Did you know ?
- Mango is known as the “king of fruits” in many cultures.
- India produces nearly half of the world’s mango supply.
- Mango trees can live and bear fruit for over 100 years.
Mango
The mango is a tropical stone fruit prized for its juicy flesh, sweet aroma, and vibrant color. Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, mangoes are enjoyed fresh, dried, or in a variety of sweet and savory dishes around the world.
View other Tropical fruits
Section titled “ Detailed nutritional values”Values of an average mango (~200g) :
| Calories | 135 kcal |
| Proteins | 1.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| of which sugars | 26g |
| Fiber | 3.5g |
| Fats | 0.6g |
Vitamins and minerals
Main vitamins
Main minerals and trace elements
Nutritional values may vary depending on variety, ripeness, and growing conditions.
How to know if a mango is ripe
Section titled “ How to know if is ripe”
Perfectly ripe
Ripe mangoes are fragrant, slightly soft, and have vibrant skin color.
How to recognize this state :
- Gives slightly when gently squeezed
- Sweet, fruity aroma at the stem
- Skin turns yellow, orange, or red (depending on variety)
- Juicy, golden-orange flesh
- Smooth skin without wrinkles
- Full, plump shape
- Heavy for its size
- Easily releases juice when cut
Advice for ripe products
Eat ripe mangoes soon or refrigerate to preserve freshness for up to 5 days.
Varieties examples
Section titled “ Varieties examples”Alphonso
Rich, sweet flavor and creamy texture, highly prized in India.
Haden
Bright red-yellow skin, sweet and aromatic, common in the Americas.
Kent
Juicy, less fibrous flesh, sweet flavor, popular for fresh eating.
Ataulfo (Honey)
Small, golden-yellow, creamy and sweet with minimal fiber.
How to choose a mango
Section titled “ How to choose ”To choose a quality mango at the supermarket or market :
- Choose mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure
- Look for a fruity aroma near the stem
- Avoid mangoes with large black spots or visible mold
- Select mangoes with smooth, unwrinkled skin
- Consider the intended use (eating fresh, smoothies, cooking) when choosing varieties
How to store a mango
Section titled “ How to store ”Store unripe mangoes at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, refrigerate to keep them fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, peel, slice, and freeze mango pieces in airtight containers or bags.
How to ripen a mango
Section titled “ How to ripen ”If you bought an unripe mango, here's how to speed up the process :
- Place mangoes in a paper bag at room temperature
- Add a ripe banana or apple to the bag to increase ethylene gas
- Wrap mangoes in newspaper and leave in a warm spot
- Keep mangoes on a sunny windowsill (but not too hot)
- Store near other ripe fruits to accelerate ripening
Health benefits of a mango
Section titled “ Health benefits of ”- High in vitamin C, supporting immune health
- Rich in antioxidants that help fight inflammation
- Supports eye health with vitamin A and lutein
- Aids digestion due to its fiber content
- Promotes healthy skin and hair
Origin of a mango
Section titled “ Origin of ”Mangoes have been cultivated for over 4,000 years, originating in South Asia. They spread to Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas through trade and colonization. Today, mangoes are grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with India, China, Thailand, and Mexico as top producers.
Regions of origin
- South Asia (India, Bangladesh)
- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines)
- Africa (Kenya, Egypt)
- Central and South America (Mexico, Brazil)
Cook a mango according to its ripeness
Section titled “ Cook according to its ripeness”Unripe
- Green mango and coconut salad
- Spicy mango slaw
- Green mango gazpacho
Perfectly ripe
- Mango lassi
- Mango sorbet
- Mango cheesecake
Overripe
- Mango bread
- Mango muffins
- Mango BBQ sauce
Frequently asked questions
Section titled “ Frequently asked questions”Warnings and precautions for a mango
Section titled “ Warnings and precautions for ”- Wash mangoes thoroughly before eating to remove pesticide residues.
- Mango skin may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort or diarrhea.
- People allergic to poison ivy may also react to mango skin.
Do not confuse with
Similar tropical fruit with orange flesh but milder flavor and black seeds.
Much larger, with yellow pods and a distinct, sweet aroma.
Orange color and sweet taste, but lacks mango’s tropical aroma and has a different texture.