Mangoes are eaten with the skin or not. Can you eat mango peels? Possible side effects and harm to the body

Mango is an exotic fruit that grows mainly in India. Despite the great distance between countries, mango has long been known to our customers. Rarely in any grocery supermarket in the country you will not find this fragrant and unusual fruit.

The appearance of the fruit depends on the variety. There are large green mangoes, resembling an elongated red-sided apple, and small specimens with a bright yellow skin. But the pulp is always a pleasant amber color.

The shape of all varieties is almost the same - slightly elongated, pear-shaped. Ripe mango has a sweet, full-bodied flavor, reminiscent of peach and pineapple at the same time. In addition to dessert varieties, there are varieties for sauces on sale with a lower sugar content, but the same juicy.

If you are "familiar" with the "Indian apple" only visually and have not yet had time to appreciate its unusual taste, we will show you how to choose the most ripe and healthy fruit and tell you how to eat mango correctly.

Fresh fruit is eaten completely, without eating the skin and bone. Raw pulp is used as an independent dish in the form of a dessert; it is added to gravies, marinades, salads, or jam and jams are made from it.

There are two ways to quickly and easily peel and cut a mango:

Use a sharp knife to cut off the rind, remove the core with the pit, cut into pieces and enjoy. This method is the simplest, however, it is not suitable in all cases, but only when the peel of the fruit is quite dense.
If you have purchased a ripe or overripe fruit, it will be inconvenient to peel it this way. Therefore, a different method is used more often.
Thoroughly wash the fruit under running water to rinse off any residual chemicals used when storing fruit in the store's warehouse. Cut it in half lengthwise.
Remove the pit and cut the flesh into mesh-like pieces in a crisscross pattern, without separating it from the rind. Turning out the half, you can easily cut off each piece with a knife, or you can eat right in this form without touching the skin.

Note! You cannot eat whole peeled mangoes. Since this fruit gives a lot of juice, the process will look very unaesthetic. All over the world, fruits are eaten with the help of cutlery, not forgetting to cut the pulp with a knife.

Calorie content

In addition to the original taste, mango contains a lot of substances useful for our body:

Vitamins A, B, D and E.
Carotene.
Vitamin C.
Choline.
Thiamine.
Riboflavin.
Folic acid.
Minerals - potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, phosphorus.

The largest percentage of its composition is occupied by water and sugar, so the calorie content of the fruit is quite high. But there is absolutely no fat and a lot of fiber in it, which means that it is quite possible to lose weight with its help.

Calorie table per 100 grams of product:

The glycemic index of mango is 56 units according to the GI table. This is the average for most soft and sweet fruits such as melon, persimmon or kiwi.

Benefits and harm to the body

The main benefit that regular consumption of mango brings to the body is the large amount of vitamins A and C and amino acids contained in the fruits.

Due to these elements, the fruit has excellent antioxidant properties, has a positive effect on visual acuity, improves memory and contributes to the overall strengthening of the immune system.

The beneficial properties of the fruit are effectively manifested in the treatment and prevention of diseases of various organs:

The high content of calcium and magnesium has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
Potassium is indicated for hypertensive patients, it has the ability to reduce blood pressure.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is found in the pulp, is a natural stimulant of the immune system of the human body.
Magnesium and vitamin B6 help relieve nervous tension, depression and obsessive fears.
Mango prevents the harmful effects of free radicals, thereby being a good prophylactic method of fighting cancer.
The fruit is especially useful for the body of pregnant women. Located in it folic acid reduces the risk of developing pathologies in the unborn baby.

Note! Daily rate mango per day is limited to five small ripe fruits. You can eat unripe fruits only in the amount of two pieces, otherwise you can cause stomach cramps.

Contraindications to the use of the product for food are mainly related to the individual characteristics of a person. It must be remembered that the peel of the fruit contains an allergenic component that can be dangerous for people with a tendency to allergic reactions.

Note! For reasons not entirely clear, mango is not at all compatible with alcohol. Therefore, if you do not want to harm the body, after drinking it is better not to touch the fruit for at least two hours.

How to choose a mango?

Since mango is an imported product, it does not grow on our land and is brought from afar, very often you can find unripe or, on the contrary, overripe fruits on the shelves of vegetable departments. This is especially unpleasant, given the very rather large cost of this delicacy.

How to Pick a Good, Juicy and Ripe Mango:

Smell the fruit, it should give off a subtle pine scent, a bit like resin. If the mango does not smell, then it is not ripe.
When fully ripe, the fruit should be firm to the touch, the skin should be smooth and shiny.
Dents on the surface indicate that the mango has already begun to deteriorate. Better not to buy such a product.
The peel of a ripe fruit, regardless of color, has a bright, rich hue.

Note! It is a mistake to believe that only yellow fruits are the tastiest. Each variety has its own flavor appeal, if it was picked on time, stored correctly and quickly delivered to the consumer.

Fruit storage

Exists folk method how to bring an unripe fruit to condition. Having brought a clearly unripe mango from the store, wrap it in several layers of ordinary newspaper and put it on the windowsill under the sun. After a couple of days of this "tan", the fruit should fully ripen.

You can also make delicious and healthy candied fruits that have a much longer shelf life than fresh fruits. Dried fruits made from dried mango are tasty, healthy, high in vitamins and minerals that are not destroyed during the cooking process, and are also very attractive for their low calorie content.

