Tips for storing mango: As soon as the name summer comes up, the first fruit that comes to your mind is mango. Its sweetness, aroma and taste are loved by everyone from children to adults. Be it mango shake, amarat, juice or straight cut mango, this fruit remains a favorite among people in all its forms, but the problem arises when the mango season ends and its taste will not be available for the next several months. In such a situation, mango lovers often wonder if there is any way by which mangoes can be preserved for a long time.
The good thing is that there is now an easy solution. Famous cooking expert Soumya K Rasoi told me an easy storage method, as mango pieces can be kept for 6 to 8 months. If this method is adopted correctly, the taste, color and texture of the mango remains largely intact. Tell us more about this easy kitchen hack.
First choose the right mango
Choosing mangoes is very important to store them for a long time. Choose mangoes that are completely ripe, but not too soft or mushy. Hard, sweet mangoes are best for freezing. If the mangoes have already started to spoil, it may be difficult to preserve them for a long time.
Wash and dry well
After purchasing mangoes, wash them well with clean water. Then wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. It is important to keep in mind that there should not be any moisture remaining on the mango, if moisture remains it may cause excessive accumulation of ice during freezing, which may affect the quality of the fruit.
Remove the peel and prepare the slices
When the mango is completely dry, peel it. Next, cut the pulp into long or square pieces of your choice. Try to make all slices about the same size. This will freeze evenly and will be easier to use later.
Spread individually on trays
Now take a clean tray or large plate and spread the cut mango pieces over a short distance. Keep in mind that no slice should be on top of the other, if the pieces stick together, it may be difficult to separate them later. Next, cover the entire tray with clean polythene or food-grade wrap. As a result, the ice will not freeze directly on the mango and it will still taste better.
Flash freeze in the freezer
Place the tray directly into the freezer and leave it for at least 4 to 5 hours or overnight. During this time the mango pieces will freeze completely. This process is called flash freezing. The advantage of quick freezing is that the mango slices freeze separately and do not stick together as a big lump later. However, only the required number of pieces can be produced.
Store in an airtight bag
When the mango slices are completely frozen, remove them from the tray and place them in an airtight bag or in an airtight container. Before closing the bag, remove as much air as possible from it. Due to the lack of wind, ice crystals are less likely to form and the mangoes stay in better condition for longer. After sealing the bag properly, keep it in the refrigerator again.
It will stay safe like this for 6 to 8 months
If this whole process is done properly, mango slices can remain safe for 6 to 8 months. During this time, whenever you want, you can use them in mango shake, smoothie, ice cream, sorbet or many other recipes. Keep in mind to avoid taking it out of the refrigerator repeatedly. Remove the number of slices you need and keep the rest in the refrigerator immediately. Before using, keep the slices at room temperature for about 5 minutes, then use them directly in a blender or recipe.
Does this method preserve the flavour?
Frozen mangoes don’t taste very different from fresh mangoes, but with proper storage, their sweetness and flavor remain largely intact. This is why many people nowadays buy mangoes in bulk in season and store them this way so that they can enjoy their favorite fruits all year round.
