How to Eat a Mango: Traditional and Creative Ways to Enjoy this Delicious Fruit

Introduction

Have you ever looked at a mango and wondered how to eat it properly? Mangoes, the juicy tropical fruit with a sweet, tangy taste, can be a bit tricky to eat. But fear not – in this article, we will show you several ways to enjoy this delicious fruit. From the traditional way of cutting a mango to the more creative ways of grilling, freezing, or using mango in spicy dishes, we will explore the various ways you can enjoy mango.

The Traditional Way

The traditional way of eating a mango involves slicing and peeling the fruit, as you would do with an apple or a pear. Here’s how:

1. Hold the mango vertically and cut off the cheeks (the large fleshy parts of the fruit) on either side of the seed, using a sharp knife.
2. Cut parallel lines through the cheeks, making sure not to cut through the skin. Then cut perpendicular lines to create small squares of mango flesh.
3. Flip the skin inside out, so that the mango cubes pop up.
4. You can then eat the cubes directly from the skin or use a spoon to scoop them out.

When selecting a mango, look for one that is slightly soft to the touch, with no visible bruises or blemishes. A ripe mango will have a sweet aroma and a vibrant color. Mangoes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, such as Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which can boost your immune system, aid digestion, and promote healthy skin.

The Smoothie Bowl Way

Another way to enjoy mango is by incorporating it into smoothie bowls. Smoothie bowls are a trendy breakfast or snack option that combines a thick smoothie base with various toppings, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and granola. Here’s how to make a delicious mango smoothie bowl:

• Blend one ripe mango, one frozen banana, and one cup of coconut milk or almond milk in a blender until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into a bowl and top with sliced bananas, kiwis, granola, and shredded coconut.
• You can customize your bowl by using different fruits or adding protein powder, nut butter, or greens to the smoothie base.

Mangoes are an excellent addition to smoothie bowls as they add a creamy texture and a sweet flavor. They also provide a significant amount of Vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function.

The Grilled Way

Grilling mango may seem unconventional, but it’s a fantastic way to bring out the fruit’s natural sweetness and give it a caramelized flavor. Here’s how:

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the mango cheeks into thick slices, leaving the skin on.
3. Brush the slices with olive oil and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and cinnamon.
4. Grill the slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the flesh is slightly softened.

You can serve grilled mango as a side dish or a dessert, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Grilled mango also pairs well with savory dishes, such as grilled chicken or fish. When selecting mangoes for grilling, choose ones that are firm with no visible bruises or soft spots.

The Frozen Way

If you love frozen treats, you’ll enjoy frozen mango too. Frozen mango is a refreshing and healthy alternative to ice cream or popsicles. Here’s how to make frozen mango treats:

1. Peel and slice two ripe mangoes into small cubes.
2. Arrange the mango cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Freeze the mango cubes for at least 2 hours, until they are firm.
4. Transfer the frozen cubes into a blender and blend until smooth.
5. You can add a squeeze of lime juice or honey for extra flavor.

You can also make mango sorbet by blending the frozen cubes with some water or coconut milk until you get a smooth and thick consistency. Frozen mango is an excellent source of fiber and Vitamin C, and it’s a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

The Spicy Way

If you like to add a kick to your meals, you can spice up your mango dishes too. Mangoes pair well with spicy ingredients, such as jalapenos, chili flakes, or cumin. Here’s a recipe for a mango jalapeno salsa:

• Dice one ripe mango, one small red onion, and one or two jalapeno peppers (depending on your preference).
• Chop a handful of fresh cilantro and mix it with the mango mixture.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt and chili flakes.
• Serve the salsa with tortilla chips or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.

The sweetness of the mangoes balances the spiciness of the jalapenos, resulting in a flavorful and refreshing salsa. You can also use mango in other spicy dishes, such as curries or stir-fries.

The Curry Way

Mangoes are a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine, particularly in curries and chutneys. Mango curries are usually sweet and savory, combining the fruit’s sweetness with spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Here’s a recipe for a mango chicken curry:

• Cut one pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
• Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add one chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Add one tablespoon of curry powder, one teaspoon of ground cumin, and one teaspoon of ground coriander, and cook for 1 minute.
• Add one cup of chicken broth and one chopped mango to the pan and bring to a simmer.
• Add the chicken pieces and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
• Serve the curry with rice or naan bread.

Mangoes add sweetness and texture to the curry, while the spices give it depth and warmth. When selecting mangoes for curries, opt for ones that are ripe but still firm.

The Salad Way

Mangoes can also be a refreshing addition to salads, adding color, sweetness, and juiciness. Here’s a recipe for a Thai-inspired mango salad:

• Peel and slice one ripe mango into thin strips.
• Chop one red bell pepper, one cucumber, and one handful of fresh cilantro.
• Add the mango and vegetables to a bowl and toss them gently.
• In a separate bowl, mix one tablespoon of fish sauce, one tablespoon of lime juice, one teaspoon of honey, and one minced garlic clove.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
• Top the salad with chopped peanuts and serve.

Mangoes provide a sweet and tangy contrast to the spicy and sour dressing, making this salad a perfect side dish for grilled meats or seafood. When cutting mango for salads, slice the cheeks paper-thin to get a delicate texture.

Conclusion

As we have shown in this article, there are many ways to eat a mango, from the traditional way of slicing and peeling the fruit to the more creative ways of grilling, freezing, or using it in salads, curries, or spicy dishes. Mangoes are not only delicious but also versatile and nutritious, providing an array of health benefits and a burst of tropical flavor. So next time you buy a mango, try something new and experiment with different ways to enjoy this juicy fruit.