Mangoes are the rockstars of tropical fruit and one of the most popular fruits around the world—everyone loves them! They’re packed with nutrients, versatile in the kitchen, and taste amazing. Chefs especially love them because they add depth to recipes and make it easy to plan daily, monthly, and seasonal menu specials.
So today, we’re diving into the world of mangoes! We’ll cover everything a chef needs to know: the best times to source them, which varieties to use, how to cut them like a pro, and, most importantly, how to pair them with other flavors to create seriously delicious dishes. Get ready to uncover the secrets of this incredible exotic fruit!
Is Mango a Tropical Fruit or a Drupe?
Haven’t you ever wondered if the juicy, sweet mango is more than just a tropical delight? Well, it turns out, mangoes are not only a tropical fruit but also a drupe—a type of stone fruit that’s part of the cashew family. With their large central seed, luscious flesh, and vibrant skin, it’s no wonder they’re often crowned the “king of fruits.” This summer, mangoes are reigning as one of the hottest fruit trends of 2024.
When is Mango in Season?
In the United States, mangoes are available year-round, but they truly shine during the summer months when they reach peak ripeness. The most flavorful, perfectly ripe mangoes are typically in season from May to October, offering the best availability and flavor during summer.
Where are Mangoes Imported From?
Many of the mangoes we eat in New York come from Mexico, which supplies over 70% of the market. The peak season for mangoes really depends on the harvest in these regions, with Mexico’s mango season influencing availability in the U.S.
Do Mangoes Taste Sweet or Bitter?
Mangoes are known for their sweet, slightly tangy flavor, often accompanied by a delicate floral aroma. Depending on the variety, their taste can range from sweet and sour to slightly spicy. While some unripe mangoes may have a hint of bitterness due to naturally occurring acids like oxalic and citric acid, a fully ripe mango will typically have a rich, sweet flavor without any bitterness.
Popular Mango Varieties & Availability
The world of mangoes is as diverse as its flavor profile. While tropical regions boast the most comprehensive variety, here are some popular choices readily available to chefs in New York:
- Ataulfo Mango (Honey Mango)
With a vibrant yellow color and smooth flesh, these mangoes have a sweet and sour taste with tropical fruit notes and have peak availability from March to July.
- Tommy Atkins Mango
This type of mango offers a good balance of sweetness and tartness, with fibrous flesh and a dark red blush covering much of the fruit. Enjoy its peak freshness from March to mid-July.
- Kent Mango
Kent mangoes are sweet with a hint of sour, peachy, tropical aroma and have a juicy, tender flesh and a dark green color. The best availability is from December to the beginning of February.
- Keitt Mango
These mangoes have firm, juicy flesh and a dark to medium green color. They are peak available in March, August, and September. They have a sweet and fruity taste and a citrusy aroma.
- Haden Mango
Sweet and sour, with a tropical, peachy aroma, these mangoes have firm flesh, fine fibers, and bright red color with green and yellow overtones. They peak in March and April.
- Francis Mango
These mangoes are sweet and fruity, with soft, juicy flesh and bright, yellow skin. They are at their peak flavor in May and June.
Mango Nutrition
Mangoes boast an exceptional nutritional profile. They contain essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, A, and potassium.
Mangoes are also a good source of dietary fiber and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious dishes.
How to Pick the Best Mango
The easiest way to choose the best mango is to use your senses. First, look for mangoes that feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. Next, pay attention to the smell. A ripe mango should have a sweet and fragrant aroma.
It’s important to note that mangoes are just as edible when unripe! Here’s a look at mango’s ripening stages and how chefs make the most out of this exotic fruit every step of the way.
Mango Ripeness Stages
Stage 1: Unripe
- Flavor: Firm, starchy, and tart, with a grassy scent.
- Uses: Perfect for pickles, chutneys, and salsas.
Stage 2: Early Ripening
- Flavor: Slightly yielding, with some tartness transitioning to a hint of sweetness.
