Mangoes are a popular fruit that’s enjoyed worldwide. There are a whopping 55 million tons of mangoes grown annually. Mangoes are available year-round but they’re at their best when they are in season, from May to September. During peak season, you’ll often find great deals on mangoes at the grocery store. Make the most of this sweet (and budget-friendly) fruit by storing it correctly. Here are our Test Kitchen’s best tips for storing fresh mangoes for up to six months.

How to Store Mangoes

After purchasing, store mangoes at room temperature, where they will continue ripening and become softer and more fragrant. “To speed up the ripening process, place them in a paper bag on the counter with an apple or a banana. The ethylene they release from the fruit will help the mango ripen,” says Juliana Hale, senior brand manager, Better Homes & Garden’s Test Kitchen. Only fully ripe mangoes should be refrigerated. If you place them in the fridge too soon, the ripening process will slow.

How to Store Sliced Mangoes

If you’ve cubed or sliced your mango, you can store the fruit in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Before eating, double check that the fruit still smells fresh and doesn’t have a sour aroma or slimy texture. When in doubt, toss it.

Can You Freeze Mangoes?

Yes, you can freeze mangoes. The fruit freezes beautifully, and frozen mango is a delicious addition to smoothies, desserts, and cocktails. Here’s how to freeze mango.

1. Start with ripe fruit, and cut the flesh into slices or cubes.
2. Lay the pieces without touching on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze overnight.
3. Once the fruit is frozen, gently remove it from the sheet and place it into a freezer-safe bag. Label and date the bag. We recommend using frozen mango within six months.

How to Thaw Frozen Mango

We like to use frozen mango pieces directly from the freezer. However, if you need to thaw the mango, the best method is to allow it to slowly thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you need it faster, run the bag under cold water until thawed.

The texture of thawed mango will be less firm than fresh. For that reason, we recommend using it in baked goods, fruit pies, or smoothies.

How to Choose a Ripe Mango

When shopping for mangoes, don’t start with color. It’s not a good indicator of the fruit’s ripeness. Instead, pick up the mango and give it a gentle squeeze. A ripe mango will give a little when pressed. Your nose is also a great tool for gauging ripeness. A ripe mango will have a fruity aroma.

The BHG Test Kitchen likes to use Ataulfo mangoes (also known as champagne or honey mangoes). The fruit is sweet and velvety with a smaller seed than other varieties. Ataulfo mangoes are at their best when the skin is just a little wrinkly.