Mangos
Mango Folklore:
The most popular fresh fruit on the planet, mangoes originated in South Asia, where it was once revered as sacred. Every part of the mango tree and its fruit have been used in folk remedies there.
Many are surprised to learn that the mango is in the same family as cashews and pistachios. The sweet, yellow-orange flesh of a mango is packed with a powerful cocktail of 20 different health-protective nutrients.
A one-cup serving of sliced mango is an excellent source of vitamin a and vitamin c plus 3 grams of fiber. In addition, mangoes provide a variety of antioxidant carotenoids like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin, which lend mangoes the sunny color of their flesh.
Pick up the mango and check the area around the stem for plumpness and roundness. With the stem end up, smell the mango. If ripe, it will emit a fruity aroma. Avoid fruit that is very soft or bruised. Color is not always a good indicator of ripeness. The most common mango varieties turn yellow as they ripen, but other varieties can be ripe when green or slightly yellow.
Scientists have studied cancer-protective phytonutrients in mangoes and found that, compared to 8 other tropical fruits, ripe mangoes contain the highest amount of total polyphenols. Researchers recently analyzed mango juice and juice extract and discovered that certain compounds demonstrate antioxidant activity, cancer growth-halting activity and cancer antipromotion activity.
Wash mangos carefully in cool water before using. To peel a mango, make four cuts through the skin and peel like a banana. Use a sharp knife to separate the fruit from the seed. Alternatively you can use a vegetable peeler: Peel the skin with a vegetable peeler, then cut a slice off the bottom so it stands up. Stick a corn holder in the top to hold it while you slice the flesh off. You can also purchase mango slicers.
Allergy note: People who are allergic to cashews or natural rubber latex can suffer a potentially serious "cross-reactivity" from eating mango due to similar antigens in the plants. And the skin of a mango can induce a rash in people who are sensitive to poisen ivy. The flesh is safe for them to eat; they just need to ask someone to take on mango-peeling duty.
To ripen a mango, store at room temperature. A ripe mango can be orange, yellow, red or green, but should be slightly soft to the touch and fragrant. Soften mangoes further in a paper bag at room temperature. Ripened mangos can be stored in the crisper bin of your refrigerator, away from vegetables, for up to five days.
Mangos are delicious alone or paired with other foods. Use mangos in mixed fruit salads, ice cream and as exotic additions to meat dishes, stir-frys and omelets. Mangoes cozy up to salty and spicy foods, seafood dishes, robust red meats, salads and desserts quite well. Try mango muffins or mousse.
Nutritional Facts:
- 1 cup sliced mango (about 1/2 medium-size mango) is only 107 calories
- Low fat
- Saturated fat-free
- Very low sodium
- Cholesterol-free
- High in vitamin A and vitamin C
See also: Mango Food Facts