- Uses: Ideal for pickles, chutneys, salads, or fish dishes for a touch of acidity.
Stage 3: Partially Ripe
- Flavor: Yields to gentle pressure, with a good balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Uses: Great for salads, yogurt parfaits, smoothies, or beverages for a sweet and tangy touch.
Stage 4: Ripe
- Flavor: Soft and fragrant, with a dominant sweetness and tropical aroma.
- Uses: Perfect for desserts, beverages, or savory dishes like curries or grilled fish tacos.
Stage 5: Overripe
- Flavor: Very soft, strong mango aroma and overly sweet flavor.
- Uses: Ideal for beverages, dressings, marinades, and hot and cold sauces.
Mango Yield & Cutting
Here is how you can easily cut a mango:
- Cut a sliver off the stem end to steady the mango
- Peel the skin off using a knife or peeler
- Cut the cheeks away from the flat side of the seed
- Cut the cheeks as needed and trim the remaining fruit around the seed.
Consult the yield chart below to get a better idea of how much mango is left after cutting and peeling:
Based on data from National Mango Board – mango.org
How to Store Mangoes
The best way to store mangoes depends on their ripeness. Store unripe mangoes in a dark place at room temperature to encourage ripening. Once ripe, refrigerate them in a container for up to five days.
Avoid storing mangoes next to ethylene-producing fruits such as apples, bananas, peaches, or avocadoes to prevent spoilage.
From Sweet to Savory – Mango Flavor Pairings
Mangoes are known for their luscious sweetness, refreshing tartness, and unique aroma. Understanding these aspects of mango flavor is vital to creating perfectly balanced pairings.
Mango food pairing is all about finding the right balance of flavors and textures. Mangoes are exceptionally versatile and work well in sweet and savory dishes, so there’s no limit to how much you can experiment with these exotic fruits!
By selecting ingredients that complement or contrast with mangoes, you can create dynamic and exciting combinations that bring out the best in each other. Here are some great examples:
Complementing Flavors
Complementing flavors harmonize with mangoes’ natural sweetness and tropical essence. Ingredients like coconut, lime, ginger, and vanilla complement mangoes, enhancing their natural flavors and creating a delightful taste experience.
Another fantastic way to complement mangoes’ flavors is to add a touch of warmth and spice. Cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or cayenne can enhance mangoes’ sweetness to a new level.
Other delicious complementing flavors are:
- Fruits: Pineapple, guava, passion fruit, berries, citrus
- Dairy: Yogurt, ice cream, cream cheese
- Vegetables: red onion, garlic, scallions
- Grains & Legumes: rice, quinoa, black beans
Contrasting Flavors
Contrasting flavors offer a delightful juxtaposition to mangoes’ sweetness and richness. Ingredients like lime, chili, mint, and cilantro provide freshness and tang that balances the sweetness, creating a harmonious and refreshing pairing.
Consider incorporating toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios for a bit of crunch and delightful textures. The nuttiness adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with mangoes’ soft and juicy texture.
For more contrasting flavors, try using mango with:
- Proteins: lamb, fish, pork
- Vegetables: red bell peppers, green cabbage, chili peppers
- Sweets: chocolate, salted caramel
The Culinary Institute of America’s mango pairing guide offers an in-depth exploration of flavor pairings and compatible ingredients.
Fadaro Fruit Wholesaler – Best Wholesale Mango Supplier in New York
Finding quality tropical fruits with just the perfect ripeness can be challenging for restaurants and food businesses. That’s why at Fadaro Foods, we’re always here to answer your questions about sourcing and how to use the freshest produce for your culinary needs.
Whether you’re looking for wholesale fruits, vegetables, specialty foods, or pantry staples, you can count on us for personal communication, timely delivery, and guaranteed quality.
Plus, with our easy-to-use online ordering system, getting wholesale foods couldn’t be simpler! Explore our wide selection of food products and place your order now.
