To tell if a mango is ripe, use the following key indicators:

• Touch: Gently squeeze the mango. A ripe mango will yield slightly to pressure, feeling soft but not mushy. If it is very firm, it is unripe; if it is too soft or soggy, it is overripe

• Smell: Sniff the stem end of the mango. A ripe mango emits a sweet, fruity aroma. An unripe mango has little to no smell, and an overripe one may smell sour or fermented

• Color: While color varies by mango variety and is not the most reliable indicator, ripe mangoes often have a richer, more intense color and may show some yellow, red, or orange hues depending on type. Avoid relying solely on color

• Visual cues: The flesh around the stem should look firm and the stem may protrude slightly, indicating juiciness inside. Some shallow wrinkles on the skin can also indicate ripeness

• Weight: Among mangoes of similar size, the heavier one is likely riper, as it contains more juice

If uncertain, cutting the mango to check the flesh can confirm ripeness: bright orange flesh indicates ripeness, while pale or brownish flesh suggests overripe or underripe fruit

. For ripening at home, keep mangoes at room temperature or place them in a paper bag to speed up ripening. Once ripe, refrigerate to slow further ripening

. In summary, the best way to tell if a mango is ripe is to gently squeeze it for slight softness and smell for a sweet aroma, supported by visual and weight cues