Here’s Why You Should Soak Mangoes Before Eating (2024)

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Soaking mangoes can remove harmful and unwanted substances from the skin of the mango. Read on to know more reasons to soak mango before eating.

Here’s Why You Should Soak Mangoes Before Eating (1)
  • Written by: Manali Momaya
  • Updated at: Apr 29, 2024 18:16 IST
Here’s Why You Should Soak Mangoes Before Eating (2)

The most exciting thing about summers for me has always been the arrival of mangoes. Fresh from the farms of Ratnagiri, the alphonso mangoes spread their sweet aroma in our house the entire summer. But, one thing I have been noticing since childhood is that my granny would always soak mangoes for 1-2 hours before eating. In this article, let’s understand why we should soak mangoes before consuming them.

OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Abhilasha V, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, to know the reason for soaking mangoes. Here are some reasons why mangoes are to be soaked before eating.

Cleaning and Removing Residue

According to Abhilasha, Mangoes, like many fruits, may have residues such as dirt, pesticides, or waxes on their skin. “Soaking mangoes in water helps to clean the surface and remove any unwanted substances. This can be particularly important if the mangoes are conventionally grown and may have pesticide residues,” she said. Washing or soaking fruits before consumption is generally recommended as part of good food hygiene practices.

Here’s Why You Should Soak Mangoes Before Eating (3)

Removing Sap and Irritants

“The skin and sap of the mango contain compounds like urushiol, which can cause skin irritation or ignite allergic reactions in some people, especially to those sensitive to poison ivy of poison oak,” Abhilasha said. Soaking mangoes in the water can help in removing these compounds which reduce the risk of skin irritation.

Also read:Can You Eat Mangoes If You Are Diabetic? Expert Shares What You Need To Know

Softening and Ripening

Soaking mangoes can help speed the ripening process. Mangoes also get soft and easy to cut and juice it. “This can be beneficial if you have firm or slightly under ripe mangoes that you want to make juicier and more flavorful before eating. Soaking can help enhance the texture and sweetness of the fruit,” Abhilasha said.

Here’s Why You Should Soak Mangoes Before Eating (4)

Enhancing Flavor and Juiciness

Soaking mangoes, especially when they are slightly underripe, can improve their taste and juiciness. “As the mango absorbs water, it can become plumper and more succulent, enhancing the overall eating experience,” said Abhilasha.

Reducing Potential Allergens

“For people with mango allergies or sensitivities, soaking the fruit in water may help reduce the concentration of allergens on the skin or surface,” said Abhilasha. However, it's essential to note that soaking may not completely eliminate allergens, and those with severe allergies should exercise caution or avoid mangoes altogether.

Cultural or Traditional Practice

In some cultures or regions, soaking mangoes before consumption is a customary practice believed to enhance flavor, cleanliness, or health benefits. Cultural traditions often emphasize certain food preparation methods for perceived health benefits or flavor enhancement.

Also read:Can Eating Mangoes Cause Acne? Here's What The Dermatologist Says

Here’s Why You Should Soak Mangoes Before Eating (5)

How to Soak Mangoes Before Eating

If you decide to soak mangoes before eating them, here's a simple method you can follow.

Choose Ripe or Slightly Under Ripe Mangoes: Select mangoes that are firm and have a slight give when pressed, indicating ripeness.

Wash the Mangoes: Rinse the mangoes under cool running water to remove any visible dirt or contaminants.

Fill a Bowl with Water: Place the mangoes in a bowl filled with clean, room-temperature water. Ensure that the mangoes are fully submerged.

Soak for 15-30 Minutes: Allow the mangoes to soak for about 15 to 30 minutes. This duration is sufficient to clean the skin, soften the fruit slightly, and potentially reduce surface allergens.

Remove and Dry: After soaking, remove the mangoes from the water and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Peel and Enjoy: Use a knife to peel the mangoes or slice them as desired. The softened texture and potentially enhanced flavor can make the mangoes more enjoyable to eat.

While soaking mangoes before eating can have benefits, it's essential to handle and store fruits properly to minimize the risk of contamination or spoilage. Additionally, individuals with known allergies or sensitivities should consult a healthcare professional before consuming mangoes or any other potentially allergenic foods.

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Here’s Why You Should Soak Mangoes Before Eating (2024)

FAQs

Here’s Why You Should Soak Mangoes Before Eating? ›

Soaking mangoes in water before eating is good for health, this is because of the presence of phytic acid in mangoes, which often hinders the natural process of nutrient absorption such as zinc, iron, and antioxidants in the body.

