How to Pick a Mango From a Tree?
Knowing when a mango is ripe for picking can be tricky, but the best method involves assessing several factors: its shape, color, smell, and feel, as well as observing the stem and the presence of sap. These combined clues will help you harvest perfectly ripe and delicious mangoes straight from the tree.
Introduction: The Sweet Reward of Homegrown Mangoes
For those fortunate enough to have a mango tree in their backyard, the anticipation of ripe, juicy fruit is a yearly highlight. Picking your own mangoes allows you to enjoy them at their peak freshness and flavor, bypassing the often premature harvest of commercially grown fruit. But knowing exactly when to pick a mango can be a skill honed over time. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to identifying the signs of a ripe mango, ensuring a rewarding harvest.
The Benefits of Picking Your Own Mangoes
There are numerous advantages to harvesting your own mangoes, including:
- Superior Flavor: Tree-ripened mangoes boast a richer, sweeter, and more complex flavor profile than those picked green and artificially ripened.
- Optimal Texture: The flesh of a tree-ripened mango is typically smoother, less fibrous, and more succulent.
- Reduced Food Waste: You pick only what you need, minimizing waste and ensuring freshness.
- Cost Savings: Over time, harvesting your own fruit can significantly reduce your grocery bill.
- Connection to Nature: Harvesting your own fruit creates a deeper connection to nature and the food you consume.
Understanding Mango Varieties: A Key to Ripeness
Different mango varieties mature at different times and exhibit different characteristics. What constitutes ripeness for one variety may not be the same for another. Familiarizing yourself with the specific variety of your mango tree is crucial for accurate ripeness assessment. For example:
- Tommy Atkins: A common commercial variety, turning reddish-orange when ripe.
- Haden: Larger, with a red blush over yellow skin when ripe.
- Kent: Remains largely green even when ripe, requiring closer attention to other factors.
- Alphonso: Highly prized for its intense flavor and vibrant yellow-orange color.
The Mango Picking Process: Signs of a Ripe Mango
Identifying a ripe mango involves a combination of sensory clues:
Shape: Mangoes become plumper and more rounded as they ripen. Look for a noticeable change in shape compared to younger, less developed fruit.
Color: While color is not always the most reliable indicator, a change in skin color can be a sign of ripeness. Look for a yellow, orange, or red blush, depending on the variety. Remember that some varieties remain green even when ripe.
Smell: A ripe mango will emit a sweet, fruity aroma, particularly near the stem end. This fragrance is a strong indicator of ripeness.
Feel: Gently squeeze the mango. A ripe mango should yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to a ripe peach or avocado. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can bruise the fruit.
Stem: Examine the stem. As the mango ripens, the stem connecting it to the tree may become drier and more brittle. A slight tug should easily detach the mango. Also, look for dried sap near the stem as the mango stops drawing nutrients and is ready to pick.
Sap: Reduced sap flow is another clue. Ripe mangoes often exhibit a decrease in sap production near the stem.
Essential Tools for Mango Harvesting
While you can sometimes pick mangoes by hand, using the right tools will make the process easier and prevent damage to the tree and fruit. Consider these options:
- Long-handled pruning shears: Ideal for reaching higher branches and cutting the stem cleanly.
- Fruit picker: A specialized tool with a bag or basket attached to a long pole, allowing you to gently retrieve mangoes without climbing.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from sap, which can be irritating to the skin.
- Ladder (if necessary): Exercise extreme caution when using a ladder. Always have someone spot you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Picking Mangoes
- Relying Solely on Color: As mentioned, color is not always a reliable indicator of ripeness.
- Squeezing Too Hard: Applying excessive pressure can bruise the fruit and shorten its shelf life.
- Picking Too Early: Harvesting mangoes before they are fully ripe will result in fruit that lacks flavor and sweetness.
- Ignoring the Stem: A healthy stem connection is essential for proper ripening.
- Damaging the Tree: Be careful not to break branches or injure the bark during the harvesting process.
- Neglecting Safety: Exercise caution when using ladders or sharp tools.
Proper Mango Storage After Harvesting
Once you’ve picked your mangoes, store them properly to maintain their quality and extend their shelf life:
- Room Temperature: Allow the mangoes to ripen fully at room temperature (ideally 70-75°F).
- Paper Bag: To speed up the ripening process, place the mangoes in a paper bag with a banana or apple. These fruits release ethylene gas, which promotes ripening.
- Refrigeration: Once ripe, store the mangoes in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process and extend their shelf life for up to a week.
- Freezing: Mangoes can also be frozen for longer-term storage. Peel and dice the mangoes before freezing in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take for a mango to ripen after picking?
Typically, a mango picked while starting to ripen from the tree will take 3 to 8 days to ripen fully at room temperature, depending on how mature it was when harvested and the ambient temperature. Placing it in a paper bag with a banana or apple can accelerate the process.
Is it okay to pick a green mango if it falls off the tree?
It is usually not a good idea to try and ripen a mango that has fallen off the tree prematurely. Unless it was very close to being ripe, fallen green mangoes often lack the starches needed to develop sugars, and will likely shrivel up and rot instead of ripening properly.
What does the sap of a mango tree do to the skin?
Mango sap contains urushiol, the same compound found in poison ivy. Contact with sap can cause an allergic reaction in some people, resulting in an itchy rash or blisters. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling mangoes is crucial.
How can I tell if a mango is overripe?
An overripe mango will feel very soft and mushy. It may also have a fermented smell and visible bruising. The flesh will be watery and may have an unpleasant taste.
Can I ripen a mango in the refrigerator?
No, you should not ripen a mango in the refrigerator. Cold temperatures inhibit the ripening process. Refrigerate only fully ripe mangoes to slow down further ripening.
What are the best conditions for ripening mangoes indoors?
The ideal conditions for ripening mangoes indoors are a room temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C) and moderate humidity. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the mangoes to dry out.
How do I prevent birds or squirrels from eating my mangoes before they ripen?
Netting the tree is the most effective way to protect mangoes from birds and squirrels. Bird netting can be purchased at most garden centers or online. Other methods include using visual deterrents, such as shiny objects or scarecrows.
Is it safe to eat mangoes if there are black spots on the skin?
Small, superficial black spots on the skin of a mango are usually not a cause for concern. However, if the spots are large, sunken, or accompanied by soft spots, it could indicate rot or disease, and the mango should be discarded.
What is the best time of year to pick mangoes?
The harvest season for mangoes varies depending on the region and the variety. In general, mangoes are typically harvested in the spring and summer months.
How do I know if my mango tree is producing fruit that is true to its variety?
If you grafted your tree from a known variety, the fruit should be true to type. However, if you grew the tree from seed, the fruit may not be the same as the parent tree, as mangoes do not always “come true” from seed.
How often should I water my mango tree?
Young mango trees need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant but still benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.
What kind of fertilizer should I use for my mango tree?
Use a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for fruit trees. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for application rates and timing. Look for fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients.