How to Store Unripe Mangoes in the Refrigerator: A Complete Guide

Ripe mangoes, which are soft and fragrant, are a favorite all over the world. Ripe mangoes determine the taste and texture of the mango. 

Green mangoes always have firm and sour flesh. Careful storage is required to maintain their quality and achieve optimal ripeness. Storing green mangoes in the refrigerator increases the shelf life of the mango. 

However, there is a risk of losing the natural taste of the mango. It can also cause the mango's texture to deteriorate. This leads to spoilage of the mango. 

Based on the practical experience of agricultural research, this article explains how to store unripe mangoes in the refrigerator effectively. This way, you can enjoy the best mango taste every time without any differences.

Table of content 

1. Why Store Unripe Mangoes in the Refrigerator?
2. Selecting Unripe Mangoes for Storage
3. Preparing Unripe Mangoes for Refrigeration
4. Optimal Refrigerator Storage Conditions
5. Monitoring and Rotating Mangoes
6. Ripening Unripe Mangoes After Refrigeration
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. Practical Applications for Unripe Mangoes
9. Additional Tips for Mango Enthusiasts
10. Conclusion
11. FAQs 

Why Store Unripe Mangoes in the Refrigerator?

Unripe mangoes are usually green and firm. Ethylene is a natural gas that helps mangoes ripen after harvest. Mangoes produce ethylene gas themselves. Refrigerating mangoes slows down the ripening process. This way, you can extend the time it takes for mangoes to overripe.

According to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), cold storage at 50–55°F (10–13°C) can keep unripe mangoes fresh for up to three weeks without compromising quality. 

This makes refrigeration ideal for those who buy mangoes in bulk, buy them from the market, grow their own mangoes, and those who need to manage the ripening schedule of their mangoes. Storing unripe mangoes in the refrigerator offers several benefits:

• Prevents Premature Ripening: Ethylene production is slowed down to control the speed of mango ripening.
• Extends Shelf Life: This way, mangoes can be kept fresh for weeks, reducing unnecessary waste.
• Preserves Firmness: Maintains texture for recipes requiring tart, unripe mangoes (e.g., chutneys).
• Reduces Spoilage: Reduces the risk of mold or bacterial growth on mangoes in hot weather.

However, precision in refrigeration is a must. Refrigeration at the wrong temperature or method can cause injury to the mango. This can lead to a change in the taste of the mango or the formation of pits on the skin. 

The following sections detail the best practices for storing unripe mangoes in the refrigerator, from how you select them to storage conditions.

Selecting Unripe Mangoes for Storage

Proper storage starts with selecting high-quality, unripe mangoes. Follow these guidelines when selecting mangoes that are undamaged and suitable for refrigeration:

• Check Firmness: Unripe mangoes are firm to the touch and have no soft spots. Choose mangoes that are firm. A slight softening indicates that the mango is starting to ripen. This reduces the storage time.
• Inspect Skin: When choosing mangoes, choose ones with smooth, green or greenish-yellow skin that is free of bruises, cuts, or dark spots. Minor blemishes are acceptable. But avoid fruit that is severely damaged.
• Smell the Stem End: One important thing to note about unripe mangoes is that they should have a neutral or slightly tart smell. A sweet aroma indicates that they are starting to ripen.
• Consider Variety: Mango varieties like Tommy Atkins or Keet are readily available in the market. Due to their thick skin and firm flesh, they can be stored well for several days without ripening.

Avoid mangoes that show signs of overripeness, such as visible yellowing of the skin or a strong sweet smell, as they will not keep as long in the refrigerator. If buying in bulk, check each mango to ensure uniformity of ripeness.

Preparing Unripe Mangoes for Refrigeration

Before placing unripe mangoes in the refrigerator, prepare them to maintain quality and prevent spoilage. Proper preparation minimizes moisture loss and protects against chilling injury. Follow these steps:

• Clean the Surface: Gently wash the mango under cool, running water to remove any dirt, sap, or pesticides that may have accumulated on it. Use a soft cloth to avoid damaging the mango's skin while peeling. Dry it thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent mold from growing on it.
• Avoid Soaking: Do not soak mangoes that you plan to store in the refrigerator, as excess moisture will penetrate the skin and cause internal fermentation within a day or two.
• Wrap Individually: Wrap each mango in a single layer of an air-permeable cloth, such as newspaper or paper towels. This will absorb excess moisture from the mango and prevent ethylene from accelerating the ripening process in nearby fruits.
• Use Perforated Bags: To preserve humidity and promote airflow, place wrapped mangoes in plastic bags with holes. Steer clear of sealed plastic bags as they retain ethylene and encourage spoiling.

Read also: Does mango increase body heat

Optimal Refrigerator Storage Conditions

Unripe mangoes require special conditions in the refrigerator to preserve their flavor and texture. The University of Florida IFAS recommends the following settings:

• Temperature: Store unripe mangoes at 50–55°F (10–13°C). Most refrigerator crisper drawers maintain this range. Avoid temperatures below 50°F, as they cause chilling injury, resulting in blackened flesh or bitter flavors.
• Humidity: Maintain 85–90% relative humidity to prevent dehydration. Crisper drawers or perforated bags help achieve this.
• Location: Place mangoes in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, away from the freezer compartment, to avoid cold spots. Do not store near strong-smelling foods (e.g., onions), as mangoes can absorb odors.

