The Tommy Atkins mango, a widely cultivated and distributed variety, is known for its firm flesh, vibrant skin, and sweet, mildly fibrous flavor. This mango is a popular choice due to its resilience during shipping and its consistent quality. Its widespread availability makes it a common sight in produce sections across many regions.
Recognizing a Ripe Tommy Mango
Determining the ripeness of a Tommy Atkins mango involves observing several distinct indicators beyond just color. While the skin often develops attractive red and orange blushes, this variety frequently retains significant patches of green even when fully ripe. Therefore, relying solely on visual color changes can be misleading for this particular mango.
A more reliable method involves a gentle tactile assessment. When a Tommy Atkins mango is ripe, it will yield slightly to a light squeeze, similar to the feel of a ripe avocado or peach. The fruit should feel soft, but not mushy, indicating that the internal flesh has softened appropriately. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can bruise the delicate fruit.
The aroma emitted from the stem end also provides a strong indication of ripeness. A ripe Tommy Atkins mango will release a distinctively sweet, fruity fragrance from this area. If there is no discernible scent, the mango is likely still unripe, while an overly fermented or alcoholic smell suggests the fruit is past its prime. Understanding these combined cues helps in selecting a perfectly ripe Tommy Atkins mango.
Ripening Tommy Mangoes at Home
If a Tommy Atkins mango is purchased before it reaches full ripeness, it can be easily ripened at home using simple methods. The most straightforward approach is to place the unripe mango on a kitchen counter at room temperature. The natural warmth of the environment encourages the fruit to continue its ripening process gradually.
To accelerate ripening, especially if the mango is quite firm, the paper bag method proves effective. Placing the unripe mango in a loosely closed paper bag traps the ethylene gas naturally produced by the fruit, which acts as a ripening hormone. This concentrated environment speeds up the softening and flavor development.
It is recommended to avoid refrigerating unripe Tommy Atkins mangoes. Cold temperatures can halt the ripening process and can cause chilling injury, leading to a dull flavor and undesirable texture. Allowing the mango to ripen fully at room temperature or within a paper bag ensures optimal taste and consistency.
Storing Tommy Mangoes
Proper storage techniques help maintain the quality and extend the freshness of Tommy Atkins mangoes, whether they are unripe or ripe. Unripe mangoes should always be kept at room temperature, allowing them to continue their natural ripening journey until they exhibit the desired softness and aroma. Placing them in a fruit bowl on the counter works well for this purpose.
Once a Tommy Atkins mango has fully ripened, its shelf life can be extended by transferring it to the refrigerator. Chilling slows down the ripening process significantly, allowing the ripe fruit to remain fresh for approximately five to seven days. This method helps preserve the sweet flavor and firm texture.
For mangoes that have been cut, the storage method changes slightly to prevent spoilage. Sliced or diced Tommy Atkins mango should be placed in an airtight container. Storing these pieces in the refrigerator will keep them fresh for about three to five days, ensuring the fruit retains its taste and prevents dehydration.