How to Properly Store Mangoes

Mangoes at their peak are irresistibly sweet and aromatic. If you come across perfectly ripe ones in the store that yield slightly to pressure and boast a fragrant scent, be sure to grab a few. Such a find calls for stocking up—but how long will they stay fresh? You wouldn’t want to waste any, right?

Discover simple methods to keep your mangoes fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

What’s the Shelf Life of Mangoes?

Refrigerator: 5 days (ripe and whole)

At Room Temperature: 2-3 days after ripening

In the Freezer: Up to 6 months

How to Store Mangoes in the Refrigerator

If your mango is ripe but you’re not quite ready to enjoy it, place it whole in the fridge—preferably in the crisper drawer where humidity is low. The cold will slow the ripening process, giving you more time to savor it. For the best results, set your fridge to 40°F, which is the ideal temperature for mango preservation.

For sliced or cubed mango, store the pieces in a sealed, airtight container (avoid using a zip-top bag). The fruit should stay fresh for about a week, but always give it a quick sniff before indulging to make sure it’s still good.

Ripening Mangoes on the Counter

If your mangoes aren’t ripe yet, don’t worry! Simply leave them on the counter at room temperature, where they’ll continue to ripen, becoming sweeter and softer as time goes on. To speed up the process, place them in a paper bag or wrap them in newspaper or a cloth towel. When they yield to a gentle touch, they’re good to go.

Once mangoes are fully ripe, they’re happy to stay on the counter for 1-3 days if you plan to enjoy them soon.

Freezing Mangoes for Later

While mangoes are in season from May to September, freezing them allows you to enjoy their juicy, sweet flavor year-round.

1.   Once the mango is fully ripe, peel it and cut it into slices or cubes.

2.   Arrange the mango pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch each other.

3.   Freeze the baking sheet for at least two hours, or up to overnight.

4.   Once the mango chunks are frozen solid, transfer them into a zip-top bag, squeeze out as much air as you can, and seal it tightly. Don’t forget to label and date the bag.

Frozen mango is ideal for making refreshing frozen drinks or smoothies. To defrost, simply place the chunks in the fridge overnight or submerge the bag in cold water for 3 hours. While thawed mango may be a bit softer than fresh, its taste remains nearly the same.

How to Spot a Bad Mango

Mangoes are a helpful fruit—they fall from the tree when ripe, release a sweet scent to signal readiness, and begin to ferment when they spoil. Fermented mangoes will have a sour, off-putting smell and may even taste slightly fizzy if you try them.

As mangoes age, they may develop soft spots, brown discolorations, and their skin might start to shrivel. If you notice any of these signs, or if you spot mold, it's time to toss them out.