All About Mango
Your complete guide to mango - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Mango Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for mango in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Unripe, at room temperature3-7 days, or until ripe
Signs of Spoilage
Premature soft spots, shriveling, dark patches, mold growth (fuzzy white/green/black), sour or fermented smell before ripening.
How to Check
Gently squeeze the mango; it should be firm. Visually inspect for any dark, sunken spots or mold. Smell should be neutral or slightly sweet, not off-putting.
Storage Tips
Store on the counter away from direct sunlight. To speed up ripening, place in a paper bag with an apple or banana. Do not refrigerate unripe mangoes as this can stop the ripening process and negatively affect flavor and texture.
Ripe, whole in refrigerator5-7 days
Signs of Spoilage
Excessive softness (mushy), dark sunken spots or bruises, mold growth (fuzzy white/green/black), sticky exterior, fermented, sour, or alcoholic smell.
How to Check
Gently squeeze the mango; it should give slightly but not be mushy. Visually check for any mold, dark discoloration, or shriveling. Smell the stem end; it should have a sweet, tropical aroma, not sour or alcoholic.
Storage Tips
Store unwashed in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Washing before storage can introduce moisture that promotes spoilage.
Cut, in refrigerator3-5 days
Signs of Spoilage
Discoloration (darkening or browning), slimy texture, loss of firm texture (becoming mushy), sour or off-smell, visible mold.
How to Check
Visually inspect for any darkening, sliminess, or fuzzy mold. Touch the pieces; they should still feel somewhat firm, not overly soft or slimy. Smell the mango; it should have a sweet, fresh aroma, not sour or fermented.
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorbing odors from other foods. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice over the cut mango can help prevent browning, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
Frozen (cut)6-12 months
Signs of Spoilage
While generally safe if kept continuously frozen, signs of quality degradation include freezer burn (dry, discolored patches), strong off-odors upon thawing, or an excessively mushy texture after thawing. Mold should not grow in the freezer.
How to Check
Visually inspect for freezer burn, which appears as dry, white, or gray patches. If thawed, check for any off-smells (sour, fermented) or unusual sliminess. Discard if these signs are present after thawing.
Storage Tips
To freeze, peel and dice the mango. Spread the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents clumping). Transfer the frozen pieces to an airtight freezer bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator or use directly in smoothies or cooked dishes.