If you're a fan of the luscious and tropical taste of mangoes, you'll be delighted to know that freezing them is a great way to preserve their sweetness and enjoy them all year. Freezing mangoes not only allows you to extend their shelf life but also gives you the opportunity to add them to smoothies, desserts, and other culinary creations whenever you desire.
However, freezing mangoes requires proper preparation and storage techniques to maintain their flavour, texture, and nutritional value. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of freezing mangoes, along with helpful tips and tricks to ensure you have a stash of frozen mangoes ready to enjoy whenever you crave that burst of tropical goodness.
Benefits Of Freezing Mangoes
Freezing mangoes provides a range of benefits that make it a worthwhile method for preserving this delectable fruit. One of its primary advantages is the extended shelf life it offers. Mangoes, especially when fully ripe, have a relatively short window of freshness. By freezing them, you can significantly prolong their shelf life and prevent them from spoiling. When mangoes are properly frozen, their natural flavours and textures are retained to a great extent. The freezing process helps lock in the vibrant sweetness and juiciness of the fruit, ensuring that you can still savour its deliciousness when you thaw and consume it. Whether you plan to use the frozen mangoes in smoothies, desserts, or as a topping for yoghurt or cereal, they will provide a burst of tropical goodness.
Freezing mangoes also allows for greater flexibility and convenience in meal planning and preparation. With a stash of frozen mangoes in your freezer, you have the option to add them to a variety of recipes whenever you desire. Whether it's a refreshing mango sorbet on a hot summer day or a flavourful mango salsa to accompany your favourite dish, having frozen mangoes on hand makes it easier to incorporate this versatile fruit into your culinary creations.
Furthermore, when mangoes are in season and available at a lower price, you can stock up and freeze them for later use. This way, you can enjoy the taste of mangoes even when they are not as readily accessible and when their prices are higher due to seasonal variations. Lastly, freezing mangoes can be a way to reduce food waste. If you have an abundance of ripe mangoes that you won't be able to consume before they spoil, freezing them can be a smart solution. Instead of letting them go to waste, freezing preserves their freshness and allows you to make the most of your fruit supply.
How To Freeze Mangoes?
Diced Mangoes
Freezing diced mangoes is a simple and effective way to preserve this juicy fruit for future use. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to freeze diced mangoes:
• Choose Ripe Mangoes: Select ripe mangoes that are sweet and fragrant. The mango should yield slightly when gently pressed, indicating that it's ripe and ready to be enjoyed.
• Wash And Peel: Start by washing the mangoes under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Next, use a sharp knife to carefully peel the mangoes, removing the skin. Make sure to remove all the peel, as it can become tough and undesirable when frozen.
• Dice The Mangoes: Cut the peeled mangoes into small, bite-sized pieces. You can dice them into cubes or any preferred shape, depending on your preference.
• Arrange On A Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread the diced mangoes in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring that they are not touching or clumped together. This will prevent them from freezing into a solid mass.
• Flash Freeze: Place the baking sheet with the diced mangoes in the freezer. Allow them to freeze for about 1 to 2 hours, or until they are firm. This initial freezing, known as flash freezing, prevents the mangoes from sticking together during storage.
• Transfer To Freezer Bags or Containers: Once the diced mangoes are flash-frozen, remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Transfer the frozen mango pieces into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Make sure to label the bags or containers with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• Remove Air And Seal: Squeeze out any excess air from the bags or containers before sealing them tightly. This helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the quality of the mangoes.
• Return To The Freezer: Place the sealed bags or containers back into the freezer. Store them in a designated freezer area where they will remain undisturbed.
Mango Puree
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to freeze mango puree:
• Select Ripe Mangoes: Choose ripe mangoes that are sweet and fully ripe. Look for mangoes that give slightly when gently pressed and have a fragrant aroma. Ripe mangoes will yield a smooth and flavourful puree.
• Wash And Peel: Start by washing the mangoes under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue. Use a sharp knife to carefully peel the mangoes, removing the skin completely.
• Remove The Flesh: Cut the mangoes vertically along both sides of the pit to separate the flesh from the seed. Use a spoon to scoop out the mango flesh and place it in a blender or food processor.
• Blend Into Puree: Blend the mango flesh until it forms a smooth puree. Ensure that there are no lumps or fibrous bits remaining. If desired, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the puree to help preserve its vibrant colour.
• Portion The Puree: Decide on the portion sizes that would be most convenient for your intended use. You can use ice cube trays, silicone moulds, or small freezer-safe containers for this purpose. Pour the mango puree into the chosen containers, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
• Seal And Label: Cover the containers tightly with lids or wrap them with plastic wrap. Alternatively, if using ice cube trays or silicone moulds, place them in a large freezer bag and seal them. Don't forget to label the containers or bags with the date and the contents for easy identification later.
• Freeze: Place the containers or bags in the freezer and allow the mango puree to freeze completely. Depending on the thickness of the puree and the size of the containers, it may take a few hours or overnight to freeze solid.
• Store In Freezer Bags: Once the mango puree is fully frozen, you can transfer the individual portions from the moulds or containers into a freezer bag for more efficient storage. Remove any excess air from the bag and seal it tightly.
• Return To Freezer: Place the sealed freezer bag with the mango puree back in the freezer. Store it in a flat position to maximise freezer space and prevent the puree from thawing or spilling.
