Learn How to Preserve Raw Mango and use it throughout the year in amazing recipes as pickles, for stuffing, raw mango rice or to add to your chutney.
We all use amchoor or khatai or dry mango powder in many recipes. I use it in almost all of my recipes.
Imagine the taste when instead of using store-bought powder, you can enjoy the goodness of raw mango year round.
There are certain recipes which uses raw mango and do not turn out as good when mangoes are not in season
like bharwan karela (stuffed bittergourd) or aam ka panna, now you can enjoy these recipes too year round if your freezer is big enough.
And if it’s not big enough, then you have enough reason to buy a new one just for this purpose. ;)
In a potluck last year, a dear friend Ravaly Chelimala treated us to raw mango rice in the month of October.
We are all stumped! How can you get raw mangoes in October?? Then she shared her secret about freezing the grated raw mango for the year round.
I waited for summers to come and learn how to do that from her. I didn’t just preserved for myself but also over 10 kilos for my mother.
While I was at my home town, it rained heavily bringing down kilos of mangoes and we put them to good use.
The preserve stays for a long time in freezer. You can adjust the amount of salt used depending upon your preference. I have frozen it without salt too when I knew it would be used within few weeks.
If you have added salt to the preserve, then you would need to adjust salt to the dish you would add preserve to. It happens frequently that we tend to forget to adjust the salt and end up with over salty dish.
Make pickle, add to veggies instead of amchoor, rice, dals (pulses) or anything you wish to create. Give your recipes a new tanginess.
Step-by-Step Process to Preserve Raw Mango
How to Preserve Raw Mango
Materials
- 6 cup raw mango grated
- 1 cup salt
Instructions
- Mix grated raw mango and salt together in a large bowl.
- Transfer to ziplock bag(s) or to a freezer safe container. Freeze the preserve and use it as and when required.
Notes
- The preserve stays for a long time in freezer.
- You can adjust the amount of salt used depending upon your preference. I have frozen it without salt too when I knew it would be used within few weeks.
- If you have added salt to the preserve, then you would need to adjust salt to the dish you would add preserve to. It happens frequently that we tend to forget to adjust the salt and end up with over salty dish.
Preserving raw mangoes allows you to enjoy their tangy flavor and nutritional benefits throughout the year. Here are some of the best methods for preserving raw mangoes:
1. Pickling the raw mangoes in spicy & tangy form to enjoy with daily food thorughout the year. Some tasty mango pickle recipes to drool on! Pickles can last for months to years.
2. Freezing can store mangoes up to 12 months.
3. Drying allows you to store dried mango slices in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
4. Canning preserves mangoes for up to a year or more.
5. Making Aam Panna (Mango Drink Concentrate)
Each of these methods allows you to preserve raw mangoes and enjoy their unique flavor and nutritional benefits long after the fresh fruit is out of season.
Preserving raw mangoes in salt is a traditional method that helps to extend their shelf life while maintaining their tangy flavor. This method is relatively simple and requires minimal ingredients like Raw mangoes, Salt (non-iodized is preferable) and turmeric powder (optional, for additional preservation and flavor)
A quick process involves, washing, drying, peeling & cutting mangoes. In a large mixing bowl, optionally sprinkle the mango pieces with a bit of turmeric powder and mix well. Turmeric acts as a natural preservative and adds a slight flavor. Now sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the mango pieces. Make sure all pieces are well-coated with salt. The general ratio is about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per pound of mango. Allow the salted mangoes to rest in the bowl for a few hours or overnight. This will draw out excess moisture from the mangoes. After resting, you may notice some liquid at the bottom of the bowl. Drain this liquid away. Pack the salted mango pieces into the sterilized glass jars. Press down to remove any air pockets, ensuring the mango pieces are tightly packed.
More Salt (Optional): If desired, you can add a bit more salt between layers of mangoes to ensure preservation.
Seal the jars tightly with the lids. Make sure they are airtight to prevent any contamination. Store the jars in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. The salted mangoes can last for several months to a year when stored properly.
Usage
Direct Consumption: You can enjoy the salted mango pieces as a tangy snack.
Culinary Uses: Use them in cooking, such as adding to curries, chutneys, or salads.
Additional Tips
Hygiene: Ensure all utensils and jars are clean and dry to prevent contamination and mold growth.
Avoid Moisture: Always use a dry spoon to take out the mango pieces to avoid introducing moisture into the jar.
Check Regularly: Periodically check the jars for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or off smells. If any spoilage is detected, discard the contents of the jar.
Preserving raw mangoes in salt is an effective way to enjoy their unique flavor long after their season has passed.
Short-Term Storage (A Few Days to a Week)
At Room Temperature:
Unripe Mangoes: Store unripe raw mangoes at room temperature in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and keep them in a cool, dry place.
Ripening: If you want to ripen them, you can place them in a paper bag, which will help concentrate the ethylene gas they produce and speed up the ripening process.
Refrigeration:
Ripe Mangoes: Once the mangoes are ripe, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place them in a plastic bag or container to prevent them from drying out. They can last for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Medium-Term Storage (A Few Weeks to a Month)
Brine Solution
Long-Term Storage (Several Months)
Freezing
Pickling
Drying
Tips for Storing Raw Mangoes
Hygiene: Always wash and dry mangoes before storing to remove any dirt or pesticides.
Avoid Moisture: Moisture can lead to mold growth, so ensure that mangoes are dry before storing and use dry utensils when handling preserved mangoes.
Check Regularly: Periodically check stored mangoes for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or off smells. Remove any spoiled mangoes to prevent them from affecting the others.
By using these methods, you can effectively store raw mangoes and enjoy their unique flavor and nutritional benefits for an extended period.
