Types of Mangoes – Alphonso, Kent, Tommy Atkins & More

Mangoes are a beloved fruit enjoyed by people around the world. With their sweet and juicy flesh, they provide a delightful burst of tropical flavor. But did you know that mangoes come in various types and varieties? From the famous Alphonso mango to the versatile Kent mango and the tart Tommy Atkins mango, there is a mango type to suit every palate and preference.

Let’s dive into the world of mangoes and explore the different varieties available, their unique characteristics, and why they are considered some of the best mango types for eating.

Key Takeaways:

• There are various types of mangoes, each with its own distinct flavor and texture.
• Popular mango varieties include Alphonso, Kent, and Tommy Atkins.
• Mangoes are a tropical fruit enjoyed for their sweet and juicy flesh.
• Different mango types are ideal for various culinary uses, such as juicing, drying, or eating fresh.
• Exploring the diverse world of mangoes can open up a world of delicious possibilities.

The Honey Mango (Ataulfo)

The Honey Mango, also known as Ataulfo, is a delightful tropical fruit with a sweet and sour flavor. It is highly sought after for its unique taste and vibrant yellow color. One of the distinguishing features of the Honey Mango is its small seed, which results in a high flesh to seed ratio, allowing you to enjoy more of the delicious fruit.

When you bite into a Honey Mango, you’ll experience a smooth and firm flesh with no fibers, making it a delightful eating experience. This mango variety is primarily sourced from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil, and it is available from March to July, offering a taste of summer during the spring and early summer months.

The Honey Mango is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be eaten fresh on its own, added to fruit salads, blended into smoothies, or used in desserts and sauces. Its sweet and sour flavor with tropical fruit notes adds a delightful twist to any dish. So, indulge in the tropical goodness of the Honey Mango and savor its unique taste and texture.

The Honey Mango, with its small seed and high flesh to seed ratio, offers a sweet and sour flavor with tropical fruit notes. It has a vibrant yellow color, a small oblong shape, and smooth, firm flesh with no fibers. This mango variety is primarily sourced from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil, and it is available from March to July.

Table: Nutritional Information

As seen in the nutritional information table, the Honey Mango is not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients. It is a good source of vitamin C, providing 45% of the Daily Value per 100g serving. Additionally, it contains vitamin A, potassium, and dietary fiber, making it a nutritious choice for a refreshing snack or addition to your favorite recipes.

The Francis Mango

The Francis Mango is a sweet and fruity variety that grows on small farms in Haiti. This mango has a peachy aroma and a bright yellow skin with green overtones. It has an oblong and sigmoid S-shape and offers soft, juicy flesh with fibers. As the mango ripens, the green overtones diminish and the yellow color becomes more golden. The Francis Mango is available from May to June and is primarily sourced from Haiti and Ecuador.

Here is a visual breakdown of the characteristics of the Francis Mango:

The Francis Mango is a unique mango variety that stands out with its distinctive shape and peachy aroma. It is known for its soft and juicy flesh, making it a delightful choice for mango enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a tropical mango with a rich flavor and a hint of fiber, the Francis Mango is a perfect option.

The Haden Mango: A Tropical Delight

The Haden Mango is a delightful variety that brings a balance of sweet and sour flavors, coupled with a tropical fruit aroma. With its firm flesh and fine fibers, this mango is a popular choice for mango enthusiasts. Originating in South Florida in 1910, the Haden Mango played a significant role in establishing the mango industry in the region.

This vibrant mango variety features a bright red color with green and yellow overtones, adorned with small white dots. Its tropical fruit aroma is complemented by high notes of peach. The Haden Mango ripens when the green areas turn yellow, indicating its readiness to indulge in its delectable flavors.

Primarily sourced from Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru, the Haden Mango is available from March to May, offering a taste of tropical paradise. Whether enjoyed on its own or added to a variety of culinary creations, the Haden Mango is sure to delight mango connoisseurs with its unique flavor profile and firm, fiber-rich flesh.

“The Haden Mango offers a sweet and sour flavor, with a tropical fruit aroma and firm flesh with fine fibers. Its vibrant red color and tropical notes make it a visual and gustatory delight.”

