You cannot eat a mango when it shows clear signs of spoilage, such as excessive softness, mold, an off-putting smell, or discolored and slimy flesh.
Mangoes are a delicious and nutritious tropical fruit, but like any produce, they have a prime window for consumption. Knowing the signs of an inedible mango is crucial for food safety and enjoyment.
Signs Your Mango Is Past Its Prime
A mango that has gone "too far" will exhibit several distinct indicators that it is no longer suitable for eating. These signs suggest the fruit is overripe, fermenting, or rotting.
Here are the key indicators that a mango should be discarded:
| Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Excessive Softness | If the mango gives too much when gently squeezed, feels soggy in your hand, or has a bunch of overly soft spots, it indicates the fruit is significantly overripe and likely starting to break down internally. A ripe mango should have a slight give, but not feel mushy or like it's collapsing. |
| Visible Mold Growth | Any fuzzy patches, which can be white, green, black, or blue, are clear indicators of mold. Mold on any part of the mango means it should be discarded, as mold can produce toxins. |
| Sour or Off-Putting Smell | A sweet, fruity aroma is characteristic of a ripe mango. If you detect a sour, fermented, alcoholic, or otherwise unpleasant odor, the mango is likely spoiling or fermenting internally. |
| Discolored or Slimy Flesh | Upon cutting, if the flesh appears unusually dark, brown, black, stringy, or has a slimy texture, it is a sign of spoilage. Healthy mango flesh should be vibrant yellow to orange. |
| Leaking Juices | If the mango is visibly leaking sticky or watery juices without being cut, it's a strong sign that its internal structure has broken down due to decay. |
Distinguishing Bruises from Spoilage
It's important to differentiate between signs of spoilage and common blemishes. Mangoes naturally fall off the tree when ripe rather than being picked while still firmly attached. Because of this, it's not uncommon for a ripe mango to have one large bruise or blemish. Such a mark is likely from its natural fall and does not necessarily mean the entire fruit is spoiled or inedible. Always assess the overall texture, smell, and other signs before discarding a mango solely based on a single bruise.
Why Avoid Spoiled Mangoes?
Consuming spoiled fruit can lead to unpleasant digestive issues, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, due to the presence of mold, bacteria, or fermentation byproducts. It's always best to err on the side of caution when a mango exhibits clear signs of being past its prime.
