Choosing a good mango might seem tricky at first, but we've got all the tips you need to make it easy. From color to texture, smell, size, and weight, we can quickly figure out which mangoes are worth taking home.

By the end, we'll be confident picking ones that are perfectly ripe and full of flavor.

Check the Color First

Color is the most obvious sign of a mango's ripeness, but it varies by variety. For example, some popular varieties turn golden yellow when ripe, with an even color across the skin. If you spot large green patches, especially away from the stem, it's likely under-ripe or unevenly ripened—better to pass.

Other varieties, like those with orange-red skin, show a deeper hue when ready, sometimes with a lighter glow. If the color still looks pale or mostly green, the mango needs a few more days to ripen.

Green-skinned mangoes are exceptions. Even when ripe, their skin remains green, but with a soft sheen, not a dull, hard green. If the skin looks dry and hard, it's still unripe and will take time to soften.

Beware of overly shiny mangoes; some sellers use artificial ripening agents. These mangoes might look perfect, but the flesh often ends up watery and tasteless, lacking the natural sweetness we want.

Feel the Texture

Color alone isn't enough. Gently press the middle of the mango. A ripe mango will yield slightly under your fingers and bounce back quickly—soft but not mushy.

If it feels very soft and lacks bounce, it's overripe. The inside may already be spoiling, and it could develop an unpleasant smell.

Unripe mangoes are hard as a rock. They need to ripen at home. Placing them in a sealed bag with bananas or apples helps speed up the process because these fruits release ethylene gas, which promotes ripening.

Also, check the stem end. If it feels soft or wet, skip it. This usually indicates the mango is already rotting inside.

Smell the Sweetness

A ripe mango smells amazing. Bringing it close to your nose should give off a rich, sweet fragrance, especially near the stem. Even through a bag, the aroma is noticeable.

Unripe mangoes have little to no scent and can taste sour or slightly astringent. Mangoes ripened artificially may smell odd—sometimes slightly fermented or off. This is a clear sign the mango's sugars didn't develop naturally, and the taste will be disappointing.

Consider Size and Weight

Size isn't everything. Heavier mangoes of similar size usually contain more juice and firmer, fuller flesh. Some large mangoes may feel light in hand, meaning the fruit is less dense and less tasty. When choosing, hold a couple and pick the one that feels heavier—it usually pays off.

Know Your Varieties

Some popular mango varieties are sweet with fine, smooth flesh and tiny seeds. Rounded, plump shapes are usually best.

Others are tender, with balanced sweetness and acidity and a subtle aroma. Look for long, straight mangoes without deformities for the best eating experience.

Green-skinned varieties can have thick, less fibrous, and sweet flesh. Mid-sized mangoes are ideal, as very large ones may not ripen evenly.

Store Them Right

Ripe mangoes should be eaten quickly or stored at 5–10°C in the fridge for a couple more days. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating to enjoy full flavor.

Unripe mangoes go in a cool, ventilated spot, away from direct sunlight and other ripe fruits unless we want them to ripen faster. For quicker ripening, use the banana or apple trick mentioned earlier.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Smooth skin isn't always better; small natural spots are fine and indicate the mango grew naturally. Don't judge solely by the freshness of the stem either; a firm, fragrant mango with the right feel and scent is more reliable.

Imported mangoes aren't always better. Many local varieties are just as sweet and juicy, often more affordable. Trying different origins can be a pleasant surprise.

Enjoy Mango Magic

Picking a mango doesn't have to be hard. By checking color, feel, smell, size, and weight, we can confidently choose mangoes that are ripe, sweet, and enjoyable. Remember: natural shine, slight softness, elastic texture, and a fruity aroma are the signs of a quality mango. Avoid unusually colored, overly hard or soft, or off-smelling ones.

Once home, proper storage keeps them fresh for snacking or desserts. Follow these tips, and every bite will be full of sweetness, bringing joy to our taste buds and hearts. Lykkers, with these tricks, mango shopping becomes simple and rewarding!