Now Forage

Fig: Hangs heavily and droops at the neck; skin softens and may split. A sweet drop of nectar at the base eye and the absence of white sap at the stem confirm ripeness. Pick with a gentle twist.

Mango: Smell is the best guide — a ripe mango is intensely fragrant at the stem end. Skin colour varies (yellow, red, green) by variety and is not reliable. Fruit yields to gentle pressure. The cheeks fill out and round. Harvest slightly firm for best transport; ripen at room temperature.