The Mighty Mango
Shopping for a good mango is easy when you know what to look, feel and smell for!
Perhaps the most important thing to know when selecting a mango is that it continues to ripen after it's harvested. Use your experience with fruits like peaches and avocados to guide your choice, since they also soften as they ripen.
Look
Mangoes come in a multitude of colors, shapes and sizes, so color alone isn't the best way to choose one. Contrary to popular belief, the pretty red blush that appears on some mango varieties does not indicate ripeness.
Feel
Gently squeeze the fruit to check for ripeness. A ripe mango will give slightly to pressure, a medium-ripe mango will be somewhat firm, and an unripe mango will be very firm to the touch. Mangoes can be enjoyed at all levels of ripeness, with flavors ranging from sour-tart when unripe to naturally sweet when fully ripe.
Smell
Ripe mangoes will sometimes have a fruity aroma near the stem, so don't be afraid to give your mango a whiff!
Mango Salsa
Mango, one of the sweetest fruits, is often used to enhance a variety of savory dishes, providing a balance of sweet and tart with a punch of vibrant color. It pairs exceptionally well with spicy, smoky and fatty foods, adding a soft, buttery sweetness to things like curry and salsa.
Here we're sharing our best recipe for a classic mango salsa, served over a sweet-and-savory rice bowl with coconut and black beans.
More Mango Recipes
Crusted Snapper with Mango Salsa
Grilled Shrimp with Sunny Mango Salsa
Cherry Tomato and Mango Salad with Feta
Mexican Banana Split
Mango Chicken Salad Wraps
Thai Mango Salad
Jicama Salad
Mexican Fruit Salad
Tropical Slaw
Selection and availability of products and ingredients vary by market.