Key Features of the Haden Mango

• Distinct sweet and sour flavor
• Tropical fruit aroma with high peach notes
• Firm flesh with fine fibers
• Bright red color with green and yellow overtones
• Small white dots on the skin

The Keitt Mango

The Keitt Mango is a beloved variety in Asian cultures, where it is enjoyed in its mature-green stage or pickled while still green. This mango offers a unique combination of flavors, with a high content of citrus notes that add a refreshing twist to its taste. The firm and juicy flesh of the Keitt Mango is an absolute delight, providing a satisfying bite that is complemented by its limited fibers.

With its dark to medium green color and occasional pink blush, the Keitt Mango stands out among other mango varieties. Its distinctive appearance and vibrant hues add to its visual appeal. Interestingly, the Keitt Mango remains green even when fully ripe, making it important to rely on touch and smell to determine its readiness for consumption.

Asian Culinary Marvel

As a favorite in Asian cuisines, the Keitt Mango brings a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes. Its citrus notes and firmness make it an excellent choice for salads, salsas, and stir-fries. In addition, its unique characteristics make it ideal for making pickles and preserves, showcasing its versatility in culinary creations.

Table: Key Features of the Keitt Mango

The Keitt Mango’s unique flavor profile and versatile nature make it a prized ingredient in Asian cuisine, loved for its citrus notes and firm, juicy flesh. Whether enjoyed in its mature-green stage or used to enhance various dishes, this mango variety brings a refreshing twist to any culinary creation.

The Kent Mango

The Kent Mango is a versatile mango variety that is highly prized for its juicy tender flesh and delightful flavor. It is particularly well-suited for juicing and drying, making it a popular choice for a variety of culinary uses. The Kent Mango is known for its peach and tropical fruit aroma, which adds a tantalizing fragrance to any dish it is used in. With its dark green color and dark red blush, the Kent Mango is visually appealing and adds a vibrant touch to any fruit display.

Mango Variety Comparison

When compared to other mango varieties such as the Haden Mango and Tommy Atkins Mango, the Kent Mango stands out with its unique flavor profile and juicy texture. While the Haden Mango offers a sweeter flavor with a tropical fruit aroma and fine fibers, the Kent Mango provides a balance of sweetness and sourness with a peach and tropical fruit aroma and tender flesh. Similarly, the Tommy Atkins Mango offers a tart flavor with hints of tropical fruit and citrus, along with firm flesh and high fiber content. Each mango variety has its own distinct qualities, allowing you to explore a range of flavors and textures.

“The Kent Mango offers a balance of sweetness and sourness with a peach and tropical fruit aroma and tender flesh.”

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a refreshing mango juice, create a delectable mango dessert, or simply savor the pure, natural flavor of a ripe mango, the Kent Mango is an excellent choice. Its ideal characteristics for juicing and drying make it a versatile ingredient in various recipes. So, next time you’re looking for a mango variety to elevate your culinary creations, consider the versatile and delicious Kent Mango.

The Tommy Atkins Mango

The Tommy Atkins Mango is a popular variety that is widely grown and commercially available in the United States. Known for its tart flavor and sweet notes, this mango offers a delightful combination of tropical fruit and citrus aromas. Its firm flesh, with high fibers throughout, adds a satisfying texture to each bite.

The Tommy Atkins Mango has a striking appearance with a dark red blush complemented by green and orange-yellow accents. Its medium to large oval or oblong shape adds to its visual appeal. While the color of the mango does not significantly change to indicate ripeness, it is best to rely on touch and smell indicators when selecting a ripe Tommy Atkins Mango.

This mango variety is primarily sourced from Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador, and Guatemala. It is available from March to July, allowing mango enthusiasts to enjoy its unique flavor and characteristics during the warmer months. Whether you’re eating it fresh or using it in recipes, the Tommy Atkins Mango is a versatile fruit that adds a tangy twist to any dish.

Additional Varieties of Mango

While the Alphonso, Kent, Tommy Atkins, Honey, Francis, Haden, Keitt, and Tommy Atkins mangoes are some of the most commonly known varieties, there are several other types of mangoes that offer unique flavors and characteristics. These additional mango varieties include the Alphonse Mango, Edward Mango, Kesar Mango, Manila Mango, and Palmer Mango.

“The Alphonse Mango is known for its rich and creamy texture, with a sweet and aromatic flavor that makes it a favorite among mango enthusiasts. The Edward Mango, on the other hand, has a mild and sweet taste, with a firm and fiberless flesh that is perfect for slicing and adding to salads or desserts. The Kesar Mango, originating from India, has a distinct saffron-like flavor, with a sweet and tangy taste that is both refreshing and satisfying. The Manila Mango, native to the Philippines, is small in size but big on flavor, offering a sweet and juicy flesh that is perfect for snacking. Lastly, the Palmer Mango is known for its large size and sweet, tropical flavor, making it a popular choice for eating fresh or using in smoothies and desserts.”

