The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India permits controlled use of ethylene gas to ripen mangoes.
However, in many places, chemicals like calcium carbide are misused to artificially ripen mangoes. This is harmful to health.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid artificially ripened mangoes.
Steer clear of a mango stack with even, too-perfect colours across its skin. Naturally ripe mangoes often have irregular shades.
Check the mango's aroma. Naturally ripe ones have a fruity, fresh aroma, while artificial ones lack aroma or have a chemical smell.
If the mangoes are too soft or mushy in texture, they may be artificial. Natural ones are a bit firm when pressed gently.
Place the mangoes in a deep container with water. Naturally ripe ones will drop to the bottom, but artificial ones will sail.
Natural mangoes are tangy and sweet. Artificial ones can be bland, unnatural flavour.