This is how one can identify artificially ripened mangoes at home
Come summer, and the Indian market is flooded with a wide variety of mangoes. But with that, the market is also filled with artificially ripened mangoes that use harmful chemicals like calcium carbide and other harmful chemicals that are not good for the human body.
What is artificial ripening?
It refers to the process of using chemicals and other methods to speed up the ripening process of the product in order to meet the demand and supply chain. As per various reports, various chemicals, including calcium carbide, used for ripening mangoes and other fruits, are highly dangerous for human consumption. Hence, it is important to avoid such fruits.
What are the harmful effects of calcium carbide?
As per the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), calcium carbide, a chemical used to ripen mangoes, has carcinogenic properties and is often used in welding. It is cheap and easily available in local markets, leading to its indiscriminate use for ripening mangoes. As per experts, the chemical has traces of arsenic and phosphorous hydride, which may result in vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, ulcers on the skin, permanent eye damage, and shortness of breath. It can also affect the neurological system.
How to identify artificially ripened mangoes
Take a look at these simple tips and ways to identify artificially ripened mangoes:
Check the skin color: Artificially ripened mangoes tend to have a uniform color and may appear more yellow or orange than naturally ripened mangoes. They may also have a slightly shiny appearance.
Smell the mango: Naturally ripened mangoes have a sweet, fruity smell, while artificially ripened mangoes may have a chemical or a different odour.
Check the firmness: Artificially ripened mangoes may feel softer or mushier than naturally ripened mangoes. It happens because the chemicals used in the ripening process can break down the cell walls in the fruit, making them softer.
Look for external damage: If the mangoes have external damage, such as bruises or spots, due to the injection of chemicals, avoid them. Natural mangoes are less likely to have these types of external blemishes.
Conduct a taste test: As per experts, artificially ripened mangoes may have a bland or strange taste. If the mango tastes off or has an unpleasant aftertaste, it may have been artificially ripened.
Soaking method: Put the mangoes in a bucket of water. If the mangoes sink, they are naturally ripened. If they float, they are harvested artificially.
Use baking soda: Add some baking soda to the water, and then soak the mangoes in the mixture for 15-20 minutes. After soaking, once you wash the mangoes, and if the color of the mango changes, there are chances that they are chemically treated or polished.
Match stick test: As per the Alphonso Mango website, one can use this test as well. All you need to do is light a match stick and bring it near the box of mangoes, and if it is chemically treated, it may catch fire or leave sparkle traces on the food’s surface. This method is very risky; hence, one should avoid trying it at home without taking any preventive measures or in the absence of adults and guardians at home.
How do I pick the right mangoes?
According to experts, one can follow the following rules while buying the right mangoes:.
1. Never buy too-perfect-looking mangoes.
2. Avoid too-shiny mangoes because they might be chemically treated.
3. Wash fruits thoroughly with running potable water before eating.
4. Avoid mangoes with black blotches on the skin, as they might be ripened by acetylene gas produced from calcium carbide.
How often do you these tests to check the purity of mangoes at home? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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