By Mutalib Jibril
As summer begins, mangoes are now abundant in markets. While some of these mangoes are delicious, others can be disappointingly bland. With the demand for mangoes on the rise, sellers, and vendors are eager to maximize profits during this season. Unfortunately, it has come to light that many use harmful chemicals to speed up the ripening process, endangering public health.
In response to these health risks, authorities have warned sellers and business operators against using illegal and unethical methods to ripen mangoes. These practices not only pose significant health threats but also underscore the need for greater consumer awareness. Many consumers struggle to tell the difference between naturally and artificially ripened fruits. The chemicals involved are dangerous and may lead to severe health issues, including cancer.
Here are five(5) ways to identify chemically ripened mangoes
1. Checking the color:
Chemically ripened mangoes may have a surface that is a mix of yellow and green color, with the green standing out from the yellow in some areas. On the other hand, organically ripened mangoes will be a continuous combination of green and yellow.
2. Size:
Chemically ripened mangoes may appear unnaturally large or small for their typical variety due to the irregular expansion caused by the ripening agents.
3. Bucket Test (Water Test): Naturally
ripened mangoes generally sink due to their higher density from natural sugars and flesh development. Mangoes that float may have been artificially ripened, as the use of chemical agents can affect their density.
4. Check the firmness of the fruit:
Artificially ripened mangoes may feel softer or mushier than naturally ripened mangoes. This is because the chemicals used in the ripening process can break down the cell walls in the fruit, making them softer.
5. Conduct a taste test:
Artificially ripened mangoes may have a bland or strange taste, compared to the sweet and flavourful taste of naturally ripened mangoes. If the mango tastes off or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it may have been artificially ripened.