow unripe mangoes to mature on their own by keeping them in an ambient temperature. Transfer them to the fridge when they have fully matured and are ready for consumption.



This small modification in handling can have a huge impact on your mango experience.