Knowing when to pick mangos from tree is the secret to enjoying their perfect sweetness. If you pick them to early, they stay sour and fibrous, but if you wait to long on the tree, they can become mushy and spoil quickly. This guide will walk you through the simple signs that tell you a mango is ripe and ready for harvest right from your own backyard.
Harvesting at the right time means you get the best flavor and texture. It also helps the tree stay healthy and produce more fruit in the future. Let’s look at the clear indicators you need to watch for.
When to Pick Mangos From Tree
This is your main checklist. A ripe mango on the tree will show several of these signs together. Don’t rely on just one indicator.
The Top Signs of Ripeness on the Tree
First, look at the mango’s position. A ripe mango often has a stem that looks swollen and rounded at the point where it attaches to the fruit. The fruit may also tilt or hang downward at a slight angle, rather than sticking straight out.
Next, check for a color break. This is crucial. Most mango varieties will show a change from a deep green to lighter green, yellow, orange, or red blush. The color change often starts at the stem end or on the cheek of the fruit. Remember, some varieties stay green even when ripe, so color is just one clue.
The Feel and Smell Test
Gently squeeze the fruit. A ripe mango will give slightly under soft pressure, similar to a ripe avocado or peach. It should not be rock hard, nor should it feel super soft or bruise easily. If juice leaks, it’s overripe.
Now, smell it. Bring the stem end close to your nose. A ripe mango emits a rich, sweet, fruity aroma right at the stem. If you can’t smell anything, it’s probably not ready yet. This smell test is one of the most reliable methods.
What About “Shoulder” Development?
Look at the shape. As mangos mature, the “shoulders” (the area around the stem) often fill out and become more plump. The fruit loses any angular look and appears fuller and more rounded. This is a great visual cue that the fruit has reached its full size and is beginning it’s ripening process internally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Picking based solely on size. Size indicates maturity, but not necessarily ripeness.
- Waiting for the entire fruit to change color on the tree. Many ripen from the inside out.
- Ignoring birds or squirrels. If they start taking bites, it’s a good sign harvest time is near!
The Simple Harvest Technique
Once you’ve identified a ripe mango, you need to pick it correctly. Never just pull it straight off the branch. This can damage both the fruit and the tree, tearing the bark and creating a point for disease to enter.
- Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a pole harvester for high branches.
- Leave a small stem (about half an inch) attached to the fruit. This prevents a sticky sap leak at the top.
- Place the mangos gently into a basket or bucket. Don’t drop them, as they bruise easily.
- Handle the fruit carefully to avoid scratching the skin with your fingernails.
What to Do After Picking
If your mango is perfectly ripe, you can eat it right away. But often, you’ll pick mangos that are “mature green” and need a few days to finish ripening indoors. This actually protects them from pests and weather.
- To ripen, place mangos at room temperature in a paper bag or a fruit bowl. Adding a banana can speed up the process.
- Check them daily for softness and aroma.
- Once ripe, you can store them in the refrigerator for several days to slow down further ripening.
Why Timing Impacts Flavor
The starch inside the mango converts to sugar as it ripens. This process starts on the tree. Picking at the right moment allows this sugar development to complete, giving you that classic sweet, tropical flavor. A mango picked to early will never achieve the same level of sweetness, no matter how long you leave it on the counter.
Weather also plays a role. Hot, sunny days increase sugar content. Mangos harvested after a rainy period might be more watery and less flavorful. Plan your main harvest for a stretch of good weather if you can.
Dealing with Sap
Mango sap is sticky and can cause skin irritation for some people. It also stains the fruit skin. By leaving a short stem attached and handling fruit carefully, you minimize sap flow. If you get sap on the fruit, gently wipe it off with a damp cloth and dry the mango thoroughly before storing.
FAQ: Your Mango Harvest Questions Answered
Can you wait for mangos to fall from the tree?
It’s not ideal. A fallen mango is often overripe, bruised, or damaged by the impact. It may also attract insects or animals. It’s better to pick them just as they reach peak ripeness.
How do you know when a green mango variety is ripe?
For green-skinned types like ‘Keitt’, rely more on the feel (softening), the shape (full shoulders), the smell at the stem, and a slight color change to a lighter, yellowish-green. The flesh near the stem may also appear yellow.
What time of day is best for picking mango?
Early morning or late afternoon is coolest. Avoid picking in the heat of the day, as the fruit will be warmer and more susceptible to bruising and faster spoilage.
How long does it take for a picked mango to ripen?
A mature green mango typically takes 3 to 8 days to ripen at room temperature. Check it daily so it doesn’t get overripe.
My mango is soft but tastes sour or bland. What happened?
This usually means it was picked to early, before the starches had fully converted to sugars. It softened but never sweetened. Next time, wait for more ripeness signs on the tree.
Mastering the art of picking mangos takes a little practice, but once you know the signs, it becomes second nature. Pay close attention to the combination of color, feel, smell, and shape. Your reward will be the incredible taste of a tree-ripened mango, picked at it’s absolute prime. There’s nothing quite like it.