Mango season has started in Indian markets. Mango is one of the most favourite fruits of summer. It is not only delicious in taste but is also considered beneficial for health. However, due to the increasing demand for mangoes, some people resort to chemicals to ripen it quickly. Especially, dangerous chemicals like calcium carbide are used for this, which is very harmful for health.
The Danger of Chemical-Ripened Mangoes
Calcular mangoes using calcium carbide can look attractive from outside but can be harmful to your health. While this chemical accelerates ripening process, it often leaves in ripe inside the fruit. These mangoes may lead to a lack of natural sweetness and nutritional value that provide naturally ripened mangoes. Additionally, consuming chemically ripened mangoes can cause many health issues:
-
Gas and acidity
-
Liver disorders
-
Digestive problems
These common are especially dangerous for children, elderly and pregnant women who are more unsafe for health risks.
What is Calcium Carbide?
Calcium carbide is a chemical that is commonly used in factories. Some people use it illegally to ripen fruits quickly.Such fruits look ripe from outside, but may remain unripe from inside, which is harmful for health. This is the reason why the Indian government has banned the use of calcium carbide in ripening fruits.
That mangoes ripened with calcium carbide have less natural sweetness and nutrition. Also, they affect the digestive system. Eating them for a long time can cause problems like gas, acidity and liver disorders. These mangoes can be especially dangerous for children, the elderly and pregnant women.
How to Identify Mangoes Ripened with Chemicals
In summers, the market is full of colourful mangoes. You can identify to a great extent from the taste, colour, fragrance and texture of the mango whether it is ripened naturally or chemically. For this, look at these points-
- Color: If the mango is bright yellow from outside and hard from inside, then it may be ripened with chemicals. The colour of natural mango is slightly uneven.
- Smell: Natural mangoes smell sweet and fresh, while chemically ripened mangoes may either have no smell or a slightly pungent smell.
- Taste: Mangoes ripened with chemicals may taste bland or strange.
- Texture: If the mango feels too soft or hard when touched, it may be ripened using chemicals. Natural mangoes are slightly soft.
How to Ripen Mangoes Naturally at Home
To ripen mangoes at home, wrap them in paper and keep them at room temperature or press them in straw. Mangoes will ripen naturally in 2-3 days. This method is safe. Eating such mangoes does not harm health. Can be ripened
Legal Actions Against Chemical Ripening
Every state has a Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department. You can contact the officer of your district. Also, this matter is related to public health, so you can also complain to the police or municipal corporation.
Food Safety Officer Chaturbhuj Meena says that if any shopkeeper or trader is caught ripening fruits using chemicals, strict action can be taken against him. This includes heavy fines, cancellation of license, and legal punishment can also be given if needed.
Choose Naturally Ripened Mangoes for Your Health
As the mango season rolls, make sure you are consuming mangoes that are naturally ripened to avoid potential health risks. Look out for signs of chemically ripening mangoes and prefer those who are naturally cooked to enjoy full health benefits of this delicious fruit. Be cautious, and help spread awareness to protect your health and health of your loved ones.
