how To Tell If A Mango Is Bad: 6 Unmissable Signs!
How to tell if a mango is bad made easy with our six unmissable signs! Mangoes are delicious when they’re fresh. However, bad mangoes can have a higher amount of harmful bacteria, which can contribute to digestive problems.
In addition to this, eating overripe mangoes can cause an upset stomach – something nobody wants to risk. So, how do you tell if a mango is no longer fit for consumption? Here are six signs to look out for.
How To Tell If A Mango Is Bad: The Signs
Eat your mango when it’s fresh and juicy. Avoid eating it when it is overripe or spoiled. Here are a few signs to look for.
1. A Funky Odor
A funky, off smell is a clear indicator that the mango has gone bad. If your mango smells sour or like alcohol, it indicates that it’s fermented and no longer good to eat. Mangoes should have a sweet aroma!
2. Wrinkled Or Dark Spots
While some dark spots are normal, if the mango’s skin is excessively dark or wrinkled, it might be overripe or rotting.
3. Mushy Texture
A good mango should be firm with a slight give. If it feels mushy, squishy, or excessively soft, it’s likely overripe or rotten. Time to toss it!
4. Oozing Juice
If the mango is leaking juice, and especially if the juice has a bad odor, this is a clear sign that the mango is bad. If the mango has a sticky or slimy surface, it’s not safe to eat.
5. Check the Inside
Even if the outer appearance seems fine, always check the inside. A bad mango may have mushy, dark flesh and stringy fibers.
6. Unusual Taste
Mangoes should taste delicious. Sweet and juicy. If it tastes off, fermented, or like alcohol, don’t eat it.
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Good Mango Vs Bad Mango
Signs of a Good Mango
- Color: A ripe mango will typically have vibrant colors, though this can vary depending on the mango variety.
- Aroma: A pleasant, sweet aroma near the stem is a good indication of ripeness and good quality.
- Firmness: While a good mango will yield slightly to gentle pressure, it should still maintain some firmness.
- Skin: The skin should be relatively smooth without any wrinkles, which are a sign of overripeness.
- Shape: A good mango should have a plump, rounded shape, indicating it’s full of juicy flesh.
Signs of a Bad Mango
- Color: A dull, dark color with no vibrancy may indicate that the mango is bad.
- Aroma: A sour or fermented smell suggests the mango is overripe or rotten.
- Firmness: A mango that is excessively soft or mushy is likely overripe or rotten.
- Skin: Wrinkled, loose, or damaged skin is a sign the mango is bad.
- Spots: Dark spots or patches on the skin can be a sign of rot or mold.
Trust your senses! If something seems off, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
what Happens If You Eat A Bad Mango?
If you eat a bad mango, it doesn’t always spell disaster. It might just leave a bad taste in your mouth, and you might not experience anything else.
But, in some cases, bad mangoes can cause issues from mild cases like a rushed trip to the toilet, right through to food poisoning. Let’s check out what can happen if you eat a bad mango.
1. Unpleasant Taste and Texture
Biting into a bad mango, you might find an unexpected sour or fermented taste, instead of a sweet flavor. Eating a bad mango can sometimes leave an unpleasant coating in your mouth. This is due to the decomposition of the fruit, which can create a slimy or gritty texture.
The breaking down of the mango’s natural sugars into acids and alcohol during fermentation can also leave a lingering, unappetizing taste and feel in your mouth.
2. Mild Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Eating a bad mango might unsettle your stomach, causing mild discomfort. Your digestive system could respond to the deteriorating fruit with bloating or a build-up of gas. This is because the compromised fruit can have higher levels of hard-to-digest compounds, leading your stomach to work overtime in its attempt to process them.
The resulting excess gas and air trapped in your digestive system may manifest as a bloated feeling, belching, or flatulence. Although this is not usually a severe concern, it is certainly a reason to ensure your mango is fresh and good to eat.
3. Digestive Upset
If the condition of the mango is seriously questionable, it might lead to more significant digestive issues, including diarrhea. Eating a bad mango that harbors harmful bacteria or parasites can irritate your digestive tract.
As your body tries to expel these unwanted substances quickly, you might experience a sudden, urgent need to use the bathroom, accompanied by loose, watery stools. It’s a clear sign that something you’ve ingested has not agreed with your system, and it’s working to eliminate it as swiftly as possible.
4. Food Poisoning
Eating a severely spoiled mango could put you at risk of food poisoning. This scenario is unlikely but possible. Generally, a mango rotten enough to give you food poisoning will look extremely unappetizing.
If you do get food poisoning from eating mango, you may experience severe symptoms like:
- Intense stomach cramps
- Bouts of vomiting
- Sudden spike in body temperature or a fever.
It’s the presence of harmful bacteria in spoiled mangoes that cause these severe reactions. It indicates that your body is fighting off the invasion of these unwanted pathogens.
Remember: If your symptoms are severe and unyielding, it’s time to call in the pros. Consult a healthcare professional for appropriate care and treatment.
How to Store Mangoes To Make Them Last Longer
Proper storage can help prolong the life of your mango.
- Keep unripe mangoes at room temperature, away from direct sun.
- Once they are ripe, transfer to the refrigerator, where they can last for about five days.
So, how to tell if a mango is bad? Check its appearance, smell, and taste. With this guide, you now have the tools to ensure every mango you eat is as delicious as it should be.
