Mango is the fruit of a tropical mangifer plant. For hot countries, this is an ordinary fruit that is consumed every day, like apples. And for the colder regions of the globe, this exotic fruit is a rarity. What is mango? What is it inside and how to store mangoes at home?
General information
What are mangoes? Like fruit trees in central Russia, the mango plant is divided into species.
The common name is mango tree or Indian Mangifera. The birthplace of this tree is considered India and Pakistan. However, it is cultivated in all the hot subtropical and tropical countries. It refers to the evergreen species of plants.
The following varieties exist:
- curry - small non-varietal fruits, greenish peel, hard orange flesh;
- chok anan - light yellow fruits inside and out, easily fit in the hand in weight and shape;
- kae savoy - large mangoes, they are eaten in greenish form.
These are not all varieties of fruit tree, at least 9-10 of them. But now is not about that.
Signs of ripe mango
So, how do you determine if you buy ripe mangoes in a store? Key features:
- there are no signs of spoilage and decay on the surface, the peel is not pressed into the pulp;
- there are no brown or gray spots on the peel;
- on the cut, the flesh is bright orange, not gray or brown;
- skin color - red, yellow and green - matches the color of the pulp;
- pulp of sweet taste with a fibrous structure.
Storage in a refrigerator or freezer
So, what is the best way to store mangoes at home? If you decide to use a refrigerator for this purpose, then there are some subtleties. Never put unripe, slightly greenish fruits in the cool or cold. They will begin to give off moisture and will gradually rot, instead of maturing to a soft, juicy fruit.
But the ripe fruits are placed in the refrigerator to keep them longer in this condition. At the same time, do not put them on the upper shelves, there the relative temperature is lower. The best fruit shelves are bottom drawers. You can put paper substrates in them to even out the humidity. In high humidity, fruits will rot even in the refrigerator.
It is not recommended to freeze the fruits of mangifers, but such storage also takes place. Contrary to popular belief, the flesh does not become sticky or sklizy. The taste and consistency of the fetus are almost unchanged, only part of the nutrients and vitamins are lost.
To freeze the fetus correctly, follow the step-by-step instructions:
- rinse and wipe it;
- cut and remove the stone;
- remove the peel;
- chop the pulp or chop, put in containers for freezing;
- clean for storage at low temperatures.
Storage at room temperature
How to store ripe mangoes at home? At room temperature, the fruits are stored for ripening and ripening. Within 6-7 days, slightly stiff fruits become softer.
In the homeland of the growth of mango fruits, they learned to save them in an original and quite affordable way. They are soaked in salted water for several hours. Then wipe and store in the usual way. The fruits of this longer and better stored in a ripe state, and the flesh becomes crisp when cracked.
But if you leave the fruit in direct sunlight, it will slowly begin to dry - the skin will be rough and wrinkled, and the flesh will be hard.
Storage temperature
The optimum storage temperature for ripe mango is +10, and immature - +13. Recommended shelf life is one month.
Mistress note
To keep your mango fresh and smooth a little longer, cover it with a thin layer of lean or any other vegetable oil. The fact is that moisture will no longer leave the pulp through the skin - the oil layer will actively prevent this. But this measure is used for no more than two days.
2-3 days after the acquisition of mangoes in the store, it is recommended to eat it. Rinse thoroughly in warm water.
How to store mangoes at home in a cut form? Of course, peeled and cut into pieces fruit is better to immediately eat or put into use when preparing culinary masterpieces in the kitchen.
What to cook from mangoes?
Dishes that can be prepared from the fruit mangifers:
- jam or jam with sugar or honey;
- syrups, compotes or jelly;
- jelly or mousse;
- popsicles (creamy or fruit ice);
- sorbets;
- creams for layering desserts and cakes;
- smoothies, juices, smoothies (one-component or with other ingredients);
- soups, including mashed ones;
- sweet fruit or snack salads;
- filling for cheesecakes, tiramisu or casseroles;
- ptifuras, pastries;
- marinades for meat, chicken or fish;
- pancakes, pancakes or crepes (where mango is part of the dough or filling for stuffing pancakes).
Now you know how to choose this exotic fruit, how to store mangoes at home and what you can cook from it for dessert and more!