Outlandish mango diversified our table, bringing with it a bit of the burning sun of overseas countries and a mixture of tastes unusual for our receptors. Eat it raw, prepare sauces, add to compotes or jams - whatever you cook, the subtle flavor of this product will always be in place.

Useful video

More than 20 million tons of mango ripens in the world every year. This juicy fruit is loved by many for its pleasant sweet taste and delicate pulp. However, in our latitudes, this is a relatively new product, so not everyone knows how to eat mango correctly.

According to Hindu belief, mango is not only delicious, but also sacred. It is hung at the entrance to the house on the eve of the New Year in order to attract prosperity and happiness. It is customary to use twigs on holy days and holidays instead of a toothbrush. The fetus is used as an antiseptic, contraceptive and aphrodisiac.

In contact with

Mango, the composition of which includes many useful substances, is very useful for the body. It contains many vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect on humans.

Table 1. Composition (per 100 grams of product) and the benefits of mango

Name	the effect	Amount (mg)	Daily rate (mg)
Vitamin C	Provides skin elasticity, takes part in the synthesis of a number of hormones, promotes the elimination of harmful substances, has an antioxidant effect, relieves inflammation, etc.	27-30	60-100
Vitamin A	It is necessary for the formation of bone tissue, mucous membranes and bone integuments. It is necessary for the synthesis of a number of hormones, to maintain vision, enhances immunity, etc.	0,04	9-30
Folic acid (B2)	Promotes energy production, is necessary for the production of red blood cells, is important for maintaining immunity, promotes skin elasticity, etc.	0,06	3,8
Vitamin E	It slows down aging, has a protective effect, is necessary for the synthesis of hormones, etc.	1,1	8-12
Potassium	Maintains intracellular pressure, provides acid-base balance, is a catalyst for the most important chemical reactions etc.	156	1000
Iron	It is an essential component for the synthesis of hemoglobin. Increases immunity, refers to energy sources, stimulates performance	0,13	10-16
Copper	It is a component for the synthesis of hemoglobin, ensures the supply of oxygen to cells, has an anti-inflammatory effect, etc.	0,11	1,5-3
Calcium	Essential for the formation of bones, cartilage, hair, nails. Promotes the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contractions, etc.	10	1000-1200
Magnesium	Is a participant in electrolyte metabolism, a source of energy, a conductor of impulses, promotes the absorption of calcium	9	400-800

Of course, the table does not contain all the data. What vitamins are contained in mango in addition to those listed: D, BB and PP groups. Sweet pulp contains sodium, zinc, phosphorus, etc. In addition, glucose, fructose and sucrose are present.

The following beneficial properties of mango are distinguished:

pronounced immunomodulatory effect;
refers to antioxidants;
tones and strengthens the body as a whole.

Regular consumption of the fruit will have a beneficial effect on health. How to eat mango - we will consider further.

What is good for women?

The health benefits of mango are enormous. Separately, it should be noted the positive effect on the female body. It is conditioned a wide range necessary items. Why mango is good for women:

Prevents anemia. The fruit contains copper, iron and potassium. These elements are essential for the production of red blood cells and the synthesis of hemoglobin.
Has a beneficial effect on the skin. Vitamins of group B, E and C support the elasticity and firmness of the skin. They are actively involved in collagen production. Consuming the fruit regularly will keep you young for a long time.
Fights stress. The pulp improves the quality of sleep, is an additional source of energy and contains substances necessary for the synthesis of endorphins.
Boosts immunity. Mango belongs to natural immunomodulators.
Normalizes digestion. A large amount of fiber has a beneficial effect on regular bowel movements, promotes the elimination of harmful substances and detoxifies the body.
Invigorates. The tonic effect is especially relevant for women with low blood pressure.

The benefits of mango for women are complex. The inclusion of fruit in the diet provides beauty and health to the fair sex.

The sweet taste of mango involuntarily evokes thoughts about the calorie content of the fruit. However, slim body fans can rest assured. 100 grams of fruit contains only 67 kcal. The value is the average. For comparison, in 100 grams of apples or pears there are only 47 kcal, in the same amount of peach - 45, and in a banana - 96.

Table 2. Nutritional value of mango

Where does it grow and when does it ripen?

The historical homeland of the fruit is the Indian tropical forest and the territory of the state of Myanmar. Where mango grows in our time - we will consider further.

Table 3. Main regions of fruit growth

On the shelves of supermarkets in Russia you can find fruits grown in the Canary Islands or in Spain. The same product is supplied to European outlets. Indian and Thai mangoes are also available, but they cost significantly more. The fruit ripens twice a year, seasonality in different countries ah is different. Buying fruit imported from different countries is a great option, as there is mango all year round.

How to choose?

When buying fruits, you must follow some rules. How to choose a mango:

Appearance. Before eating a mango, you need to inspect it. The fruit must be whole and free from obvious defects. The best fruits have a smooth, shiny skin. Damaged or crushed fruit won't last long and shouldn't be bought.
Form. The sweetest mangoes are rightfully considered in the form of a baseball. They have more pulp, and it itself is juicier and more tender. Fruits that are too flat will be harsh.
Weight. Fruit weight should not be less than 200 grams. It is from this number that the reference mass of the fetus starts. If it is less, then the fruit is likely to be tough and tasteless.

How to determine ripeness?

