Now Forage

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.

Papaya: Skin turns from green to yellow-orange starting at the base. Yields to gentle pressure. Sweet, floral aroma develops. Green papaya is eaten as a vegetable (unripe). Ripe fruit has orange flesh and black seeds inside.