The wait has ended—mango season is finally here! If there is one fruit we can’t possibly have enough of, it is mango, the rightful king of the fruits. Every winter season, we wait for summer to come, only because it brings us juicy fruits of pure joy. We can actually go on and on about our love of mangoes. However, it is more crucial to address the issue of chemically ripened mangoes at the moment.
The Harmful Effects Of Artificially Ripened Mangoes
Just like us, the whole world goes crazy for mangoes as soon as they are in season. As a result, it creates a big demand for them in the market, which leads to markets ripening them prematurely using chemicals. And trust us on this, you do not want to consume artificially ripened mangoes.
Not only are these mangoes a disappointment when it comes to taste, but they can also have some major side effects. To ripen them quickly, mangoes are injected with calcium carbide, which releases acetylene gas as soon as there is moisture around them. Consumption of this can cause severe respiratory issues, digestion problems, and irritation of the skin.
Some other chemicals are also used that contain arsenic and phosphorous hydride. Not only can these substances affect the nervous system, but they are also poisonous in nature. Certainly, it is a big issue, and it is crucial for everyone to know how to identify chemically ripened mangoes.
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Here’s How To Identify Chemically Ripened Mangoes
There are five ways to check if the mangoes are ripened naturally or artificially. Check them out:
1. Naturally ripe mangoes are supposed to feel soft when squeezed a little. However, if you feel that it is not even soft and is hard in some places, you can be sure that it was artificially ripened.
2. Naturally ripened mangoes will never float when placed in water. Hence, testing if they float or not is a great way to find out.
3. The colour of the mango skin can be a good indication. Naturally ripened mangoes are a blend of green and yellow. On the other hand, the green and yellow spots of artificially ripened mangoes stand out.
4. If you feel your mango isn’t juicy, it was probably artificially ripened.
5. A burning sensation after eating a mango is the result of chemicals. It can also result in an itchy throat or stomach ache.
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