An unripe fruit does not have such a pronounced taste and aroma. How to choose a ripe mango:

The size. Larger fruits are native to Guatemala. Small fruits are brought from Brazil, Mexico, Bangladesh. An impressive size does not guarantee good taste. However, the weight should not be lower than the minimum (200 grams).
Peel. The peel plays an important role in the appearance of a ripe mango. In ripe fruit, it is smooth. The presence of wrinkles or folds is unacceptable. However, for some varieties, unevenness on the surface is a species difference.
Softness. The fruit will be soft to the touch, easy to pressure.
Smell. The aroma of the fruit is very complex. It resembles the smell of melon, pine needles, carrots, fresh apples. The lack of aroma should alert you when choosing.
Peduncle. Should be large and springy at the base.

The tips listed provide information on how to determine the ripeness of a mango when buying. If it is possible to cut the fruit, then you should pay attention to its pulp. In a mature fruit, it is bright yellow-orange in color and has a fibrous structure.

The taste directly depends on the fruit itself. The fruits on supermarket shelves are strikingly different from the harvest harvested in the place of growth. There are a lot of opinions about what mango tastes like.

Most often cited:

combination lemon flavor and coniferous notes;
the taste of carrots with lemon;
refreshing exotic with a pineapple flavor;
peach with a juniper aftertaste;
pineapple and strawberries.

What is the difference between a green mango and a yellow one?

There are many varieties that differ not only in appearance, but also useful properties... Namely:

Green mango. It has a pronounced green color and an elongated shape. The taste is sour, with hints of bitterness. Rather resembles a vegetable. How to eat green mangoes? It is used as an ingredient in salads, cold snacks, hot dishes. It is rarely used separately. What is useful for green mangoes is vitamin C - one fruit contains a daily dose.
Yellow mango. These fruits are the tastiest. Choosing large, smooth, yellow fruits, you can be sure of their sweet taste. Before you eat a mango, make sure it is ripe.

It is worth trying both one and the second type. How to eat mango:

green fruits are recommended to be consumed with salt, they are excellent in combination with meat or fish;
yellow fruits are an independent dessert or serve as the basis for sweet dishes.

How do I clean it?

The peel must be removed from the fruit before consumption. There are several ways to properly peel a mango:

Peel the fruit, cut it in half, remove the bone in a circular motion with a knife, cut into slices.
Without removing the peel, make cuts throughout the fruit in slices as close to the bone as possible. Sequentially cut each slice into diamonds. Carefully turn out the slice, cut the diamonds from the peel.
Cut the fruit in half. Remove the bone in a circular motion, eat with a spoon. A great way to peel a mango at home for a ripe fruit.

Before peeling a mango, it must be washed and dried with a towel. If the fruit is ripe, then before eating the mango, it is better not to remove the peel with a knife - a large amount of juice will flow out.

Having figured out how to peel a mango, you need to decide on how to cut it. It directly depends on how you plan to use the fruit. For instance:

for consumption in its raw form, you can not cut the fruit at all, but eat it with a spoon;
before eating a mango, which is distinguished by its hardness, it is optimal to cut it into wedges;
for salad, hard fruits are cut into strips, and soft fruits are cut into cubes.

How to eat this fruit?

In Russia, not everyone knows how to eat mango. This fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Its exotic taste will delight in any case.

Raw

The fruit does not require any processing in advance; it only needs to be washed in advance. How to eat raw mango:

As part of smoothies or cocktails. The fruits can be chopped in a blender, adding milk, yogurt, ice. The fruit goes well with liqueurs and rum.
How to eat mango as a side dish. It is enough to cut the fruit into cubes and add spices.
How to eat mango in a salad. Delicate taste will set off meat, chicken, goes well with avocado and pineapple.
Make a sorbet. How to eat raw mangoes properly in the summer heat? Freeze as a sorbet and serve with fruit or mint sauce. This way of eating mango is quite laborious. You can simplify it with an ice cream maker.

As part of cooked dishes

There are many ways to eat cooked mango. It is used in:

desserts - the fruit is suitable for making yoghurt and mousse cakes, sweet pilaf, jelly, baked goods;
with seafood - the steamed fruit will be a good base for sauce for shrimp or fish;
how to eat mango with poultry - the fruit can be baked with chicken or duck.

A great option is baked goose liver on a mango pillow.

Can the peel be eaten?

The first thing that pays attention to when evaluating what a mango looks like is the peel. In a ripe, tasty fruit, it is shiny, smooth and painted in an appetizing color. The question involuntarily arises - is it possible to eat mango peel? Preparing the fruit for consumption necessarily includes cleaning. This is not without reason: after all, how a mango is eaten, with or without a peel, is influenced by the inclusion of toxic resin in the peel. It is called urushiol.

The substance has an unpleasant taste and can lead to:

food poisoning;
intoxication;
the occurrence of an allergic reaction.

Fruit can significantly diversify the diet. Mango dishes are especially good in the summer heat. The refreshing, sweet and sour taste will add lightness to the finished meal. Fruits can be baked, stewed, fried. They are great as a main dish or a side dish. There is no single answer to the question of how to eat mango properly. This is a matter of taste and depends on imagination.

In nature, this plant is widely distributed in tropical forests with high humidity. However, it successfully takes root in the room. It is necessary to plant the seed in moist soil immediately after removing it from the fruit. The fruit must be ripe. It is necessary to pick up a container of impressive size - an adult tree reaches 10-45 meters in height.

