Why the mango is no aam fruit!

At the start of every year, we all eagerly wait for the mango season to kick in. There's an unmistakable joy in savoring the golden sweetness of this beloved fruit—a taste that feels like pure bliss. Whether you admit it or not, we’re pretty sure you’ve been counting down the days until the “King of fruits” makes its grand debut. And finally the wait is over!

Mangoes combine indulgence and health in the most delicious way—what’s not to love?

Precisely, beyond its delightful flavor, mangoes are brimming with nutrients that make them a true gift of nature.

Here's why they're so remarkable:

- Mangoes are high in fiber, aiding digestion and keeping your gut happy.
- When fully ripe, they are rich in Vitamin A, promoting healthy vision and boosting immunity against common colds and infections.
- They are naturally low in calories and sodium, making them a guilt-free treat.
- Raw mangoes are abundant in Vitamin C, and they offer protection from the adverse effects of heat. Plus, Aam ka panna is a refreshing remedy for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Consuming one or two small tender mangoes in which the seed is not fully formed, with salt and honey has been found to be an effective solution for summer diarrhoea.
- Mangoes are excellent sources of potassium, calcium, and iron, supporting overall health.

Nutritionists recommend at least five portions of fruits and vegetables daily—and half a ripe mango counts as one! Mangoes truly bring together flavor, health, and happiness in every bite. 

Curious about picking the perfect mango?

Mangoes are indeed Nature’s delightful gift to India! From the rich Alphonso to the Langda from Benaras and Bihar, the Chausa, Malda, Dussehri, Fazli, Sindoori/Safeda, Totapuri, and the Banganapalli from Andhra Pradesh, there's a variety for every taste.

Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice when selecting mangoes:

- Colour is not necessarily an indication of ripeness in a mango. Some varieties remain green even when they are ripe, while others turn golden or bright red or a combination of both. 

- Buy unblemished fruit with no black marks on the skin. Firm mangoes with bright skin should be picked up.

- Ripe and ready for the table mangoes have a sweet smell at the stem end, an indication to help you decide whether it is ready for consumption or not.

- To test the mango for ripeness, press the narrow end lightly. The flesh should yield to the pressure.

- If you have a batch of not-so-ripe, sour mangoes keep them at room temperature open to the air for a few days. The skin will gradually brighten and the mangoes will start smelling sweet.

- Mangoes are best not refrigerated during the ripening process. But once fully ripe, they are best stored in the fridge for up to a week’s time.

The Versatility of Mangoes

Mangoes aren't just delicious—they're incredibly adaptable! Their versatility shines across a range of uses, from sweet to savory, and everything in between. Here's how mangoes bring their magic to the table:

- Culinary Adventures: Fresh mangoes can be turned into smoothies, desserts, salads, chutneys, pickles, and even savory curries.

- Global Inspiration: Mangoes feature prominently in cuisines worldwide, like mango salsa, Thai sticky rice with mango, and tropical cocktails.

- Preservation Marvels: Mangoes can be dried, juiced, pulped, or canned, ensuring their flavor lasts beyond the season.

Their charm transcends boundaries—blending health, flavor, and creativity in every bite.

Unleash the Flavor of Mangoes with These Recipes - 

Mango shakes and ice creams - One mango and a glass of milk in the morning is a good breakfast. Mango is rich in sugar but deficient in protein. On the other hand, milk is rich in protein but deficient in sugar. Together they are a great combo of taste and health! Try making a homemade mango ice cream, Kulfi, a mango milkshake or the all-time favourite amrakhand (flavoured shrikhand). 

Stock up on Pickles and condiments – Summer is synonymous with mango pickles. Make an instant mango pickle or lachche waala aam adrak ka achar with semi ripe mangoes! Also stock up on some delicious sweet tangy chunda and make a mango chunda crostini out of it for your next party!  

Savoury Mango Meals – Mangoes add an amazing sweet taste with just the right hit of tang in a curry. Try the south Indian Mango sasam or make a delicious mango ki kadhi with crunchy salty boondi on top – a great accompaniment with rice. Non vegetarians should definitely try these fabulous recipes - aamras ka gosht, fish and mango kababs and tandoori mango prawns on noodle nest and a creamy spicy sweet Thai chicken and mango curry. 

Mango Mithai – You can make several Indian sweets with fresh mangoes. Make most of the season of king of fruits and try out interesting recipes like a mango bhapa doi with citrus fruits or a mango seviyan burfi. Or glam up Sunday morning breakfasts with a mango sheera. 

Mango Desserts – Just like mango mithais there is no dearth of mango based desserts that you can make in your home kitchen. Try mango and coconut cheese cake or ice icecream – the tropical flavours gel perfectly together! Singaporean mango jelly is also a great option. Or simply coat slices of mango in tempered chocolate and serve with ice cream. Also use this delicious combination in mango chocolate custard. 

Ripe or raw, mangoes are versatile and a cook’s dream ingredient because various dishes like kadhis, puris, pulaos, halwas, cakes, tarts, soufflés, kulfis, ice-creams, puddings, shakes and lassi can be made using fresh mango and mango pulp. 

For recipes browse through SanjeevKapoor.com we have several delicious recipes using this summer fruit!