Just like any fruit, Ataulfo mangos are their best when perfectly ripe, but unlike other produce, when these mangos show their wrinkles, it’s a good thing! Often called the Champagne or honey mango, the Ataulfo variety of mango is a guest favorite this time of year. This small, kidney-shaped fruit is popular for its buttery, smooth flesh, small pit and super sweet flavor.

When it comes to ripening, these fruits will start greenish yellow (don’t eat them yet!), then transition to smooth and yellow (almost there…), then finally turn yellow and wrinkly—perfection! Once your Ataulfo mango is nice and wrinkly, it’s going to be at its sweetest, juiciest and generally most delicious.

Depending on where your mangos are in their ripening process when you pick them up, you’ll want to store them in different ways:

• If your mangos aren’t ripe yet, keep them at room temperature so they can continue getting sweeter and softer as they ripen.
• To speed up the ripening process, place mangos in a paper bag at room temperature.
• Once mangos are at their peak of ripeness, you can store them in the refrigerator for a few days to slow down the ripening until you’re ready to eat them.

Drop by your local Nugget Markets for these marvelous mangos and other amazing fruits of the season!

Selection may vary by store and season.

Article originally published in March of 2016 and updated in May of 2023.