Refrigerator Storage Guidelines for Unripe Mangoes

Factor	Recommendation	Purpose
Temperature	50–55°F (10–13°C)	Slows ripening, prevents chilling injury
Humidity	85–90%	Maintains moisture, prevents skin drying
Storage Location	Crisper drawer	Ensures stable temperature and humidity
Wrapping	Newspaper or paper towels	Absorbs moisture, reduces ethylene buildup
Bag Type	Perforated plastic	Balances humidity and air circulation
Storage Duration	Up to 3 weeks	Preserves quality until ready to ripen

Monitoring and Rotating Mangoes 

• Inspect for Ripening: Gently squeeze mangoes to detect softness, which signals the beginning of ripening. If a mango starts to give, bring it to room temperature to ripen (see below).
• Check for Spoilage: It is imperative to check each mango individually for mold, soft spots, or bad odor. Discard mangoes with these signs to prevent contamination.
• Rotate Stock: Older mangoes should be used first, while younger ones should be placed behind the crisper ones.

Ripening Unripe Mangoes After Refrigeration

To ensure full ripening, move your mangoes from the refrigerator to room temperature before using them. Follow these steps:

• Remove from Refrigerator: Take mangoes out of the crisper and unwrap them.
• Place in a Paper Bag: An easy way to speed up ripening is to place a ripe mango in a paper bag with an apple or banana. These fruits release ethylene, accelerating the process.
• Store at Room Temperature: Keep the bag in a warm, dry place (70–75°F or 21–24°C) for 2–7 days, checking daily for ripeness.
• Test Ripeness: A ripe mango has a fragrant, fruity scent at the stem end and yields slightly to light pressure.

Once the mango is fully ripe, you can put it back in the refrigerator (40°F or 4°C) to slow down overripeness. Eat within 5–7 days for optimal flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you store mangoes incorrectly, there is a high chance that unripe mangoes will spoil. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Storing at Too-Low Temperatures: Below 50°F causes chilling injury, leading to off-flavors or texture changes.
• Using Sealed Plastic Bags: It traps ethylene and moisture, which causes mangoes to rot.
• Neglecting Inspection: If you store mangoes for weeks without checking them, they are more likely to spoil quickly.
• Storing Near Ethylene Producers: Keep unripe mangoes away from apples or bananas in the refrigerator to prevent premature ripening.

Practical Applications for Unripe Mangoes

Unripe mangoes are used in a variety of recipes, especially for dishes that require a tangy or crunchy texture. Consider these uses:

• Chutneys: Blend unripe mangoes with spices, vinegar, and sugar for a tangy condiment.
• Salads: Slice thinly for a crisp addition to green or fruit salads.
• Pickles: Preserve in brine or oil with spices for a traditional side dish.
• Smoothies: You can drink it with yogurt and honey for a tangy and refreshing drink.

Read more: Mango recipes

Additional Tips for Mango Enthusiasts

To enhance your storage strategy:

• Label Bags: To keep track of freshness, write the storage date on perforated bags.
• Test Ripeness Early: Take out one mango to ripen and check the time when creating meals.
• Source Locally: You will be able to store more locally grown mangoes than imported ones because the transportation time is much shorter, which allows you to keep the mangoes fresh for longer.

For further reading, consult the University of Florida’s IFAS guide on mango storage: Mango Postharvest Best Management Practices.

 Conclusion

Storing unripe mangoes in the refrigerator can increase the shelf life of mangoes. This is a very effective way to preserve unripe mangoes for future use. 

It is essential to set the temperature in the refrigerator properly while selecting and storing high-quality mangoes. By maintaining a humidity of 85 to 90% at 55 degrees Fahrenheit, you can keep mangoes fresh for up to three weeks. 

It is imperative to check the quality of the mangoes every day. If you are a person who mostly prepares dishes using unripe mangoes, then this method will definitely be very useful for you to extend the life of unripe mangoes.

I hope you have understood how to store unripe mangoes in the fridge through this article. Please leave your comments and questions below.

FAQs 

1. Why should I store unripe mangoes in the refrigerator?

Storing unripe mangoes in the refrigerator slows down the ripening process by reducing the production of ethylene. This helps in extending the shelf life of mangoes by up to three weeks. It also helps in preserving the freshness of recipes like chutney and prevents spoilage in hot weather.

2. What is the ideal temperature for refrigerating unripe mangoes?

The ideal temperature is 50–55°F (10–13°C). This is typically located in the refrigerator's crisper drawer. Avoid temperatures below 50°F to avoid chilling injury, which can cause the mango to lose its flavor or turn black.

3. How do I prepare unripe mangoes for refrigerator storage?

Wash mangoes gently under cool water, dry thoroughly, and wrap each in newspaper or paper towels. Insert them into a perforated plastic bag to preserve humidity and facilitate air circulation.

4. How long can unripe mangoes stay in the refrigerator?

Unripe mangoes will stay fresh for up to three weeks if stored in the refrigerator at 50–55°F and 85–90% humidity. Check every other day for signs of ripening or spoilage.

5. How do I ripen mangoes after refrigerating them?

Remove the mango from the refrigerator, wrap it, and place it in a paper bag with an apple or banana at room temperature (70–75°F). Check daily. Mangoes take 2–7 days to ripen.

6. What mistakes should I avoid when storing unripe mangoes?

Avoid temperatures below 50°F, sealed plastic bags, or storing near ethylene-producing fruits like apples. Regularly inspect mangoes to prevent spoilage from spreading.