How to store?

In the refrigerator, the fruit can lie for a long time and not spoil. However, in this case, the fruit will not be tasty enough. How to store your mango to keep it sweet and juicy:

do not store the fruit in dark, cold places - it will be tough;
unripe fruit will not mature in the refrigerator;
the fruit must be placed in a cool (not cold!) place if it is ripe;
unripe fruit can be stored on the windowsill.

How to store a mango at home depends on how quickly you plan to eat it. If the goal is long-term storage, then a refrigerator will do. In other cases, it is better not to place the fetus in a low temperature environment.

How to ripen at home?

It is problematic to acquire ripe fruit in our latitudes. After buying, many are wondering how to ripen a mango at home. This process does not require much effort. The easiest way is to put the fruit on the windowsill, it will ripen in 3-5 days.

There is a trick on how to ripen a mango quickly - put the fruit in a bag with a ripe apple or bananas, the fruit will ripen in a couple of days.

Could there be harm from eating this fruit?

Mango is a fruit whose benefits and harms are incomparable. Mostly the consumption of fruits is for the good of the body, but in some cases it is not worth eating them. For instance:

Before eating a mango, it must be fully matured. Unripe fruit can lead to stomach upset, flatulence, or vomiting.
It is forbidden to eat fruit with skin. How to eat mango and how to peel is discussed earlier.
Prohibited for a number of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Among them are pancreatitis, gastritis, dysbiosis, ulcers.
May lead to allergies. An exotic fruit can cause hives, eczema, anaphylactic shock, or Quincke's edema. Before you eat a mango for the first time, you should try a small wedge. If there is no reaction, then the product can be added to the diet.

The benefits and harms of mango to the body are very individual. The fruit is not suitable for allergy sufferers; for the rest, moderate consumption is recommended.

Is it possible during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

During the period of bearing a child, a woman's body is in dire need of vitamins and minerals. The fruit is high in nutrients. Answering the question of whether it is possible for pregnant mangoes, one should take into account the individual characteristics of a woman. If you are prone to allergies, it is better to limit the consumption of the fetus. Unripe mango during pregnancy is strictly prohibited. It will harm the body of the expectant mother.

If the fruit was not previously eaten, then you should be careful. Mango for pregnant women is a new product, which means that you need to eat it carefully. It is recommended to start with several slices, gradually increasing to a whole fruit. Mango during breastfeeding is allowed if the child has no signs of individual intolerance. During pregnancy, it is possible to eat both raw and cooked mangoes.

When the mango ripens, it is used not only for food, but also for making butter. Fruit seeds are used as raw materials for the product. It is widely used in cosmetology. The oil has an antiseptic, healing and softening effect on the skin. Used as part of masks or in pure form for hair treatment. The product is also suitable for strengthening nails. Essential oil used as a stress reliever in aromatherapy.

Conclusion

Mango, the beneficial properties and contraindications to which were discussed above, is a unique fruit.
It contains the essential elements necessary to maintain health.
To maximize the benefits of the fruit, it is important to understand how to choose, how to eat a mango and where to store it.
The product can be consumed both raw and in the preparation of various dishes.

Continuing the review of exotic fruits, one cannot but tell about such an excellent representative of this category as mango.

India is considered the birthplace of mango or mangifera, it is from there that fragrant fruits end up on domestic counters today.

Mangifers are no longer a rarity, they can be bought all year round, they are always found in large supermarkets and markets, although the price of fruit is above average, expensive delivery and other overhead costs affect.

However, despite the high cost, mangoes are worth buying at least from time to time. It is not only delicious but also healthy. tropical fruit, which neither adults nor children will refuse.

For those who have never eaten mangoes

If you have never tasted mango, then try to correct this omission as soon as possible, because mango is an amazing fruit.

In size it is like a large orange, only it has oval shape and a smooth, shiny rind that can range in color from green to yellow and from yellow to red, within the same fruit.

Depending on the country of growth, mangoes differ in appearance and taste. Today, in addition to Indian mangifers, you can find Spanish, Mexican, Pakistani, Egyptian, Thai, and also Israeli.

The pulp of all ripe mangoes is pleasantly fibrous, very juicy, sweet, but not cloying, aromatic. There is a small flat bone inside the fetus.

Spanish mango They are usually orange or red in color, they are smaller than others and have a noticeable sourness in taste.
Thai mango- whitish, very large and very juicy.
Pakistani mango- green, with a thick dense skin.

As already clear, it is impossible to determine the degree of ripeness of mango by the color of the peel - they are all multi-colored. To buy a good ripe fruit, you need to pay attention to the stalk.

If it comes off easily, then the mango is ripe. If there is no peduncle, then the indicator will be the aroma, which is most intensely felt exactly in the place where the peduncle was attached.

A strong, pleasant smell, elastic, shiny peel - these are the signs that indicate the ripeness of a mango. But if you come across a greenish fruit, do not be discouraged, put it in a dark kitchen cabinet, for about a week - it can "reach".

In the refrigerator, mango will never mature, because at low temperatures, the ripening processes in it completely stop.

The field of application of mango is very wide and it is not only cooking. Mango is a medicinal fruit, it is also actively used in cosmetology and dietetics.

