Why Mangoes Are a Must-Have in Your Kitchen

Mangoes are a favorite of many people across the world. The mellow, sweet flavor is a great addition to desserts, but it also works well with savory dishes. In this article, we’ll talk about what makes mangoes so delicious and why they’re a must-have in your kitchen.

Ripe Mango vs Unripe Mango
While both mangos are tasty, ripe mangoes have more intense flavors, and they’re sweeter and more juicy than their unripe counterparts. This means they’re ideal for eating out of hand, but they can also be incorporated into other dishes such as soups, stews, or curries.

A Mango’s Taste Does Change with Age
Like many fruits, a mango’s taste changes as it ages. They’ll become less juicy, more rubbery, and a tad sour instead of sweet when they’re young, but as they mature, their flavor will mellow and become more balanced.

It’s best to pick a mango when it’s at its peak of ripeness, but there are many ways to find out whether they’re ready to be picked. One simple method is to shake the tree or thrash it around in your hands. This will cause them to drop to the ground, but they’ll fall softly, so you don’t have to worry about bruising.

There are over 500 named varieties of mango, ranging in color, texture, size, and flavor. The most common variety sold in the United States is Tommy Atkins, a mildly sweet, large mango with firm, orange flesh and a blushing red peel.

The skin of the mango is a little different than the skin of other tropical fruit. It contains urushiol, a plant compound that can cause an itchy mouth and lips.

To avoid this, remove the skin before you eat the mango. This will make your food more enjoyable and keep you from developing an allergic reaction.

Some of the best mangoes are sourced from India and other countries in the Far East, but they can be found at your local grocery store as well. In particular, you’ll want to look for a variety that isn’t too fibrous (the fiber can be succeptable to fungus) and isn’t overly sweet.

A good variety to find in your local produce is the Totapuri. This mango hails from India and is popular in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

The Totapuri is a moderately sweet, greenish-yellow or orange variety that looks a lot like a parrot’s beak and has a smooth shiny skin. It’s often used in salads and as a chutney or pickle.

You can find this variety in most markets in India, but it is most commonly available at specialty stores and farmer’s markets. It’s also a good choice for home growers who are looking to increase their crop size without increasing labor or cost.

This is a beautiful, golden-yellow mango that has been dubbed the “miracle mango.” It’s a hardy cultivar that can be grown year-round in climates with colder winters. Its flesh is juicy but is slightly fibrous, and it’s susceptible to fungus.