While mangos typically are some of the sweetest fruits, they can occasionally be sour. Everything from the mango’s ripeness to its variety will impact its flavor.
Why Is My Mango Sour?
The reason your mango is sour is that it is unripe. Mangoes have to be left to ripen on the tree before picking them. Once they are picked, they will continue to ripen, but the process will be much slower. If you put an unripe mango in the fridge, this will actually stop it from ripening any further.
Methods to Ripen Mangos
One way to make a mango riper is to put it in a paper bag on your counter.
The ethylene gas that the mango emits will be trapped in the bag, which will help speed up the ripening process.
You can also try putting the mango in a bowl with other ripe fruits like bananas or avocados.
The ethylene gas they emit will also help to ripen the mango faster.
Once your mango is ripe, it should be sweet and delicious! However, if it’s still sour, it may be past its prime, and you should probably throw it away.
How to Tell if A Mango is Ripe
There are a few ways to tell if a mango is ripe and ready to eat.
One is to smell the fruit. If it smells sweet and fragrant, then it’s probably ripe.
Another way is to press on the flesh of the fruit gently. If it yields to the pressure, then it’s probably ripe.
If the mango is hard or doesn’t smell very sweet, it’s probably unripe, and you’ll need to give it more time to ripen.
Color of a Ripe Mango
Unripe mangos will be greener in color.
They will start to turn yellow or orange as they ripen, and the green spots will fade.
Ripe mangos will be mostly yellow or orange with a small amount of green.
If the mango is primarily brown, it’s probably overripe, and you should not eat it.
History of Cultivated Mangos
Mangos are thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, and they have been cultivated there for over 4,000 years.
They spread to India and then to the Middle East and Africa.
The first mangos were brought to the Americas in the 17th century, and they quickly became popular in Brazil, Peru, and other countries in South America.
Spanish explorers introduced them to Mexico in the 1600s.
Today, mangos are grown worldwide in tropical and subtropical climates.
They grow best in tropical climates, and they are now grown in many parts of the world, including India, Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines.
Mango trees grow to be about 30 feet tall, and they can produce up to 100 mangoes in a season.
Mangos are a very nutritious fruit, and they are a good source of vitamins A and C.
Tips for Buying Mangoes
If you want to buy fresh mangos, look for plump ones that have a deep, rich color. Avoid mangos that are bruised or have soft spots.
Mangos can be stored in the fridge for a few days, but they will continue to ripen at room temperature.
Varieties of Sour Mangos
While many mangos available in the grocery store are commercially grown to be as sweet and juicy as possible, there are many varieties that are naturally sour.
Natural compounds called pyrazines give sour mangos their tart flavor.
Sour mangos are becoming increasingly rare.
These types are kothakku, thengavalli, thayir kaaichi, adai maangai, muttakos, hennampillai, and vendhaya kaaichi.
Kothakku can weigh more than four pounds, and it is only used for pickling.
Other types native to India are as small as a kiwi.
Recipes to Make Mangos Less Sour
If you find that your mango is too sour, there are a few ways to make it less so.
One way is to mix it with other ingredients that will help to balance out the flavor.
Another way is to cook the mango, which will help mellow its tartness.
Raw mango dal cuts the sourness with salt.
Mango rice gets rid of the sourness by mixing mangoes with other ingredients.
Thayir Mangai is a South Indian yogurt dish that uses sour mangos.
Aam Panna is an Indian beverage made from sweet and sour green mangos.
Mangoes can be used in many different dishes to add sweetness, or you can eat them on their own as a snack.
How to Peel a Mango
The skin of a mango can be tough to peel, but there are a few ways to do it.
One way is to use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin. Another way is to cut off the cheeks of the mango and then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh.
You can also cut the mango in half and then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh.
How to Eat a Mango
There are a few ways to eat a mango.
One way is to cut off the cheeks of the mango and then score the flesh of the fruit and scoop it out with a spoon.
You can also cut the mango into thin slices or use a vegetable peeler to make strips.
Health Benefits of Mangoes
Mangoes are delicious, but they also offer a host of health benefits. Here are some of the most impressive health benefits of mangoes:
1. Mangoes contain potent antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage and may reduce your risk of several chronic diseases.
2. Mangoes are a good source of vitamins C and A, important for immune system function and eye health.
3. Mangoes may aid digestion because they contain enzymes that help break down proteins. Additionally, the fiber in mangoes can promote regularity.
4. The beta-carotene in mangoes can help keep your skin healthy and may even protect against sun damage.
Conclusion to Why Is My Mango Sour
So, mangos are fruits that naturally can be sweet or sour. It may be the variety of mango that it is, or it could be that it is not ripened.
Frequently Asked Questions to Why Is My Mango Sour
Is a Mango Bad If It’s Sour?
A mango is not necessarily bad if it’s sour. It could just be unripe.
What Does It Mean When a Mango is Sour?
A mango is sour when it has a high level of acidity.