Time to celebrate this sweet and juicy fruit
National Mango Day is July 22nd!
Primarily a summer fruit, mangos come in several shapes, sizes and varieties. According to history, mangoes were first discovered in India and is grown from a tropical tree called the Mangifera Indica. As time went by, mangoes traveled from India to other countries of the world. Because it has a big seed, mangoes had to be transported by humans, unlike other fruits like cherries, which could easily be transported by birds and animals. Spanish explorers brought mangos to South America and Mexico in the 1600’s. The first attempt to introduce the mango into the U.S. came in 1833 to Florida.
Mango Nutrient Power
It is said that mangoes are a combination of the flavors of peaches, pineapples, and oranges. Additionally, the sweet and tangy taste is accompanied by an abundance of nutrients that are extremely beneficial for your body. Learn more about mango’s nutrition profile and benefits below:
Mangoes are rich in vitamin C
This is important for forming blood vessels and healthy collagen, as well as aiding in wound healing.
Mangoes are high in the antioxidant, beta-carotene
This gives mangoes its yellow-orange hue has been shown to fight free radicals, which can cause damage to cells and potentially lead to cancer.
Mangoes are a great source of magnesium and potassium
Both of these are connected to lower blood pressure and a regular pulse.
Mangoes are high in fiber
The fiber in mangoes can be more effective in relieving constipation than equivalent fiber supplements.
Varieties of Mangoes
The six most common varieties available in the U.S. are:
Honey
These have a smaller seed than other types of mangoes, so their ratio of flesh to seed is higher.
Francis
These are sweet and fruity.
Haden
These are sweet and sour, with a slight bitter taste.
Keitt
These have a slightly citrus flavor and often picked or eaten in their green stage.
Kent
These are ideal for juicing and drying.
Tommy Atkins
These are mildly sweet but are valued for their long shelf life and tolerance of handling.
Mango Fun Facts:
- A basket of mangos is considered a gesture of friendship in India.
- Mangos are related to cashews and pistachios
- In South Asia, mangoes are so valued that they are considered the national fruit of Pakistan, India, and the Philippines and the national tree of Bangladesh.
- The species name of the mango is Mangiferi indica, which means “an Indian plant bearing mangos.”
- Unripe, green mangoes have more vitamin C than ripe ones.
Explore Ways to Cut a Mango
There are several ways that can be implemented to peel and cut a mango. Depending on how the mango will be used will also determine how it may need to cut. To discover fun and different ways to cut a mango, check out this website below.
Sweet & Delicious Mango Recipes:
Mango Black Bean Salsa: Mango-Black Bean Salsa Recipe (southernliving.com)
Mangonadas: Mangonadas Recipe | Food Network Kitchen | Food Network
Curried Chicken & Mango Salad: Curried chicken & mango salad recipe | Good Food (bbcgoodfood.com)
– Dana Gardner, Registered Dietitian, MS, LD/N
Want more?
Check out our previous edition of Food for Thought!
July is National Grilling Month! Grilling is all about good times, good friends and even better food. It sets the perfect atmosphere for a feel-good environment and a fun way to cook a healthy and tasty meal. Learn all about how to grill safely this Summer with our previous edition of Food for Thought!
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