Mango
Scientific Binomial Name: Mangifera indica
Selection Information
Usage:
In fruit salads or eaten out of hand. Can be frozen & used in jam. Mango juice is both delicious and healthy.
Selection:
Good-quality Mangoes will yield slightly to gentle pressure when ripe. The coloring will be deep red and/or rich yellow with only a blush of green at the most. (Very green mangoes are used in certain dishes) Medium to large mangoes are generally best. A ripe mango will smell fairly fruity on the stem end as long as it is not cold.
Avoid:
Avoid product that is too small, too soft or wrinkled. Green mangoes are used for cooking, but will ripen if kept at room temperature.
Storage:
If not fully ripe, allow mangoes to ripen at room temperature in a paper bag. Once ripe, mangoes can be stored in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Seasonal Information
At least one of six varieties of Mangoes will be available throughout the year from Florida, Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru or Venezuela.
Mango Nutritional Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 156g
Amount Per Serving
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Source: PMA's Labeling Facts
Mangoes are very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. They're also a good source of Dietary Fiber and Vitamin B6, and a very good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
Mango Tips & Trivia
- Ripen a mango in a sealed plastic bag with ripe bananas on top of the refrigerator.
- Here's an easy way to cut up a mango. Cut the majority of the meat away from the pit in two pieces by cutting along the flat side of the seed. Then score the cut side of the fruit with a knife in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to cut all the way through the skin. Now simply push the fruit from the skinside inwards - basically turning the fruit inside out. You can now eat bit-sized chunks without much mess at all!
- The mango was first cultivated in southern Asia over 6,000 years ago, and was introduced to Florida in the 1860's.
- Mangos are the most universally popular of all tropical fruits. However, they probably are the most underrated of all fresh fruits used in the United States.
How to Cut a Mango
If you've ever wondered how to cut a mango, look no further! This video explains how to cut a mango so you can do it perfectly every time.