Mango: The Versatile King of Fruits
Mango is one of the most delicious, nutritious, and versatile fruits there is to consume. With a sweet flavor and refreshing juice, it’s similar in taste to orange, pineapple, and peach, and it pairs perfectly with dozens of flavors. Originating in India over 5,000 years ago, the mango has become a beloved fruit all over the world.
Is mango really healthy?
Mango isn’t just delicious, it’s also incredibly healthy. Low in calories but packed full of vitamins.
- 1 cup of fresh mango provides 76% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.
- In addition to vitamins and minerals, mango also provides a healthy dose of fiber and support for gut health.So, mango is not only is it a tasty treat, but it’s also a great way to stay healthy.
Read More: Nutrition Facts And Benefits Of Eating Fresh Mangoes
How to buy mangoes?
When you’re choosing a mango in the supermarket, there are a few things to keep in mind. Look for the largest one available, since mangoes are typically underdeveloped when picked from trees. The larger the fruit, the more likely it is to be ripe. You can also take a whiff of the stem side of the mango; if you detect a sweet aroma, it’s ready to be eaten.
For optimal texture, feel the mango’s skin. If it feels velvety, similar to a peach or an apricot, it’s most likely ripe. However, if its skin is mushy or grainy, more ripening is needed before the fruit is ready to be eaten. Once you’ve found a ripe mango, there are endless possibilities for how to enjoy it.
How to enjoy mangoes in different ways?
Mango is a versatile fruit that pairs well with many foods, drinks, and spice selections. Combining sweet and spicy is nothing new, and mango is a perfect ingredient to add to that mix. For example, you can add jalapenos, habanero chilis, and ginger to the mango to give it an extra kick. If you have fresh herbs around, like cilantro, mint, and basil, their bright, aromatic flavors perfectly complement the velvety sweetness of mango. When making something sweet, mix mango with spices like clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
If you’re looking to awaken your palate, pair your mango with chili powder. Start with a ripe mango and cut it into medium-sized slices. Sprinkle with fresh lime juice, chili powder, and salt. This is a street food favorite in South America and makes for an excellent snack or side dish.
Mango also pairs perfectly with other fruits. Whether you’re mixing mango with other fruits to enhance their sweetness or combining it with zesty spices, this adaptable fruit does it all. Sweets that pair well with mango include coconut, cream, peach, pineapple, and banana. If you’re looking to spice things up, you can also use mango in conjunction with lemon, lime, onion, and avocado.
Surprisingly, mango is also a great complement to meats, pairing perfectly with mango, balancing the flavors of sweet and salty. The differing characteristics keep our senses guessing as we absorb contrasting flavors, aromas, and textures. For example, you can try a vegetable, mango, and chicken stir fry for a simple dinner idea.
Mango is not just for solid food. Its juice and chunks are excellent additions to drinks, whether alcoholic or not. Mango-based drinks often give off a tropical vibe, that is bright, lush, and delicious. For alcoholic drinks, mango pairs well with different spirits like tequila, vodka, beer, wine, and hard kombucha. It also complements spicy elements like ginger and chilis. For instance, a spicy and personal favorite drink uses mango, ginger, habanero chilis, and pineapple, combined with Jun Kombucha and green tea, to make a gem of a drink.
On the other hand, mango is a fantastic addition to fruit smoothies if you want a non-alcoholic drink rich in nutrients and high in taste. It blends perfectly with other fruits and tastes delicious. A simple recipe includes one cup of mango chunks, fresh or frozen, and one frozen banana. Combine the fruits with half a cup of almond milk and ice cubes, and blend until smooth. Additionally, mango is versatile enough for juicing.
Mango’s potential in the culinary world is never-ending. It can adapt to various spice and food combinations, whether you want to make a sweet dessert or a savory dish. So, the next time you are looking for a versatile and tasty fruit, reach for mango and let your culinary creativity run wild.