Why is it important to soak mangoes before eating? ›

According to experts, soaking not only helps remove surface dirt or pesticides but also removes phytic acid, leading to better absorption of essential body nutrients. Mangoes are loaded with phytic acid – which affects how the body absorbs some minerals, including iron.

What is the science behind soaking mangoes in water? ›

Soaking mangoes in water for at least half an hour reduces their thermogenic properties, which helps keep your body heat stable even after consuming them. Reducing latex content: Freshly plucked mangoes contain a sap or latex that can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.

How many mangoes can I eat a day? ›

How Many Mangoes Should You Eat in a Day? It is always recommended to consume about one to two medium-sized mangoes per day. This amount provides essential nutrients without impacting calorie intake. Individuals with dietary requirements and calorie intake should be cautious.

Why shouldn't mangoes be refrigerated? ›

Watermelon, pineapple and mangoes are among a number of in-season fruits that should stay in your fruit bowl before being cut. “Tropical fruits are best to keep out of the fridge because they are quite sensitive to chill, so putting them in the fridge is going to affect their quality,” Parker tells SBS.

What happens if we eat raw mango in empty stomach? ›

Mango is rich in fiber and can cause digestive issues when consumed on an empty stomach. Eating mango on an empty stomach can lead to bloating, gas, and even constipation. It is best to eat mango after a meal to avoid digestive discomfort.

How many hours to soak mangoes in water? ›

Soak for 15-30 Minutes: Allow the mangoes to soak for about 15 to 30 minutes. This duration is sufficient to clean the skin, soften the fruit slightly, and potentially reduce surface allergens. Remove and Dry: After soaking, remove the mangoes from the water and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

What is the logic behind adding salt to raw mangoes? ›

Salt is used in raw mangoes, amla, and tamarind to preserve them by draining out water from them through osmosis that will inhibit the growth of bacteria and further enhance the preservation of these items. Hence, salt is used as a preservative for raw mangoes, amla, and tamarind.

What not to eat with mango? ›

Karela or bitter gourd is one of the popular vegetables enjoyed in summer season. But, one must take care of the fact that it should not be eaten after consuming mango. If these two foods are combined together, it can lead to nausea and vomiting as per Ayurveda.

What is the best time to eat mango? ›

Take a look… Eat ripe mangoes on an empty stomach in the morning to aid digestion and boost energy levels. Avoid combining mangoes with dairy products, as this combination is considered incompatible in Ayurveda and may lead to digestive issues.

Are mangoes healthier than bananas? ›

Mango has 23% more vitamin A than a banana. In just one cup of slice mango 25% of an individuals recommended daily intake of Vitamin A can be achieved. Vitamin A is key in eye care, promoting good eye sight, fights dry eyes and can even prevent against night blindness.

Why do mangoes go bad? ›

While a mango that is not yet ripe often lacks the juiciness and burst of sweet, fruity flavors mangoes are known for, overripe mangoes actually begin to ferment, and tend to have a sour taste and smell.

How to tell if mango is bad? ›

Signs your mangos should be thrown out

Fresh mangos have a firm texture, while those that are starting to go bad may develop soft spots, notes Cooks Dream. Brown marks or mold on a mango or an unpleasant smell emanating from it are also signs that the fruit is either rotten or rapidly becoming so.

How to tell if a mango is ripe? ›

A mango is ripe and ready to be eaten when:

The colour turns from green to orange, red or rosy, depending on the variety. The skin gives a little when pressed softly. If it is too mushy, the mango is over-ripe.

Do mangoes need to be soaked? ›

Soaking mangoes can help speed the ripening process. Mangoes also get soft and easy to cut and juice it. “This can be beneficial if you have firm or slightly under ripe mangoes that you want to make juicier and more flavorful before eating.

Can you eat a mango straight up? ›

You can bite straight into a mango, provided the skin is washed but it's best to avoid eating the peel because it's tough and doesn't taste very nice. Also, it may cause an allergic reaction due to its urushiol content.

Why can't you eat the skin of a mango? ›

Mango skin is edible and packed with nutrients like vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Though it may offer health benefits, it has an unpleasant taste, may preserve pesticide residues and contains compounds that may cause allergic reactions. While eating mango skin is safe for most people, it's unnecessary.

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