OPTIMAL RIPENING CONDITIONS FOR MANGOS
Fruit temperature is the most important factor in ripening mature mangos. Ripening at 15.5 to 18°C (60 to 65°F) may result in the most attractive skin color, but flavor remains tart; these mangos require an additional 2 to 3 days at 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F) to attain sweet flavor. Ripening at 27 to 30°C (80 to 86°F) may result in mottled skin and strong flavor; ripening is retarded above 30°C (86°F). Thus, the best temperatures for ripening mangos are 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F). The optimal relative humidity range is between 90% and 95% to prevent excessive water loss and shriveling. Ethylene (100 ppm) treatment for 24 to 48 hours (depending on maturity since less mature mangos require longer duration) accelerates ripening, provided that carbon dioxide concentration is kept below 1%. After triggering ripening with ethylene for 24 hours, mangos kept at 18 to 22°C (65 to 72°F) will ripen in 5 to 9 days. Once ripened, mangos can be kept at 10 to 13°C (50 to 55°F) and 90 to 95% relative humidity for up to 1 week. Flesh firmness is a good indicator of ripeness stage and can be used for managing mango ripening, as shown in the table to the lower left (Dr. Jeffrey K. Brecht., 2014).