When choosing this sweet and fleshy stone fruit, don’t focus on the color, which can vary from yellow to green to red. In some varieties, the red-tinged skin is an indicator of how much sun that mango received. However, mangos from the middle part of the tree can taste just as sweet, with very little red coloring. If you want to eat a ripe mango right away, it should be soft to the touch. A firmer mango will require several days to ripen at room temperature. Once ripe, peel and dice mango and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for several days or in the freezer for up to six months. For a sweet breakfast treat, enjoy mango over crêpes, waffles, or pancakes.   MARIA DESIDERATA MONTANA