Ripe mangoes are now in the market. But formalin or other harmful chemicals are often used to ripen mangoes, and these are very bad for health. As a result, many people pay good money for chemically treated ripe mangoes.

So before buying mangoes, it is worth checking whether they ripened on the tree. Here is what to keep in mind so you are not cheated.

To tell whether any fruit, not just mango, is fresh, trust your sense of smell, although the aroma varies from one mango variety to another.

If a sweet fruity smell comes from near the stalk, buy that mango. If it smells very strong, sour or bad, do not buy it.

When buying, press the mango gently with your fingertip. Ripe mangoes are naturally soft, but if the spot caves in when you press it, do not buy that mango.

If you want to keep mangoes at home for a week or so, choose slightly firmer ones. Overripe mangoes will not keep for long at home.

Nobody pays for a mango they don't like the look of. So choose spotless, well-shaped fruit.

Do not buy mangoes with wrinkled skin. A mango of any colour, whether red, golden yellow, green, ochre or orange, can be bought if it looks good.

Most sellers buy unripe mangoes and ripen them with carbide before selling them, so buy with care.

You will find fresh mangoes in various supermarkets, and many sellers offer fully tree-ripened fruit. Wherever you buy, always smell the mango before buying. And be careful when buying mangoes online.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.