Benefits of Mango, Eating, Buying & Storing Tips

Mangoes used to be regarded as an exotic fruit in North America: However, as more of the fruit is grown in Florida, California, and Hawaii, or imported from Mexico and Central America, mangoes are becoming increasing popular. The soft, juicy flesh of a ripe mango makes it difficult to peel and messy to eat, but it’s worth the effort. Mangoes are considered a comfort food in many parts of the world. They also contain an enzyme with digestive properties similar to papain found in papayas—which also makes them a very good tenderizing agent.

Health Benefits

Prevents cancer.
Like other orange and deep yellow fruits, mangoes are exceptionally high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. One medium-size (8-oz/227-g) mango has 135 calories and 57 mg vitamin C, which is more than 50% of the RDA. This powerful antioxidant helps protect against cancer.

May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
One medium-size mango also provides 4 g of fiber and a healthy amount of potassium, which helps manage blood pressure. Mangoes are high in pectin, too, a soluble fiber that is important in controlling blood cholesterol.

Aids weight loss.
The high fiber content in mangoes may help induce feelings of fullness.

Eating Tips
• Make a mango quesadilla with a flour tortilla and shredded monterey jack cheese.
• Stir mango chunks into rice pudding.
• Serve mango slices with an Indian chicken curry.

Buying Tips
• Look for a mango with flesh that yields slightly when gently pressed.
• Large dark spots may mean that the flesh is bruised. If the skin is completely green, the fruit may not ripen; a fruit past its prime will have shriveled skin.

Storing Tips
• Store mangoes at room temperature and out of the sun until ripened. The ideal storage temperature for mangoes is 55°F (13°C).
• Mangoes have a shelf life of 1 to 2 weeks.
• Mangoes will not ripen in the refrigerator, but you can store them there once ripe.
• Store cut mangoes in a plastic bag for no more than 3 days.
 • If you place an unripe mango in a paper bag in a cool location, it will ripen in 2 or 3 days. A flowery fragrance indicates that the mango is ripe and flavorful. Eat ripe mangoes as soon as possible.