Chemical composition of mango

The flesh of the mango is bright yellow, like that of a pumpkin, which indicates the presence of a large amount of carotenoids in it (about 5 times more than in any other orange fruit).

Mango is tasty and low in calories - only 65 kilocalories- a godsend for those who follow a diet.

Mangifera contains a huge amount of various sugars (xylose, maltose, sucrose, fructose, sedoheptulose, mannoheptulose, etc.), vitamins (especially vitamins C and B), mineral components (iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, etc.). ).

It also contains many essential amino acids required by the human body.

By wealth chemical composition mango is comparable to such "well-deserved" fruits like pomegranate and apples.

The healing properties of mango were first discovered by ancient Indian healers, and in Pakistan the fruits are still used primarily for healing many ailments, and only then, as a delicacy.

What are the benefits of mango for the body?

1. The fruit improves vision, prevents its deterioration. Helps with "night blindness", astigmatism, myopia.

2. Mango helps to cope with nervous disorders, increased emotionality, depression, anxiety and their consequences, such as headache, sleep disorders and others.

3. It is used to normalize the reproductive functions of the male and female body.

4. Equalizes hormonal levels, enhances sexual desire.

5. Strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of contracting viruses, infections.

6. Actively fights cancer cells during the period of their origin and active growth, so everyone should eat mango for the prevention of oncology.

7. Mango promotes rejuvenation of the body, reduces general intoxication, prevents cellular oxidation.

8. The presence of a large amount of fiber in mango stimulates intestinal motility. The fruit relieves constipation and slagging.

9. Possesses hemostatic properties.

10. Reduces the appearance of dermatitis, prevents and treats acne.

11. Mango is great for heartburn.

12. Has diuretic properties. Used as a decongestant.

13. Mango increases hemoglobin.

14. Calms the heartbeat and relieves pain in the region of the heart.

15. Considered one of the best fruits to use in weight loss diets.

To get the most out of the mango, connoisseurs advise to chew the pieces of fruit slowly and leave the pulp in your mouth for as long as possible. By eating mango in this way, a person strengthens the heart and blood vessels.

Mango - harm

Mangoes cannot be eaten in large quantities at once. Like any bioactive product, it can provoke a back reaction and, instead of the expected benefit, bring only harm:
allergies;
stomach cramps;
irritation of the mucous membranes;
diarrhea or constipation;
indigestion.
Be healthy.

Mango is a fruit from hot countries that has long appeared on store shelves, but, unfortunately, our compatriots did not like bananas or pineapples. Perhaps, after reading the article, many will reconsider their attitude towards exotic fruits, appreciate their benefits and taste.

How does a mango grow and look?

These are very beautiful shady trees that are often used in tropical landscaping. If the plant receives enough heat and light, then it grows with a large beautiful rounded crown up to 20 meters in height. To provide constant access to moisture, its roots grow 6 meters deep into the ground. There are individual specimens of trees that live for about 300 years and continue to produce crops every year.

Mango leaves with prominent veins are dark green on top and lighter in color on the back. The flowers of the plant are very small red or yellow color, collected in panicles up to 2000 pieces each. The size, color and shape of the fruit depends on the particular variety.

The homeland of mango is Burma and East India, but now the plant is widespread in other warm corners of our planet. These are Malaysia, East Asia and Africa, Thailand, Pakistan, Mexico, Spain, Australia.

Varieties and types

There are over three hundred varieties of the fruit.

The most common:

Kaen Oan (pink-orange mango). The thin skin of its fruit is orange in color with a delicate pink tint. The weight of the largest fruit of this variety rarely exceeds 250 grams.

Pimsean (pink-green mango) is a rare variety that is considered one of the best. Its fruits weigh 350-450 g.

GaewLek (small green mango) is a mango variety with the smallest fruits (up to 200 g).

Keo-Sa-Woei (dark green). The darker its fruits become, the more ripe the pulp.

Nam-Doc-Mai (classic yellow mango) is the most popular variety, with a medium fruit that can weigh up to 500g.

There are as many varieties of mango as there are varieties of apples, so it is difficult to determine in all this diversity which one is tastier, but there is also a positive point - everyone can find a mango to taste.

What is the difference between green and yellow mango?

The green and yellow color of the mango fruit is the main difference between the two varieties of exotic fruit. So, fruits with a bright color have the correct shape and belong to the varieties of the Indian variety. Another variety with elongated green fruits is the Filipino or South Asian mango, whose plants are less susceptible to sudden fluctuations in climatic conditions.

What does the fruit taste like?

Ripe mango has a sweet fruity taste with a subtle sourness, in which notes of apricot, melon and peach are guessed. The color of the flesh can vary from yellow to orange. Its peculiarity is the small presence of hard fibers, they are especially noticeable if the plant grew near a source of hard water, or was treated with chemical fertilizers. The lower the fiber content in the pulp, the higher the quality of the fruit.

Composition, calorie content and nutritional value

Mango pulp is rich in vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids, which the human body is not able to produce on its own.

The vitamin composition of this exotic fruit is as follows: vitamins A, B1, B2, PP and C. Among the minerals that are abundant in mango pulp are copper, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Due to this, regular consumption of the fruit has a positive effect on the body's immune system and hematopoiesis processes.

As for the nutritional value of mango, in a percentage ratio of 100 g of the edible part of the fruit, 82.2% consists of water, 1.6% is dietary fiber, 15% carbohydrates (sucrose, fructose, xylose and glucose), 0.4% - fats and 0.8% proteins.

