If you’re mango fans like us, then it is likely that you’ve encountered a strange-looking mango or two. This may have left you wondering exactly how to tell if a mango is bad. Luckily, there are quite a few signs that can let you know if your mangoes have expired. Many of them are obvious, while others aren’t. Join us as we discover the signs of rotten mangoes.
Table of Contents
- How Can You Tell If a Mango Has Gone Bad?
- Can Bad Mango Make You Sick?
- How to Tell If Mango Is Good
- Mango Ripeness FAQs
- How You Tell If Mango Is Bad Is Relatively Simple
How Can You Tell If a Mango Has Gone Bad?
There are many ways that you can determine whether or not a mango has gone bad.
Like other fruits and vegetables, bad mangoes will look and smell noticeably different than fresh counterparts. As such, it is fairly easy to detect a rotten mango.
Spots
Are there spots on your mangoes? This, in fact, can be very normal. Just like brown spots in avocado, mangoes can show up with a few spots, too.
If, however, the spots are black and encompass the majority of the fruit, then you very well could have a bad mango on your hand as this is a sign of black mold.
Not entirely sure if the brown or black spots spell trouble? Be sure to take into account the other signs of a bad mango before tossing it in the trash.
Feel
The overall feel of a mango can tell you a lot about this particular fruit. To know if a mango might be going bad, it should give exponentially when you apply pressure.
In other words, the mango will be quite soft when you squeeze it.
Be aware that a perfectly ripe mango will also give when you squeeze or apply pressure to it. This is normal. But if you find that your mango is particularly mushy, then it is likely that your mango is no longer good for eating.
Smell
Fruits that begin the decaying process often give off a pungent odor, especially once sliced. The smell can be likened to that of vinegar or alcohol, and thus will be sour and unpleasant. If you notice this smell while preparing your mango and also notice the aforementioned signs of bad mango fruit, you may need to throw it out.
Taste
If you’ve gotten past the look, smell and feel of the mango and still feel that your mango is safe to eat, then it likely is. Still, if you bite into the fruit and notice that it has a strange taste you’ll want to take note.
Sometimes, fruits will taste different based on their level of ripeness and whether or not they are in season. But if your mango is mushy, soggy, brown or black or tastes funny, then you should stop eating the fruit.
Other Noticeable Differences
Along with the previously mentioned signs of a bad mango, bad mangoes will also yield other oddities such as mold growth, insects or the like, so be sure to pitch it when you see thes things.
And athough mold isn’t likely to hurt you when consumed in small amounts, it still isn’t advisable to eat a moldy or otherwise compromised mango if you don’t have to.
Can Bad Mango Make You Sick?
Bad mango may make you sick, but not always.
There are a lot of foods that go bad in due time. And just as you may be asking, “Do sun dried tomatoes go bad?” or wondering whether or not other types of produce go bad, the truth is that many fruits and veggies can be consumed even after starting to rot!
Thus, although eating a bad mango isn’t advisable, especially in large amounts, it may or may not harm you. It really depends on your level of sensitivity, and what, in particular, is wrong with the mango.
If, for example, you are allergic to mold and you choose to eat a moldy mago, you may experience side effects that another person might not.
We should also note that there have been reports of listeria linked to the consumption of eating contaminated fruits, although this isn’t always exclusive to bad or rotting mangoes.
Can You Eat a Bad Mango?
Can you eat a bad mango? Yes, you can, but again, you may be taking a risk while doing it. If you can, we’d advise you to eat a fresh mango or another fruit, if one is available.
A mango that is going bad can be saved by removing the skin, slicing and then freezing to be put in smoothies in the future.
What Does a Bad Mango Taste Like?
A bad mango will likely taste bitter, pungent, sour and unpleasant. Rotten fruit is often compared to an alcoholic or vinegary taste. If your mango tastes this way, you may be better off throwing it in the trash.
How to Tell If Mango Slices Are Bad
Mango slices make a fun and fresh snack, but you can tell if mango slices are bad by their texture, smell, and overall color.
If the mangoes appear more of a brown hue than their normal bright and vibrant color, take note. The mangoes will also appear mushy and give off the sour odor often associated with rotting fruit.
How to Tell If Mango Is Good
A good mango will generally give a little when pressure is applied, will have spots of orange, red and yellow and will generally give off a sweet smell when sliced. Mangoes that are too firm or too green often indicate that the fruit is too ripe. In this case, you’ll simply want to let the fruit sit a few days until it has become fully ripe.
Mango Ripeness FAQs
Can overripe mango make you sick?
Overripe mango can make you sick if bacteria is present or if you have sensitivities to mold. When eaten in small amounts, overripe mango may not make you sick.
Can you eat overripe mango?
You can eat overripe mango, but it isn’t advised.
When should you not eat a mango?
Do not eat a mango that is covered in black spots, shows signs of molding, has a pungent and unpleasant odor, or has insects in it.
Is a wrinkly mango bad?
A wrinkly mango is a sign that the mango has gone bad. Avoid eating this mango when possible especially if you notice other signs that indicate decay.
How You Tell If Mango Is Bad Is Relatively Simple
Overall, it is relatively simple to tell whether or not a mango has gone bad. By looking at the skin and flesh, giving the mango a squeeze, smelling the mango and even tasting the mango, you will be able to determine whether or not the mango is fit for consumption.
