Mangos

How to select

Select plump mangos with a sweet aroma. Avoid fruit that is too soft and wrinkled. Ripen firm mangos at room temperature, or place in a paper bag to expedite the process.

How to prepare

• Face the stem of the mango upward. 
• Cut the mango slightly off-center in a downward motion being sure to avoid the stone in the middle. 
• Repeat on the other side of the stem. 
• Score (cut until you feel the peel with the knife) each part into cubes. 
• After scoring, scoop the cubes out with a spoon. 
• Cut the piece with the stone away from the peel and cut the remaining mango into cubes.

How to store

Refrigerate ripe mangos in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and use within three days.

Peak season

Summer and fall

Ways to use

• Create mango salsa with mangos, red onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice.
• Puree a mango and drizzle over low-fat frozen yogurt for a sweet treat.
• Blend sliced mangos and orange juice, freeze in ice trays and enjoy!
• Mix mango pieces into pancake batter for a twist to your usual plain or blueberry pancakes.

Fun facts

• Mangos are the most popular fruit in the world.
• The skin color of a mango depends on the variety, amount of exposure to the sun, and region in which it was grown– not necessarily ripeness.
• A single mango can grow as large as 3 pounds.
• Mangos originated from India where people believed the flesh of this fruit was sacred.
• A mango tree can grow as tall as 100 feet.

Nutrition info and facts

Mangos contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals. Mangos are a good source of potassium, which helps with cramping and lower blood pressure. Mangos are high in vitamin A, which helps keep eyes healthy.

1 cup sliced mango = 107 calories, 3 g fiber, 24 g sugar, 1 g protein, 25% DV vitamin A, 76% DV vitamin C, 257 mg potassium