Carbide- Free Mangoes

Why should you always choose carbide-free, naturally ripened mangoes?

Summers and mangoes are in full swing. Indians have a fetish for mangoes like no other; this fruit, with its various shapes, sizes, and color, binds the country's length and breadth. But to meet this heavy demand from 1.3 billion people, mangoes are often sold in the market and are ripened with carbide. This is a harmful practice that takes away the natural nutrient content of the fruit. In addition, the unmeasured use of carbide on mangoes brings additional detrimental effects on our health. 

 

What are carbide-ripened mangoes?

Calcium Carbide is an artificial ripening agent widely available on the market. It is often difficult to keep track of the chemicals used on fruits sold in open local markets. Traders often call for unripe cartons of mangoes and use calcium carbide on them to turn them yellow in a day. Chemically-ripened mangoes give them a whopping sale. However, unripe mangoes can cause multiple harmful side effects to serious health concerns. 

Hindustan Times even did a detailed report on how local traders openly sell these carbides ripen mangoes in the market. Read here Beware of artificially ripened mangoes - Hindustan Times

 

Harmful Effects of Carbide Ripen Mangoes: 

Consumption of calcium carbide ripened mangoes affect the neurological system and cause headache, dizziness, mood disturbances, sleepiness, mental confusion, memory loss, cerebral edema, and seizures.

Calcium carbide is a carcinogenic substance and is banned under Section 44A of the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act which tells how deadly this chemical is for human consumption. 

 

Are mangoes harvested when ripening only?

Mangoes mature after a specific time of growth, and that's when cultivators harvest them, although mature mangoes do not mean they are ripened and ready to eat. These mature mangoes are then stored in cartons and sent to traders. There is usually a gestation time for these mangoes to ripen naturally. However, traders do not wait for the natural ripening time of mangoes and use calcium carbide to encash the heavy demand for mangoes. 

 

How do mangoes ripen naturally?

A mature mango will usually ripen with an increasing percentage of soluble solids concentration (SSC) and decreasing starch and firmness (pounds-force) to become flavourful and ready to eat. You can expect the mangos to be mature at receiving but not necessarily ripe. Maturity at harvest can be judged by factors, including flesh color, firmness, SSC, dry matter, and fruit shoulder shape. 

Source: Mango_Handling_and_Ripening_Protocol_Eng.pdf

Fresh Farmse ensures its customers get this naturally ripened mango experience from across the country in Noida, Delhi, and the NCR region.

 

Popular myths about Mango

  1. Mango causes Weight gain: It is a widespread belief that the sweetness of mangoes causes weight gain. However, it is not true at all. Natural Mangoes eaten naturally do not promote weight gain. However, Mango shakes and mango ice creams that contain additional refined sugars can infuse weight gain. 
  2. Mango causes acne: If you struggle with acne or have sensitive skin prone to pimples, you must have heard to stay from mangoes. However, that is not the case. The Deficiency of vitamin A is one of the reasons for acne, and mangoes have an abundance of vitamin A which can help relieve skin-related problems. 
  3. Mango is not diabetic-friendly: It's widely believed that eating mangoes is not suitable for diabetic patients. The fact is, Mango is a sweet fruit but low in glycemic index (below 55), making it ideal for even those with diabetes. Consuming in moderation will not harm you. Mango contains a compound known as mangiferin, an important antioxidant that helps regulate blood sugar levels by lowering them down a little.

Benefits of Eating Mango

Consuming seasonal produce is a healthy choice and should be added to your daily diet. Celebrity dieticians like Rujuta Diwekar always promote eating seasonal, sustainable crop that helps maintain a healthy lifestyle without additional cost. 

Rujuta Diwekar on Instagram: "- Mango with lunch (soak in water for 30 mins prior) - Dry coconut as a snack - Kulith (horse gram) atta for dinner Will help with - -…"

 Now, you have all the reasons to say Yes, to mangoes this season without thinking about chemicals or its myth. So, hop on-to-our fruits range, and shop for some of the most amazing mangoes from across the country. 

You can also read about Red Rice, Eucalyptus Honey, and Orange Marmalade