Mangos
Mangos originated in Southeast Asia over 4,000 years ago, and the fruit has been growing in many parts of the world over the years. Mango trees are evergreens, and will grow as tall as 60 feet - the trees will fruit within 4 to 6 years after planting, and require a very hot and dry climate to set and bear good quantities of fruit. Today there are more than 1,000 different varieties of mangos, and most of the fruit that is sold in the US is grown in the Caribbean, Mexico, Haiti and other areas in South America.
Mangos contain an enzyme that is similar to the papain found in fresh papayas, and helps to soothe the stomach - mangos make you feel good! Rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, the enzymes contained in fresh mangos - green and ripe fruit - act as a digestive aid and provide a feeling of contentment - the fiber content in an average mango represents 40% of the daily fiber requirement. Daily fiber helps strengthen the heart, lowers blood cholesterol levels, and may, according to research, help prevent certain types of cancers. People who are physically active can replenish lost potassium by eating fresh mangos - considered the perfect fruit, mangos are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, beta carotene, low in calories and fat-free.
Popular mango varieties include: Kents, Tommy Atkins, Hadens, Ataulfos and Keitts. A ripe mango will have a fruity fragrance, and should be slightly soft to the touch and yield to gentle pressure like a ripe peach or nectarine. Mangos should be stored at 55 degrees F after harvest, and can be stored for up to two weeks at the proper temperature - mangos will become chilled if stored at cold temperatures prior to reaching ideal ripeness.
Mangos are known as the "king of fruit" world-wide, and are delicious served fresh, incuded in fresh fruit salads with papayas, pineapples, melons (try a Persian, orange honeydew, or the delicious crenshaw), nectarines, grapes, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and garnish with starfruit.
Mangos are excellent when served with warm sweet rice - top rice with slices of fresh mangos.
Fresh mangos are readily available, and are a real treat year-round.