How Do You Ripen Mangoes in Rice?

To ripen mangoes in rice, you submerge the mango in a bowl of uncooked rice (or popcorn kernels) overnight.

Here's why this method works:

• Ethylene Gas: Mangoes, like many fruits, naturally produce ethylene gas, which is a ripening agent.

• Concentration Effect: Burying the mango in uncooked rice or popcorn kernels helps to trap and concentrate the ethylene gas around the fruit. This concentrated exposure accelerates the ripening process. The rice doesn't cause the ripening; it simply helps contain the gas the mango already produces.

• Overnight Process: The reference suggests leaving the mango submerged overnight, but it's crucial to check the mango daily. Depending on the initial ripeness of the mango, it may ripen faster than expected.

Therefore, to ripen a mango using the rice method:

1. Place the mango in a bowl.
2. Completely cover the mango with uncooked rice (or popcorn kernels).
3. Leave the mango submerged overnight.
4. Check the mango's ripeness daily by gently squeezing it. A ripe mango will be slightly soft to the touch and have a fragrant aroma.