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As summer unfolds, markets are filled with a variety of mangoes, each boasting unique flavors, from the Totapuri to the Langra and Dasheri. Unfortunately, some sellers, motivated by profit, resort to selling mangoes that have been artificially ripened with harmful chemicals.

Commonly used chemicals like calcium carbide are often employed to hasten the ripening process. Despite a strict prohibition by the FSSAI, these substances are still used illegally in many cases.

To protect your health and that of your loved ones, it’s essential to learn how to identify chemically ripened mangoes. Fortunately, there are several straightforward methods to differentiate between genuine and artificially ripened mangoes.

**Visual Characteristics**
Chemically ripened mangoes tend to have an attractive, glossy yellow appearance with uniform color. In contrast, naturally ripened mangoes display color variations, often showing patches of deep yellow alongside lighter green or red hues. Look out for any white or black spots on the skin, which may indicate chemical treatment.

**Aroma Test**
The aroma of a mango is a key indicator of its ripeness. A naturally ripened mango will emit a sweet, pleasant fragrance as soon as you hold it. Conversely, mangoes treated with calcium carbide may have an unpleasant, chemical-like smell or may lack any fragrance altogether.

**Water Immersion Method**
This simple home test is quite effective. Fill a bucket with water and place the mangoes inside.

**Genuine Mango:** If the mango sinks, it has ripened naturally.

**Chemically Treated Mango:** If it floats, it has likely been artificially ripened. The use of chemicals prevents proper development of the pulp and sugar, making the fruit lighter.

**Cutting Open the Mango**
When you slice a chemically ripened mango, it may feel soft on the outside, but the inside is often hard and pale yellow or white. Such mangoes lack juiciness and may have a rubbery texture. In contrast, a naturally ripened mango is juicy and consistently ripe all the way to the stone.

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