Travel and taste: mango love – know it all! Are you ready to discover yummy facts about delicious mangoes? Initially, I didn’t plan for this post. But my love for mangoes is too intense, so I thought of summarizing it here! 🙂
I wrote about mangoes already in a few posts. So apart from sharing some new insights here, I wanted also to link together all previous details, especially recipes!
So let’s talk about the king of the fruits! That’s a post written between my two countries: India and Poland! A global article about the world’s famous mangoes!
MANGO – THE KING OF FRUITS
Most of us must have tried mango, that sweet and somehow ‘woody’ taste. Indeed, mangoes are very popular in the world. So what’s so special about trying it in Asia? Mangoes are native to the south of Asia, where they have been cultivated for thousands of years. Before visiting India, I never knew that there are around 300 varieties of mango in India alone, not including different types from Pakistan and Bangladesh. So if you happen to visit the south of Asia, try different varieties of mango. It is just incredible how the taste of mango can vary. And don’t skip one type: raw mango, very sour experience!
3 KEY BENEFITS
- Helps with indigestion
- Boosts immunity
- Improves eyesight
mango – 5 top producing countries
- India
- China
- Thailand
- Indonesia
- Pakistan
6 yummy VARIETIES
- Alphonso: the most famous in the world, its texture is very smooth and without fiber; however its taste is less exceptional in my view; as it is usually expensive I suggest to try one and buy other varieties instead
- Dasheri: it is known as ‘mother’ mango to many varieties of mangoes, it’s sweet, aromatic, and with no fiber, when mature it is golden yellow; read below to find out about the unique way of eating it!
- Langra: also known as Banarasi mango, it is one of the most popular varieties of mango, very yummy one; it is oval and usually green, even after its fully mature
- Malika: it is sweet and without fiber; it has a unique shape making it easier to differentiate; it is considered among the best mangoes for the desserts
- Raspuri: I discovered it only recently; so yummy mango type; its pulp is more white and less soft, however very soft and smooth; ideal for eating it directly
- Sindhura: my favorite one, it is also known as ‘honey’ mango as it has an exceptional flavor and sweet taste; it is smaller (in the size of an apple), red and green in color
3 interesting FACTS
- Mangoes are national fruits of not one but three countries. It includes India, the Philippines, and Pakistan
- In India, the mango is a symbol of love; gifting a basket of mangoes is considered a gesture of friendship
- The paisley pattern, which was developed in India, reflects the shape of a mango
MANGO – HOW TO EAT IT
PEEL IT
In the past years, I always used to peel the mangoes before eating them. I thought that this is the only way! Maybe for people living outside of Asia, like me, that’s the most common way of eating mangoes. Simple: you peel it and then cut into smaller pieces or eat it like an apple (leaving the seed). Is it also how you eat it?
CUT IT
Cut the mangoes and eat them, yes – without peeling them, leaving the skin when eating the pulp. That’s the Indian way! I really started to like it. That’s a very common way of eating the mangoes for us in the evening. I call it “mango dates”. We take a few mangoes and just cut them into pieces on the plate. And then we enjoy the party!
SHAPE IT
It is my favorite way of preparing mangoes! For sure, the most photogenic one, or maybe instagramable! 😉 Do not peel the mango. Cut two main pieces of it, one on each side. And then cut it into a grid. Once ready, push up the skin of the mango. That beautiful design will appear. Simple and so pretty! You can eat mango in this way too. Our Little One enjoys them like this. It isn’t only for the purpose of the photos. 😉
DRINK IT
I must admit: I haven’t tried it yet! That’s a popular way of eating the Dasheri mango. First, press the mango to make its pulp very soft. Then cut the top of the mango, and by pushing the pulp up: drink it. Sounds exotic? Yes! You can try this method also with other types of mangoes; the softer, the better!
MANGO love – RECIPES
MANGO JAM
The detailed recipe is in my previous post: MOTHERHOOD MIRACLE: GROWING TOGETHER
Since we are in mango season in India now, my recent production is… mango jam! Recently Our Bigger Angel joined my forces and makes it together with me. Many jars ready now!
a. we will enjoy them after mango season (if they last!)
b. I hope some will be left for “export” to Poland 🙂
Nothing easier than a super healthy and homemade mango jam!
MANGO LASSI
The detailed recipe is in my previous post: SECRETS OF THE INDIAN CUISINE: AUTHENTIC & EASY RECIPES
Who doesn’t love mango lassi? It is a quick recipe for a delicious drink. No matter the age, if you love mangoes, you will also love mango lassi! So buy a few of them and prepare lassi at home. Enjoy!
MANGO PICKLE
The detailed recipe is in my previous post: MANGO PICKLE: SECRETS OF THE AUTHENTIC INDIAN RECIPE
Mango pickle, the most famous pickle, is a traditional Indian condiment. It is made with raw mangoes, spices, and oil. Although the name is the same, it is different than European pickle. Yes, it includes a lot of spices, many packets of spices.
It is a homemade pickle from an Indian house, our house. The recipe is not new, it is prepared by the next generations now. It brings a lot of memories, tasty moments, and smiles.
MANGO LOVE – THE BEST PRODUCTS
AAM PANNA
It is a summer cooler made from raw mangoes. It is yellow to very light brown in color. This tasty and healthy beverage is ideal for warm days. You can buy a ready-made aam panna or prepare one at home! Key ingredients? Raw mango, water, cumin seeds, black pepper, jaggery, salt, red chili, black salt.
Recommended: Aam Panna from Zoe
AAM PAPAD
It is an Indian fruit sweet made out of mango pulp. It is mixed with concentrated sugar solution and later sun-dried. An ideal power snack!
Recommended: Aam Papad from Paper Boat
DEHYDRATED MANGO
Do you want a bit more healthy option; without added sugar? Then try dehydrated mango. These are mango slices that were dried over a period of time. The process removes all the juices of the fresh fruit so they can be stored and enjoyed later.
Recommended: Dehydrated Mango from Organic India
DRY MANGO POWDER
Also known as amchoor, it is a fruity spice powder made from dried raw mangoes. It is used as a citrusy seasoning and many Indian curries. It can replace lemon sprinkling in your favorite dishes!
Recommended: Dry Mango Powder from Everest Spices
MANGO CANDIES
While returning from India, I always bring with me a package or two of mango candies. So yummy and unique! Ideal for ‘little’ visitors at home or as a gift for children. But why only children? Adults love them too!
Recommended: Mango Bite from Parle Products
MANGO ICE CREAM
I love ice creams, and I can’t say no to mango ones! So delicious, especially when made from fresh mangoes. Dark yellow in color, so yummy that I miss them already! I ate them every evening during my pregnancy in India. 🙂
Recommended: Mango Ice Cream from NIC – Natural Ice Cream
MANGO JUICE
Thirsty? How about trying some mango juice? The natural one, of course! You can make it at home or buy a ready one. Thirst will go away! 🙂
Recommended: Mango Juice from Raw
MANGO PICKLE
If you want to try an authentic, full of spices condiment, go for a mango pickle! It is a traditional one in India. You can also make it at home, the recipe can be found above! Bon appetit!
Recommended: Madras Thokku, by Mothers Recipe
Moments that matter, no matter the mango.
Leave a Reply