Mango
It took me a long time to be confident enough to purchase my own mango. It was a mysterious tropical fruit. When I was in Hawaii for our honeymoon the mango was so delicious that when we returned to the mainland I just had to have it again. Like most things it wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be. An interesting fact about mango, it has a similar chemical make up to poison ivy. So if you are allergic to poison ivy you probably shouldn’t be the one handling the mango. Interesting fact about poison ivy, most native americans are not allergic to it. They actually used it to create tattoo ink years ago. Now, that you are oh so knowledgeable, go into the world and feast on fresh mango.
Season: All year round
What to look for when you buy:
Picking a good mango is all about feel. It should have a little give when you push on it. Similar to a peach or avocado.
How to store it:
Store them on the counter at room temperature. Mangos will ripen after you bring them home. If the house is warm they will ripen faster. If it isn’t warm and you want them to ripen faster you can try putting them in a brown paper bag.
How to prepare it:
Stand the mango so the stem is at the top. Cut down both sides avoiding the large pit. If you hit it just reposition the knife and keep trying. Once you have the two slices cut a grid into the flesh without cutting through the skin. Turn the skin inside out and cut off the cubes or scoop them out with a spoon. I haven’t tried it yet but saw a drawing showing how to stick a mango on a fork peel the top down and eat around the pit.
How to cook it:
Mangos don’t really require cooking but they can make a great addition to many recipes. Mango salsa is certainly a favorite use of mangos.
Links to some great mango recipes:
Mango Salsa - Mango salsa has to be my favorite appetizer
Thai Green Mango Salad - Mango salad would be a great addition to dinner on a hot summer night
Coconut Mango popsicles - They looks so pretty layered
Grilled mango and jalapeños - Proving you can grill anything!
It’s like you saw me standing in the store yesterday, eying the mangos with some uncertainty. Now I know. Thank you! Now… how about papaya?
Papaya! Yum. Putting it at the top of the list. Quick fact you can add the papaya seeds to salad for a peppery crunch. Forgot to add in the post if you are allergic to poison ivy you may be allergic to mango juice. I will have to update that!