During mango season, the first thing you see when you walk into Hen Long Market are these gorgeous Ataulfo Mangoes. They invite you to pick up a few, or even a box for your next meals and social events!
Ataulfo mangoes, also known as Champagne or Honey mangoes, are prized for their buttery texture, sweet flavor, and vibrant color. These tropical delights are a favorite among fruit enthusiasts, but selecting the best ones can be a bit tricky. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the juiciest, ripest Ataulfo mangoes for your next grocery trip.
Depending if you’re eating them right away or in a couple days, you should pick a few with varying levels of ripeness so that you can enjoy these juicy treats when you want them at their optimal ripeness.
1. Look at the Colour and Texture:
When selecting Ataulfo mangoes, pay close attention to their colour and texture. A ripe Ataulfo mango will have a rich golden-yellow hue with minimal green undertones. Mangoes with wrinkled skin, indicates overripeness. If the mango yields slightly to gentle pressure when very lightly pressed, it is ripe and ready to eat.
*Please note that fruit can be easily bruised and damaged, so please handle them delicately and be mindful of your nails breaking the skin and digging into the flesh. Food waste can be limited with your help and care.
2. Sniff Test:
Give the mango a little sniff near the stem end. A ripe Ataulfo mango will emit a sweet, fruity aroma, signalling optimal ripeness. If there is little to no scent, the mango may need more time to ripen. However, if it smells fermented or overly strong, it could potentially be overripe.
3. Check for Blemishes:
Inspect the mango for deep blemishes or soft spots. While minor imperfections are normal and do not affect the taste or quality of the fruit, large bruises or soft areas may indicate spoilage. Choose mangoes that are firm and free from significant blemishes for the best eating experience.
4. Consider Weight:
Heftiness is another indicator of a ripe Ataulfo mango. Pick up the mango and assess its weight. A ripe mango will feel heavy for its size due to its high water content. Lighter mangoes may be underripe and lack the sweet, juicy flavour characteristic of Ataulfo mangoes.
5. Know the Season:
Ataulfo mangoes are typically in season from March to July, with peak availability in April and May. Shopping for mangoes during peak season increases your chances of finding perfectly ripe specimens. However, you can still enjoy Ataulfo mangoes later in the season, as they tend to ripen well off the tree.
6. Plan for Ripening:
If you can’t find ripe Ataulfo mangoes at the grocery store, don’t despair. Purchase firm mangoes and allow them to ripen at home. Place the mangoes in a paper bag at room temperature and check them daily for ripeness. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process and prolong freshness.
Conclusion:
With these simple tips, you’ll be able to confidently select the freshest, ripest Ataulfo mangoes every time you visit the grocery store. Whether you enjoy them fresh, in smoothies, or as a topping for salads and desserts, Ataulfo mangoes are sure to add a burst of tropical flavour to your culinary creations. Happy mango shopping!