The calorie content of ripe mango, depending on the variety, can range from 65 to 70 kcal / 100 g.

Mango: benefits and harms to the human body

The Asian apple, as the mango is also called, has unique beneficial properties, as it is the first fruit in the world that can stop the division of cancer cells and the infection of healthy tissues. But it is not a panacea and is used as an additional source of vitamins.

The beneficial properties of mango are manifested in helping the nervous system, helping to cope with stressful situations, slowing down the aging of skin cells, cleansing the walls of blood vessels, protecting against atherosclerosis and other joint diseases, restoring the body's water balance.

In addition to a positive effect on the human body, this fruit can also cause harm. Most often it is caused by its excessive use. Since there is a lot of sucrose and glucose in mango, people with diabetes mellitus you need to be very careful.

How to determine the ripeness of a fruit?

When determining ripeness, do not rely too much on the appearance of the fruit; more attention should be paid to other signs:

Place near the stalk. In an unripe fruit, the end of the stalk is lowered down, since the pulp has not yet become sugar-filled. In ripe mangoes, the place at the stalk is round and poured, and the stalk itself is slightly raised up.

Aroma. Regardless of the variety, ripe mangoes have a very bright, strongly pronounced sweet fruity aroma. It is felt especially strongly if the fruit is sniffed closer to the stalk. You shouldn't buy odorless or alcoholic mangoes. These fruits are either unripe or already spoiled.

Weight. Ripe, poured mangoes weigh much more than unripe ones. Therefore, putting the fruit in the palm of your hand, it is worth weighing it, as it were. If it turns out to be actually heavier than it looks, then the fruit is definitely ripe.

Mango fruit: how to peel properly?

Mango peel is too tough and dense, with a specific taste. These properties make it possible to transport exotic fruit anywhere in the world without fear of spoiling its presentation, but it is preferable to peel the peel and eat only the pulp. Doing this should be done with gloves and with extreme caution so as not to get dirty or splash your clothes.

Let's take a look at the main ways to peel mangoes:

Peel off the mango peel with a sharp knife, like an apple, pear or potato. Carefully cut the fruit lengthwise with a knife to the bone, separate the pulp from the bone with rotating movements. Then use as directed.

Cut the fruit with a knife to the bone, twisting the halves in a circle, separate them from the bone. Next, make cross-shaped cuts in the pulp without cutting through the rind. Unscrew each slice with a "hedgehog" and carefully cut the pulp over a plate with a knife.

Overripe mango, after separation from the seed, can simply be separated from the peel with a small spoon. The juice that is released during this can either be used to prepare various desserts or just drink.

Ripe, but not too soft, the fruit is peeled with a potato peeler. Then cut into small slices, which are separated from the bone with a knife. This method is suitable for peeling fruits, which will then be used for mashed potatoes or other dishes.

How to Eat Mangoes?

Raw

It is better to eat peeled mango pulp raw, so the body will receive absolutely all the nutrients. It is often recommended to chill the fruit a little before serving in order to soften the characteristic oily aftertaste.

In its raw form, mangoes can be eaten not only cut into slices or cubes, but also chopped in mashed potatoes. This will require a blender and a few minutes of extra time. Children will especially like this way of serving.

Mango recipes

It can be used to prepare various delicious food and drinks.

On a hot summer day, children and adults will be delighted with mango sorbet, which will require:

2 medium-sized mangoes;
juice of one orange;
½ lemon juice;
120 g sugar;
50 ml of water;
20 g corn (or potato) starch.

How to cook:

Puree the mango pulp and refrigerate.

Mix orange and lemon juice with sugar and bring to a boil, dissolve the starch in cold water and pour it into the juice, brew the mixture until thickened.

Mix completely cooled citrus mixture and mango puree, freeze sorbet in the freezer or ice cream maker.

A variation of a hearty and delicious mango snack drink - a nutritious smoothie.

To prepare it, you need to take:

1 mango;
1 banana;
500 ml orange juice;
100 ml of natural yoghurt.

Progress:

Put the mango and banana pulp into the blender bowl, pour in the juice and yogurt. Kill all the ingredients until smooth.

Pour the smoothie into a tall glass, add some ice and serve with a cocktail tube.

Mangoes during pregnancy and breastfeeding: yes or no?

In tropical countries, mangoes are as common as apples in our countries, so for many pregnant women and nursing mothers, this fruit is a common food. Useful material contained in it are so harmless to human body that mango is recommended even as a first complementary food.

But still, if a woman did not eat this exotic fruit before pregnancy and lactation, it is worthwhile to eat it with caution, monitoring the likely manifestations of allergic reactions in the mother and child. If a rash or other skin reactions, critical changes in stool appear, immediately exclude this product from the diet.

Can you eat mango peels?

An exotic plant for our latitudes - mango is one of the distant relatives of poison ivy. This fact explains that in its peel, although in a small amount, a poisonous substance is contained - the toxic resin of urushiol. It can provoke allergic reactions and upset the digestive system, so you should not eat mango peels.

How to ripen a fetus at home?

Having bought an unripe mango fruit, you should not be upset, since there are several ways to get an absolutely ripe fruit in a time from 6-12 hours to 2-4 days, depending on the method chosen:

In a paper roll or newspaper. To ripen the mango in this way, you need to pack an unripe tropical fruit and a ripe apple in a paper bag or newspaper bag. Leave at room temperature for one to two days. The mango will fully ripen due to the release of ethylene from the ripe apple.

