Description
Mangoes can be red, yellow, or green on the outside, are smooth-skinned, and have yellow to bright orange flesh and a sweet, sometimes tart flavor. Because of the variations of skin color in Mango varieties, color doesn't always indicate ripeness. Like an avocado, a Mango that gives to pressure is ripe. Firm Mangoes will ripen at room temperature.
Mangoes are available year-round.
There are hundreds of varieties of Mangoes. The Mango is considered by some to be the most widely consumed fruit in the world. It is known as the "King of Fruits" in India. The botanical name is Mangifera Indica, and the Mango belongs to the same family (Anacardiaceae) as the cashew and pistachio.
Mangoes provide fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium. They also contain natural enzymes that assist in breaking down proteins.
Mango is a popular ingredient for salsas and chutneys worldwide. Sweet Mango is also widely used in desserts and baked goods, along with ice cream and gelato. Mangoes can be sliced and dried in a dehydrator. A chopped Mango lends a tropical taste to fruit smoothies. Because of the natural enzymes, Mangoes are often an ingredient in marinades to tenderize meat.