Erratic rainfalls in March impact Mango crop: How to ripen raw Mangoes rightly with grandma's newspaper hack using quick commerce paper bags

Summer's mango frenzy hits hard, especially for those mango lovers who wait all year round for the juicy king of fruits, in the form of those golden treasures arriving in heaps.This year, unusual rains and unpredictable weather in India throughout March have badly hit mango crops, leading to early fruit drop and making them prone to more fungal infections.While mango trees need water in their early fruiting stage, unexpected rains during the key flowering period have interfered with pollination.But to cater to the yield of the upcoming mango season, and relish the orangish- yellow treats, the mangoes need to be stored and taken care of properly.Recently, we've all been there, grabbing bulk orders from quick commerce apps, and those giant brown paper bags seem to have taken a permanent seat in our homes.

But how to put them to use?

Use them to store mangoes!

Mangoes naturally release ethylene gas while ripening, which accelerates the process, especially in summer's heat and humidity that traps moisture and leads to mold growth.Paper bags provide the perfect balance; they retain just enough gas for even ripening while allowing air circulation, avoiding the dampness problems of sealed plastic bags.

Method passed down through generations

This approach is not new; people have passed it down through generations from when they used to get a bulk of semi-ripened mangoes from their orchards. Then these were wrapped in newspapers and stored in large baskets in dry, lightly lit places away from the sun. This process, known as ‘paal ka aam,’ helped them ripen correctly without spoiling.

How to use this storage technique correctly for mangoes

Common mistakes to keep in mind

Don't tape bags tightly, as it is necessary to make an air flow to help fruits breathe. Skip cramming too many fruits. Steer clear of ovens, windows, or greasy bags. These keep your mangoes prime longer.