In grains of rice or corn. The principle of ripening the fruit is similar to the previous one, but was invented by Indian and Mexican housewives, who put unripe mangoes in a container with grains of rice and corn. The fruit can be ripe after 6 hours.

In a container at room temperature. This is the most natural way, but it takes the most time - up to three to four days.

Mango oil: application in cosmetology

The juicy pulp of the mango is eaten, and the essential mango oil is obtained from the seeds. It belongs to solid vegetable oils and at room temperature, in consistency, it resembles the well-known butter... Mango seed oil does not have any pronounced aroma, and its color can be white, light yellow or cream.

Its main cosmetic application is daily care of the face and body skin, as well as hair and nails. The oil is ideal for skin of any oiliness and age. In cosmetology, it is used as part of massage mixtures, mixed in equal proportions with face and body creams, before and after sunburn, hair balms or rubbed into nail plates.

The result of its regular use is soft velvety skin without irritation, peeling, rash and stretch marks, as well as strong beautiful and thick hair, strong nails.

It has been known to people for more than 4 thousand years. This word is translated from Sanskrit as "great fruit". The popular exotic fruit has a pleasant sweetness and delicate texture. Coming to tropical countries, tourists see a wide variety of varieties of these delicious fruits. Also, today you can buy mangoes in supermarkets in almost any country. But how to choose a ripe fruit and how to eat a mango to get the full gastronomic pleasure and maximum benefit? We will talk about this in our article.

How to determine the ripeness of a mango

Ripe fruit contains many vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the body. So how

Ripe mango

To buy a ripe mango, several factors are taken into account: what a ripe mango looks like and what flavor it has. When buying, we focus on the following criteria:

Mango skin color. There are about 300 types of fruits that have a unique skin tone. Ripe fruit may have a yellow-green hue. There are orange fruits. It is important that the skin of the mango is bright enough.
Peel texture. Ripe fruits are characterized by a smooth, glossy skin. In the presence of roughness, the immaturity of the fetus can be suspected.
Form. Choose fruits that are shaped like a handball ball. They include a lot of delicious pulp.
Density. Ripe fruits crumble with gentle pressure. In this case, the skin remains intact. Fruits that are too soft or too dense do not peel well and taste poorly.
Aroma. Ripe fruits have a sweetish aroma. It is most pronounced in the area of the stalk attachment. If the fruit doesn't smell like anything, the mango may be unripe. There is a sour smell - this indicates fruit spoilage.

An average fruit weighs 300 g. However, before buying a fruit, take into account the seed, which takes up a lot of space inside. Ripe mango has a fibrous texture, yellow or orange in color.

Unripe mango

The unripe fruit has an uneven shape. It seems slightly asymmetrical. The flat mango is not yet ripe. Therefore, its pulp has astringent characteristics. In such a situation, there is no need to try to determine the quality of the fruit by its aroma. Green mangoes are odorless. Therefore, they are guided exclusively by appearance.

If the fruit is green and firm, you shouldn't eat it right away. It will be ready for use after a few days.

Do not buy fruit that has scratches, dents, or large stains. Such signs indicate a violation of the rules of transportation and storage.

Characteristics of substandard products

There are important signs that allow you to suspect fruit spoilage:

Moisture droplets on the surface. They indicate the beginning of the release of juice. Soon, such a product will deteriorate.
Dents that remain after pressing. This sign speaks of overripe mango.
Alcoholic smell. A rotting process takes place in the product - it is better to refuse such a purchase.
Sour aroma. This smell is a consequence of the fermentation processes in the fruit.

Mango flavor

Many people wonder what mango tastes like. ... However, it can have other flavor characteristics as well. It depends on the variety purchased. The product should not be bland - this indicates insufficient ripeness of the fruit.

A sour taste is a sign of the beginning of the decay process. A similar taste may be present in unripe fruit. A high-quality fruit should have a slight acidity, which is due to the presence of amino acids in the composition.

How to peel a mango

Do you need to peel a mango before eating it? Before eating, the fruit is removed from the skin and bones, after which it is suitable for consumption.

How to remove a bone

There are several methods for removing pits from fruit:

The first way. For this, the product is placed on a cutting board and secured by hand. Above should be the part with a ponytail. After that, you need to draw a knife along the barely visible lines that go from top to bottom. This is done on each side. Thanks to this technique, it will be possible to facilitate the process of pulling out the bone and minimize the risk of damage to the fetus. The bone is easily removed with a spoon.
Second way. In this case, the fetus will remain almost intact. Cut the fruit lengthwise with a sharp knife. Moreover, the size of the hole should be small - no larger than the core. A knife is placed in the resulting slot, gently turned so that the halves move apart. Then they take out the bone with a spoon. This method will give good results when the mango is sufficiently ripe.
Third way. In this case, you can cut through the entire fruit so that the hole is along the flat part of the bone. To do this, you should use a sharp knife. The core is removed with a spoon.

