Types of Mangoes: An In-Depth Guide to Mango Varieties and Benefits

Introduction to Mangoes

Mangoes are one of the most popular tropical fruits around the world. Their sweet, creamy taste and vibrant colors make them a favored snack and ingredient. But beyond being delicious, mangoes are also loaded with beneficial vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds.

There are actually hundreds of different mango varieties grown around the world. Each type can vary in shape, size, color, flavor, texture, and nutritional profile. Some are ideal for eating raw, while others work better for cooking, making juices, or preparing chutneys.

Nutritional Benefits of Mangoes

All varieties of mangoes provide an impressive amount of nutrients. They are high in fiber, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as copper, potassium, and folate.

Some research shows that mangoes may have antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer abilities as well.

Common Uses for Mangoes

Mangoes are very versatile fruits that work well:

• On their own as a healthy snack
• In salads, salsas, chutneys, smoothies, and desserts
• Grilled, baked, or added to curries and stir-fries
• Made into refreshing drinks like mango lassi or juices

Types of Mangoes

There are over 500 varieties of mangoes found across the world. The flavor, texture, color, shape, and size can vary significantly between the different types.

Ataulfo Mangoes

Ataulfo mangoes are small, oval-shaped fruits with buttery soft flesh. They have a creamy taste and texture with very little fiber, which makes them ideal for eating raw or making desserts and smoothies.

Francis Mangoes

Francis mangoes are bright yellow with a round shape. Their flesh is fiber-free, so it has a creamy, rich texture perfect for slicing over yogurt or enjoying on their own. Francis mangoes have a deliciously sweet flavor.

Keitt Mangoes

Keitt is considered one of the best mangoes for cooking and baking. They are large in size with an ovoid shape. The flesh is firm, making them easier to cut and peel than soft varieties. Keitt mangoes maintain their shape well when heated.

Kent Mangoes

Kent mangoes have a rounded shape with rich green skin that sometimes has red blushing. The flesh is juicy and exceptionally sweet with little tartness. This variety also contains very few fibers, making it great for eating raw.

Manila Mangoes

Bright yellow Manila mangoes are small in size but packed with lots of sweet juice and tropical flavor. They have just a bit of tangy tartness mixed with dominant peach, pineapple, and banana notes.

Tommy Atkins Mangoes

Tommy Atkins is one of the most widely available varieties. These large mangoes have tough skin that ranges from yellow to red to purple. Inside, the flesh is firm, stringy, and mildly sweet with a hint of tartness.

Choosing and Storing Mangoes

Selecting Mangoes

When buying fresh mangoes, choose fruits that feel heavy for their size with tight, smooth skin. Red blushing is typical on ripe mangoes. Avoid any with bruises or mushy spots.

Ripening Mangoes

You can ripen hard, unripe mangoes at room temperature over several days. Placing them in a paper bag with a banana or apple will speed up ripening. Ripe mangoes will give slightly when gently squeezed.

Storing Mangoes

Ripe mangoes should be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Unripe, firm fruits can be kept at room temperature until ready to eat. Mangoes can also be frozen sliced or pured for later use in smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or baking.

Safety and Side Effects

Mangoes are generally considered safe, but they may cause allergic reactions or interact with certain medications like beta blockers and antibiotics in some people.

The sap and skin of mangoes contain urushiol, an irritant that can cause skin and digestive irritation like poison ivy. Make sure to wash hands after handling mango skin and peel only ripe fruits.

Key Takeaways

With all the different types of mangoes available, its easy to find one youll love! Experiment with some new varieties to take advantage of the unique flavors and textures mangoes have to offer.

Always look for plump, fragrant mangoes free of bruises. Enjoy them fresh, or incorporated into salsas, chutneys, baked goods, and drinks for a tropical flair.

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.