Mangoes, considered a rare delicacy by some, are actually one of the most frequently consumed fruits in the world. And with good reason too! That’s why Boston Organics is going “beneath the peel” to explore the amazing world of the mango.

Mouthwatering Mango Facts

While mangoes originated in southern Asia, India is the world’s largest producer, growing 19.5 million metric tons of mangoes every year (2017)! For comparison, the second largest producer (China) grows only 4.9 million metric tons.

The United States produces a little over 1 million metric tons of mangoes every year. Because mango trees require a tropical climate to thrive, if you find yourself eating a domestic mango, it probably came from Florida, California, Hawaii or Puerto Rico.

Most of the mangoes eaten in the United States come from Mexico, which is the 5^th largest producer of mangoes worldwide. It's easy to understand why, over the last 30 years, American imports of mangoes have increased substantially! They're sweet, juicy and a delicious addition to salsas, salads, smoothies, condiments, or just peeled and eaten!

*All data courtesy of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization Statistics Division (FAOSTAT)

Nutritious Nectar

We love mangoes because they’re so darn sweet and juicy. It’s no surprise that one cup of mango contains 24 grams of sugar. But did you know they’re also packed with nutrients?

1 cup of sliced mango contains:

• 25% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin A
• 75% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamin C
• 250g of potassium

Various Varieties

There are hundreds of known mango cultivars that come in different shapes and sizes with a wide array of textures and flavors. Here are the three most common mango varieties that the Boston Organics Community will find in their boxes.

Tommy Atkins

History: Developed in Florida, now primarily grown in Mexico and Brazil

Basic Qualities: This is your iconic mango cultivar. Dark red skin with green and yellow accents. Firm flesh with a mild and sweet flavor.

Ripening Clues: Squeeze gently to judge ripeness as this mango’s color does not indicate ripeness.

Kent

History: Developed in Florida in the 1940s for juicing and drying, but can also be eaten raw.

Basic Qualities: Rich, sweet flesh without too many fibers.

Ripening Clues: A Kent’s skin will usually turn from green to yellow and red as they ripen, but the squeeze test is still the best way to judge ripeness.

Ataulfo

History: Grown almost exclusively in Mexico, Americans are starting to seek out Ataulfos because of their high flesh-to-seed ratio. Also known as honey mangoes or champagne mangoes.

Basic Qualities: Sweet and creamy with few fibers.

Ripening Clues: An Ataulfo’s skin will stay yellow as it ripens, but you know it’s ready to eat when the skin starts to wrinkle.

3 Ways to Eat a Mango

Just like there are lots of different kinds of mangoes, there are many ways to eat a mango. Here are 2 videos showing 3 different ways.

TECHNIQUES 1 & 2:

TECHNIQUE 3:

Mango recipe

You can always eat mangoes by itself, in smoothies, or other dishes. 

Try out this Quinoa Fruit Salad, or other mango recipes!