Guide to Mango Types: Flavors, Nutrition & Best Uses for Tommy Atkins, Ataulfo & More

An Introduction to Mangoes

Mangoes are delightfully sweet tropical fruits that come in a rainbow of colors, sizes, shapes and flavors. With over 1,000 different varieties of mangoes found across the world, this fruit has an incredible diversity to explore. Lets take a closer look at what makes each type of mango unique.

The Mango: King of Fruit

Sometimes called the King of Fruit, mangoes belong to the drupe family which also includes fruits like coconuts, olives and dates. The edible flesh surrounds a large inedible pit in the center. Mangoes thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, providing nourishment to people across the globe.

These sweet and savory stone fruits dazzle with their sunny hues of yellow, orange, red and green skin. Their sweet, silky flesh also ranges from yellow and orange to pink and purple. Plus, over 400 different aromatic compounds give mangoes their tantalizing tropical aroma and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Mangoes supply an abundance of vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds:

• Vitamins A, B6, and C
• Minerals like copper and potassium
• Phytochemicals and antioxidants

With all these nutrients and only 100 calories per serving, mangoes deliver a healthy sweet snack or addition to any dish. Their versatility allows mangoes to be eaten fresh, cooked, dried and even pickled!

Common Types of Mangoes

From India to Central America, here are some of the most popular mango varieties found around the world:

Tommy Atkins

With its dark red, purple and green skin, this oblong fruit is the most widely grown mango in the world. It has firm, stringy orange flesh with a mild sweet flavor reminiscent of peach and pineapple. The thick skin helps it ship well compared to other mango varieties.

Ataulfo Mango

Sometimes called honey or Champagne mango for its sweetness, Ataulfos have a creamy mouthfeel and buttery soft flesh. These small mangoes feature bright yellow skin and golden orange flesh without fibers. Ataulfos originate from Mexico and have a shorter oval shape.

Keitt Mango

One of the varieties that bloom later in the season, Keitts appear in the summer and fall. Identify them by their dark green skin that remains a bit green even when ripe. The large, oval Keitt has rich orange pulp with little fiber and a mild, sweet flavor.

Kent Mango

With its red and green patches and typical mango shape, Kents provide exceptional sweetness balanced by tartness. Its flesh lacks fibers for smooth, creamy texture with tropical flavors. Originally from Florida, Kent mangoes also grow in Mexico and Peru.

Haden Mango

Haden is considered one of the original Florida mango cultivars and parent of many others. Look for its dark red skin and beak-like shape when ripe. Inside, Haden's firm, fiber-free orange flesh is both sweet and tart with a hint of turpentine aroma.

Francine Mango

Native to Haiti, Francine mangoes are another fiber-free variety prized for freezing and canning. Oblong in shape, they have thick, dark gold skin and juicy yellow flesh with exotic plum and peach flavors. Francines gain a red blush when fully ripe.

Alphonso Mango

Known as the "King of Mangoes" in India, Alphonsos dazzle with their golden skin and rich orange flesh. Considered one of the sweetest varieties globally, Alphonsos feature an oblong shape and incredible creamy texture. Try them fresh or frozen into "mango ice cream."

Flavor Profiles of Mangoes

From sweet and floral, to tart and tangy, lets explore the different flavor dimensions found across mango varieties.

Sweet Mangoes

Boasting honey-like sweetness, these mangoes range from subtly sweet to richly decadent:

• Ataulfo
• Alphonso
• Manila Super
• Carabao
• Keitt

Tart Mangoes

With bright, citrusy notes, these mangoes offer sweet-tart tropical flavor:

• Kent
• Tommy Atkins
• Champagne
• Maya
• Haden

Floral Mangoes

Redolent with perfumed fruit essence, these varieties offer exceptionally fragrant flavor:

• Alphonso
• Kesar
• Bangalora
• Neelam
• Chaunsa

Exotic Mangoes

With their intensely spicy, wild fruit flavors, these mangoes provide adventure for the culinarily curious:

• Turpentine
• Bombay Green
• Madame Francis
• Paisley
• Mulgoba

How to Select and Store Mangoes

Follow these quick tips for picking perfect mangoes:

Choosing Mangoes

Look for plump, fragrant fruit free of blemishes, wrinkles, and mold. Avoid extremely hard mangoes. Gently squeeze the mango to gauge ripeness. A slight give indicates its ready for eating.

Ripening Mangoes

Place firm mangoes in a paper bag to hasten ripening. Adding a banana or apple produces even more ethylene gas which accelerates the process. Expect the mango to ripen within a few days at room temperature. Then enjoy immediately.

Storing Mangoes

Whole, unripe mangoes can be stored at room temperature for about 1-2 weeks before ripening. Once ripe, store unwashed mangoes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing soft, ripe mangoes which ruins texture.

Using Mangoes in Cooking and Baking

Mangoes brighten both sweet and savory dishes globally. Explore some tasty ways to eat them:

Fresh Mango Recipes

From salads to salsas, fresh mango adds tropical flair to any meal:

• Mango avocado salad
• Shrimp ceviche with mango
• Tropical fruit salad
• Mango salsa
• Smoothies and juice

Cooked Mango Recipes

Mangoes pair perfectly in chutneys, curries, and other cooked dishes:

• Mango sticky rice
• Thai mango curry
• Jerk chicken with mango
• Mango chutney
• Upside down mango cake

So whether you prefer sweet, floral or tart mango essence, this diverse fruit suits every palate. They deliver delicious, nutritious flavor and versatility from summer smoothies to spicy entrees. With so many types to try, mangoes offer adventure for fruit lovers around the world!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.