Health Alert: How to Identify Chemically Ripened Mangoes in the Market

Kathmandu. Who doesn't love mangoes? As the summer season arrives, mangoes become the most sought-after fruit for many. 

It is also known as the king of fruits. From children to adults and the elderly, everyone enjoys eating this fruit. 

Currently, young mangoes are hanging on the trees. However, bright yellow mangoes have already started appearing in the market. You might be tempted to see these mangoes. 

But wait, do not rush to buy them. Such mangoes can prove to be harmful to your health. In search of taste, we often ignore quality, which is extremely dangerous for the body.

So, how do you distinguish between real and chemically treated mangoes? The actual season for mangoes is May and June. However, yellow mangoes have already started appearing in the market from now. 

In reality, these mangoes are not naturally ripened on the tree. They are forcibly ripened using dangerous chemicals like calcium carbide. Although this chemical makes the mango look yellow and beautiful from the outside, it is toxic on the inside.

Experts have suggested some easy ways to identify at home whether a mango is natural or ripened with chemicals:

• Smell: Naturally ripened mangoes have a sweet aroma. Mangoes prepared using chemicals have no fragrance or have a sharp, chemical-like smell.
• Color: A tree-ripened mango is not uniformly yellow all over. It may have green or brown spots. If the mango looks uniformly bright yellow all over, it is likely artificially ripened.
• Touch: Chemically ripened mangoes are often unnecessarily soft or overly mushy. Naturally ripened mangoes are slightly firm.
• Taste: Naturally ripened mangoes have a distinct taste, but eating chemically treated mangoes can cause a burning sensation in the mouth.

Why are chemically ripened mangoes dangerous?

Calcium carbide is a toxic substance. When used to ripen mangoes, its residue remains attached to the outer layer of the fruit. Consuming it can lead to various health problems.

• Stomach ailments: Gas, acidity, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Headaches and dizziness: The effect of chemicals can lead to neurological problems.
• Liver damage: Long-term consumption of such fruits can directly affect your liver.
• Food poisoning: Children have weaker immune systems. Therefore, such mangoes are even more dangerous for children.

(Disclaimer: This advisory content provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical advice. Always consult an expert or your doctor for further information.)