Why Do Mangoes Turn Brown and How to Keep Them Fresh Longer
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Summer and mangoes go hand in hand, delighting everyone with their rich sweetness and juicy texture. From aamras to milkshakes, the ‘king of fruits’ stars in many favourite dishes. But nothing is more disappointing than slicing into a mango only to find brown, mushy flesh. This browning not only ruins the appearance but also affects the flavour. Wondering why it happens and how to prevent it? Here’s your go-to guide.
Why Do Mangoes Turn Brown ?
The browning of mango flesh is a result of oxidation. When the fruit is cut, an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase comes in contact with air and causes the flesh to darken - just like apples or bananas. The more exposure to air, the faster the discolouration. But don’t worry - these simple hacks can help preserve your mangoes and their vibrant colour for longer.
1. A Squeeze of Lemon Does Wonders
Drizzle a bit of lemon juice over sliced mangoes. The citric acid slows oxidation, keeping the mango flesh from turning brown. It also adds a refreshing tang that can enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness - perfect for salads or desserts.
2. Choose the Right Knife
Your knife makes a difference! Avoid carbon steel blades, which react with the fruit and accelerate browning. Instead, use a stainless steel knife - it's cleaner, non-reactive, and keeps your mango looking and tasting better. Steer clear of old or rusty knives, as they can contaminate the fruit.
3. Cut Only What You Need
Don’t slice the entire mango if you’re not going to eat it all. The more it’s exposed to air, the quicker it browns. Cut just enough, and store the remaining fruit in an airtight container in the fridge. This limits oxidation and keeps the rest fresher for your next craving.
4. Pick the Right Mangoes
Overripe mangoes with soft spots are more likely to brown quickly. Go for firm, fragrant mangoes with smooth skin. If you spot brown patches while cutting, scoop them out before they spread. Also, handle them gently—mangoes bruise easily, which speeds up spoilage.
5. Store Smartly
Once cut, place mango slices in an airtight container and refrigerate them immediately. To go the extra mile, line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, which helps extend freshness even further.
Enjoy mangoes at their freshest by following these simple tricks. With the right care, you can savour every slice without worrying about browning or loss of flavour. Happy mango season!
Why Do Mangoes Turn Brown ?
The browning of mango flesh is a result of oxidation. When the fruit is cut, an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase comes in contact with air and causes the flesh to darken - just like apples or bananas. The more exposure to air, the faster the discolouration. But don’t worry - these simple hacks can help preserve your mangoes and their vibrant colour for longer. 1. A Squeeze of Lemon Does Wonders
Drizzle a bit of lemon juice over sliced mangoes. The citric acid slows oxidation, keeping the mango flesh from turning brown. It also adds a refreshing tang that can enhance the fruit’s natural sweetness - perfect for salads or desserts.2. Choose the Right Knife
Your knife makes a difference! Avoid carbon steel blades, which react with the fruit and accelerate browning. Instead, use a stainless steel knife - it's cleaner, non-reactive, and keeps your mango looking and tasting better. Steer clear of old or rusty knives, as they can contaminate the fruit. 3. Cut Only What You Need
Don’t slice the entire mango if you’re not going to eat it all. The more it’s exposed to air, the quicker it browns. Cut just enough, and store the remaining fruit in an airtight container in the fridge. This limits oxidation and keeps the rest fresher for your next craving.4. Pick the Right Mangoes
Overripe mangoes with soft spots are more likely to brown quickly. Go for firm, fragrant mangoes with smooth skin. If you spot brown patches while cutting, scoop them out before they spread. Also, handle them gently—mangoes bruise easily, which speeds up spoilage. 5. Store Smartly
Once cut, place mango slices in an airtight container and refrigerate them immediately. To go the extra mile, line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, which helps extend freshness even further. Enjoy mangoes at their freshest by following these simple tricks. With the right care, you can savour every slice without worrying about browning or loss of flavour. Happy mango season!
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