Mangoes, native to India and Southeast Asia, are a rich, nutrient-packed treat enjoyed around the world. The mango offers high levels of antioxidants, copper, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and K, but it's the fruit's intoxicating tropical flavor that has earned it wide appeal as a snack to be eaten on its own or the cornerstone of smoothies, popsicles, lassis, salsas, and more.
Read on to discover the types of mangoes you're likely to find in the United States, how to tell if they’re ripe, how to cut and store one, and tasty, mango-forward HelloFresh recipes.
If you’re fruit-shopping in the United States, you’re likely to find mangoes that were grown by tropical neighbors Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, and Guatemala, along with Florida. Most common in the U.S. are Tommy Atkins—large, meaty, and uniformly oval Floridian mangoes, easy to portion into cheeks and an even dice.
From late February to early August, look for buttery-fleshed and sweet Ataulfo mangoes, or Honey mangoes, from Mexico (the only mango that should be wrinkly when ripe). Mid-April through late June, try Alphonso mangoes—a small, incredibly juicy mango.
Other varieties you may find include Haden mangoes (the most widely grown mango in the world), Frances, Keitt, and Kent.
To cut a Tommy Atkins, Haden, or other medium-firm, fleshy mango, reach for a large, sharp chef’s knife (see tip below) that can shave off the cheek safely in one fell swoop. To get it right:
If you’re looking for dinner ideas, mangoes also add a delicious tang to savory dishes, as with these HelloFresh favorites:
Add a sweet touch to your dinner ideas with mango—and with HelloFresh meal kits!