How to peel off

To peel a mango, use the following methods:

With a kitchen knife. In this case, the fruit is peeled like a potato. To do this, cut off a thin peel. You can also make 2 cuts. They are made on the other side of the tail. After that, it is recommended to stretch the skin to the second end with your fingers.
Peeler. This method will take more time. However, the skin will be cut thinly and neatly.
Without using a knife. This method can only be used on ripe fruit that has been cut into 2 pieces. To do this, arm themselves with a glass. Take half of the fruit in one hand and the glass in the other. Place the mango, peel side up, gently press into the glass. The glass should be slightly smaller than the fruit. Due to this, the pulp will fall into the glass, and the skin will remain in the hand.

How are mangoes eaten

You can eat mango different ways- fresh or used for cooking various dishes. The exact method depends on personal preference.

Raw

The pulp of the fruit is cut with a knife or taken out with a spoon. The product is recommended to be chopped, chopped until puree or consumed with ice cream. Due to its pronounced sweet taste, sugar can be omitted.

There is a lot of juice in the mango. If it gets on your clothes, it cannot be washed. This fact must be taken into account before starting a meal.

To avoid unpleasant health consequences, it is allowed to eat a maximum of 300 g of mango without pits per day. Larger amounts may cause allergies.

In this case, the product is quite acceptable to use before bedtime. It contains substances that calm the nerves, improve the quality of sleep.

The calorie content of the fruit is low, and therefore it will not harm the figure. 100 g of product contains only 65 kcal. Thanks to its taste, the product allows you to cope with cravings for sweets, which will make the process of losing weight easy and enjoyable.

The bone is also edible. However, it does not contain nutrients, does not taste good and is too dense in consistency.

As part of cooked dishes

Many people are wondering what can be made from mangoes. There are many options for using this product:

Mangoes are placed in various cakes or jellies. It can be used as a filling for any baked goods.
Mango goes well with seafood. It is allowed to be added to fish sauce. However, for this, the fruit is subjected to heat treatment.
Mangos are delicious when canned - a great dessert.
The fruit can be baked with duck. The fruit is no less successfully combined with chicken. This recipe will give the bird an exquisite and unusual taste.
The fruit is even put into soup. An excellent solution would be a shrimp-based dish.

Mango drink

To make a delicious mango drink, you need 50 ml of cool water, 150 ml of yogurt, some ice and lemon juice, 1 mango. To begin with, the fruit should be peeled and chopped with a blender. Then mix it with water. Add lemon juice and yoghurt. Beat thoroughly again. Serve over ice.

Slimming smoothie

To make this healthy dish, you need a banana, kale, and mango. It is recommended to take 150 g of pineapple and 50 ml of orange juice.

Chop the cabbage to make a smoothie. Peel and cut the fruit into cubes. Mix all the ingredients, place in a blender and add a little juice. Beat until smooth. Serve chilled.

Is it possible to eat mango peel

The peels of many fruits are incredibly healthy. However, mango skins are strictly forbidden to eat. It contains a harmful resin - urushiol. The substance has an unpleasant taste and provokes intoxication of the body. As a result, there is a risk of allergic reactions.

How to store mango

A well-chosen fruit that has a whole skin and a smooth glossy texture can be stored for a maximum of 1 week. This is permitted under the following conditions:

in fridge;
in a dark and cool place, wrapped in paper;
in the freezer;
at room temperature;
after heat treatment.

It is best to put the mango on a plate and put it in the refrigerator - on the middle shelf. If the mango peel begins to darken, it is better to stop consuming this product. Such symptoms indicate damage to the fetus. Store the fruit at a temperature of no more than 5 degrees. In this case, the relative humidity should be 90%.

How to ripen mangoes at home

How can you make a mango ripe? This question arises due to the fact that today it is not always possible to acquire a ripe fruit. To make the mango ripe, you need to put it on a lighted windowsill. Within 3-5 days it will be ready for use.

The process can be sped up slightly. For this ripe apples or bananas are recommended to be put in a bag with mangoes. This method will significantly speed up the ripening of the fruit. It will be ripe in 2 days.

Storing mangoes in the refrigerator

Mangoes are kept in the refrigerator according to separate rules. If the fruit is stored for too long under such conditions, its taste may deteriorate. The flesh will become tough.

In order for the fruit to retain its juiciness and sweetness longer, you must adhere to the rules:

put ripe fruit in a cool place;
keep unripe fruit on the windowsill.

The ideal solution would be to store the mango in the fresh compartment. This refrigerator shelf has good air ventilation, which allows you to maintain a temperature of +3 degrees. With this storage method, mangoes are not wrapped too tightly with paper.

If there is no such zone in the refrigerator, the fruit is placed in a paper bag and placed on the middle shelf. Temperature regime should be 3-5 degrees. In the freshness department, the fruit is stored for 10 days. At the same time, it is allowed to keep it on the middle shelf for 1 week.

If the mango needs to be stored for a long time, it is frozen, while the fruit is recommended to be peeled and cut into bars. At the beginning, the pieces are placed on a plate, wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in the freezer. Then the frozen fruit is transferred to a bag, well closed and placed in the freezer. Temperature range - from -18 to -24 degrees. The product can be stored for a maximum of 3 months.

How to store cut fruit

To prevent darkening of the fruit, it is poured with lemon juice. Then put on a plate and wrap in plastic. It is recommended to store the cut mango for a maximum of 1 day. This is done on the middle shelf.

Mango is an incredibly tasty fruit that is very beneficial for the body. To save unique properties of this product, it is important to learn how to choose and store the fruits correctly.