As the warmer weather embraces Australia, mangoes come into peak season, delighting shoppers with their vibrant golden flesh, intoxicating fragrance, and luscious sweetness. Whether enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, or featured in savoury dishes, mangoes are one of the most iconic summer fruits.
Knowing how to choose, store, and even freeze them will help you make the most of this tropical favourite.
Choosing the Best Mangoes
When selecting mangoes, look for fruit that feels heavy for its size with a fragrant aroma near the stem. A ripe mango will give slightly when gently squeezed but should not feel mushy. Skin colour can vary depending on variety — from green and yellow to deep orange-red — so don’t rely on colour alone to judge ripeness.
Avoid mangoes that have wrinkled skin, dark spots, or sap leakage, as these can indicate overripeness or damage.
Storing for Freshness
Unripe mangoes can be left at room temperature until they soften and develop fragrance. Once ripe, store them in the refrigerator to slow further ripening, where they will keep for up to five days.
If cut, store mango pieces in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within two days for the best flavour and texture.
Freezing for Year-round Enjoyment
Mangoes freeze exceptionally well, making it easy to enjoy their tropical sweetness all year. To freeze, peel and cube ripe mangoes, spread the pieces on a tray in a single layer, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
Frozen mangoes are perfect for smoothies, sorbets, cocktails, or stirring into yoghurt and oatmeal. They retain their sweetness and bright colour beautifully.
Health Benefits Worth Noting
Mangoes are not only delicious but also a nutrient powerhouse. They are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate, supporting immune health and skin vitality. The fruit also provides dietary fibre for digestive health and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and polyphenols, which may help protect against inflammation and cellular damage.
Regular consumption of mangoes has been linked to better digestion, improved immunity, and a natural boost of energy.
Here are three delicious recipes to put fresh and in-season mangoes on the dinner table this week:
Embark on a flavour-packed journey with these Cajun fish burgers, topped with a zesty mango-jalapeño salsa.
Mango and jalapeño create a perfect flavour balance: the mango’s natural sweetness and juiciness mellow the jalapeño’s sharp heat, while the chilli’s spice enhances the fruit’s tropical brightness. Together, they deliver a vibrant contrast of sweet, spicy and tangy notes, making dishes more dynamic, refreshing, and exciting.
Mangoes complement Indian dishes through their rich sweetness, vibrant aroma, and natural acidity, which balance the bold spices typical of the cuisine. From cooling chutneys and refreshing lassis to creamy curries, mangoes enhance depth and complexity, soothing heat while adding tropical brightness that perfectly harmonises with aromatic herbs and spices.
Served with a sweet mango salsa, this tandoori chicken recipe is a must-try. Load up on the flavour this week and try out this delicious dish.
Seafood and mangoes are a natural pairing, with the fruit’s tropical sweetness balancing the delicate brininess of prawns, crab, or fish. Mango adds freshness and acidity that cuts through richness, while its vibrant flavour enhances light, zesty marinades and salsas, creating dishes that feel both refreshing and indulgently coastal.
Impress your family with this prawn, mango and chorizo salad for dinner. Quick to prepare, fresh and wholesome, it's a winner for all.
