When it comes to choosing juicy and sweet summer fruits, mango is a clear winner. But once you cut it, it can turn brown quickly and lose its attractiveness. And no one wants to eat black and wet mangoes. Hence it is always best to consume freshly cut mangoes. However, if you have leftover unused cut mangoes and don’t know what to do with them, we have some tips for you to keep them fresh. With a few simple steps, you can prevent your mangoes from turning brown or black and keep them fresh and vibrant even after you cut them.
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Why does mango turn black after cutting?
It is always the process of oxidation at play. When cut or sliced fruits like mangoes are exposed to air, the oxygen in the air interacts with the flesh and results in discoloration of fruits, It may still be edible, but certainly not tasty.
Can You Harvest Mangoes Ahead of Time?
Not just mangoes, any fruit is best eaten immediately after cutting. However, if a situation requires advance preparation, you can cut the mangoes and preserve them carefully to prevent them from turning black. The following tips will help you keep them fresh.
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Cut mango can be used in many ways.
Here are 5 tips and tricks to prevent blackening of cut mangoes:
Step 1: Choose the Right Mango
The first step to avoid darkening is choose the right mango, If you do cut and store mangoes to eat later, look for mangoes that are ripe but not overripe. Overripe mangoes turn brown quickly, so it is better to avoid them. Choose mangoes that are firm to the touch but yield when pressed.
Step 2: Cut It Right
After choosing the right mango, it is time to cut it. Once you have washed and dried the mango, use a sharp knife and make a slit around the mango seed. In the end you should have two mango halves. Now if you want to store the mangoes for later use, peel the mangoes and cut them into cubes so that they can be stored easily.
Step 3: Protect With Acid
To prevent oxidation, sprinkle some acidic juice on the mango cubes to create a protective layer. You can use lemon juice, pineapple juice or orange juice. The acid present in the juice helps in slowing down the oxidation process and keeps your mangoes fresh and shiny.
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Step 4: Seal It Tightly
The best way to store cut mangoes is in an airtight container. This will prevent direct exposure to air and reduce the chances of oxidation. After cutting them and adding acid to them, make sure to store them in a dry and clean air-tight container. You can also store them in a zip-lock bag but be sure to squeeze out the excess air before sealing it.
Step 5: Keep It Cool
Lastly, be sure to keep your sliced mangoes chilled. Store mangoes in an air-tight container or zip-lock bag and keep them in the fridge and your mangoes will stay fresh for 4-5 days. The colder temperature will slow down the oxidation process. You can also freeze mangoes for up to 3 months.
With these tips, your cut mangoes will not turn black and will not go waste.