Yesterday, I bought a box of Alphonso mangoes from Indiaco in Johns Creek.
The price? $45 for 9 mangoes — that’s $5 per mango.
There was a clear sign at checkout:
“No refund. No exchange.”
Still, we were excited.
It was our first box of Indian mangoes of the season.
We brought them home with joy, offered them to God as part of tradition — and then came the moment we were all waiting for.
We sliced them open.
And that’s when the disappointment hit us — hard.
2 out of the 4 mangoes we cut were brown and rotting near the seed.
Soft. Mushy. Discolored.
It smelled slightly fermented.
Not just unpleasant — unacceptable.
We were disgusted.
And concerned.
How can retailers charge premium prices for imported fruit and not even guarantee basic quality?
So I started digging.
Here’s why this happens, what it means, and why you should never eat a mango that’s brown inside.
Why Do Alphonso Mangoes Rot From the Inside?
That brownish, mushy pulp near the seed isn’t just a “bad spot.”
It’s a sign of rotting — and it can happen even if the outside looks perfect.
1. Over-Ripening or Heat Exposure During Shipping
Alphonso mangoes ripen quickly and are sensitive to temperature. During long shipments from India, poor refrigeration causes internal fermentation, making the seed area rot before the skin even shows it.
2. Artificial Ripening Chemicals
Some exporters use ethylene gas or worse, calcium carbide, to speed up ripening. This results in uneven ripening — often causing the inside to break down while the outside still looks presentable.
3. Fungal or Bacterial Entry Through Bruises
If the fruit is bruised or nicked during harvest or packaging, microbes seep in, grow near the seed, and cause spoilage from the inside.
4. Jelly Seed Disorder (Internal Breakdown)
This is a naturally occurring problem caused by calcium deficiency during fruit development. The pulp near the seed turns watery, brown, and inedible — even though the mango looks fine from the outside.
Is It Safe to Eat a Mango That’s Brown Near the Seed?
Short answer: No.
If your mango is:
- Brown, slimy, or soft near the pit
- Smelling fermented or sour
- Tastes off or bitter
Throw it out.
The Health Risks Are Real:
- Foodborne Illness: Mold or bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria can cause serious infections.
- Digestive Issues: Fermented pulp may lead to nausea, cramps, or diarrhea.
- Chemical Exposure: If artificially ripened, you might be consuming chemical residues that are harmful to your body.
What Should You Do as a Customer?
At $5 per mango, you deserve better.
1. Document Everything
Take photos or videos of the spoiled mango. This is your proof — especially when stores claim “no refund.”
2. Report the Seller
If you’ve been sold visibly rotten fruit with no refund policy, report the retailer to:
- USDA
- Local Department of Consumer Affairs
You can also leave a review publicly to warn other buyers.
3. Consider Legal Action
If multiple customers face the same issue — and there are health risks involved — you may be able to file a small claims complaint or initiate a consumer rights case. At the very least, retailers must be held accountable for selling perishable food without safety checks or quality guarantees.
Final Word
Rotting Alphonso mangoes are more than just a bad experience.
They’re a symbol of everything that’s wrong with unchecked, overpriced, and irresponsible food retail.
Don’t just accept it.
Don’t just throw it away and say nothing.
Speak up. Ask for accountability. Protect your family — and your faith in the foods we love.
And next time you buy a box of mangoes?
Cut with caution. Inspect the core. And if it’s brown inside?
It doesn’t belong in your body.