Each of these additional mango varieties has its own unique characteristics and is worth exploring for mango lovers looking to try something new and exciting. Whether you prefer the rich and creamy Alphonse Mango, the mild and sweet Edward Mango, the saffron-like flavor of the Kesar Mango, the small but flavorful Manila Mango, or the large and tropical Palmer Mango, there is a mango variety to suit every taste preference.

With such a diverse selection of mango varieties available, it’s no wonder that mangoes have become a beloved fruit around the world. Each variety brings its own distinct flavors and textures to the table, offering a delightful experience for mango enthusiasts. So why not expand your mango horizons and try some of these additional varieties? You might just discover a new favorite mango that will take your taste buds on a tropical journey.

Mangoes around the World

Mangoes are a tropical fruit that thrives in warm climates, making large-scale production rare in the United States. The major mango-producing countries are Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Guatemala, and Haiti. These countries cultivate different mango varieties, ensuring a global supply of mangoes throughout the year.

Each country has its own mango season, with mangoes ripening at different times of the year. This ensures a continuous supply of mangoes worldwide. The United States imports most of its mangoes from these countries, although there is limited mango production in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

With their vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and tropical origins, mangoes bring a taste of the exotic to dining tables around the world. Whether enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in various culinary creations, mangoes remain a beloved fruit globally.

Mango Production by Country

These countries have ideal conditions for mango cultivation, providing the necessary warmth and humidity that mango trees require to thrive. As a result, they contribute significantly to the global supply of mangoes, delighting consumers worldwide.

Mango Ripeness and Selection

When it comes to selecting the perfect mango, knowing how to assess its ripeness is essential. A ripe mango should give slightly when gently squeezed, similar to an avocado. Additionally, a fragrant scent resembling peaches indicates optimal ripeness. Be mindful of overripe mangoes, as they can become fibrous and develop an unpleasant flavor and scent. To ensure you choose the best mango, avoid any fruit with softness, bruises, dark freckling, or large black spots.

When selecting mangoes, it’s crucial to consider their feel, smell, and overall quality. A ripe mango should have firm flesh with no signs of softness, indicating that it is fresh and ready to eat. The scent should be pleasant and fragrant, allowing you to enjoy the tropical aroma that mangoes are known for. By paying attention to these ripeness indicators, you can ensure that you select mangoes of the highest quality and flavor.

Here are some key tips for mango selection:

• Look for firm mangoes without any signs of softness or bruising.
• Avoid mangoes with dark freckling or large black spots.
• Choose mangoes with a fragrant scent resembling peaches.
• Pay attention to the overall quality and appearance of the mango.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently choose ripe and delicious mangoes to enjoy at their peak flavor.

Storing Mangoes

Mangoes are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in various ways. To ensure the longevity of your mangoes and maintain their quality, it’s important to store them properly. Here are some tips on how to store mangoes:

Room Temperature:

Unripe mangoes can be stored at room temperature for three to four days until they ripen. Place them in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. This will allow the mangoes to continue ripening naturally and develop their sweet flavor.

Refrigeration:

Once the mangoes are ripe, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to prolong their freshness. Place the ripe mangoes in a plastic bag or wrap them in a paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Refrigerated mangoes can stay fresh for several days, allowing you to enjoy them at your convenience.

Freezing:

If you have an abundance of ripe mangoes or want to preserve them for future use, freezing is an excellent option. Start by peeling and cutting the mangoes into slices or cubes. Lay the mango pieces flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer until frozen. Once frozen, transfer the mangoes to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen mangoes can be stored for up to six months and are perfect for adding to smoothies, desserts, or enjoying as a refreshing snack.

By following these storage methods, you can enjoy the delicious taste of mangoes throughout the year. Whether you choose to store them at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or freeze them, proper storage will help maintain their flavor and texture.

Cutting Mangoes

Mangoes are a delicious fruit, but their tough skin and hard pits can make them a bit challenging to prepare. However, with the right technique, cutting mangoes can be a breeze. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your mangoes for eating or using in your favorite recipes.

Removing Mango Skin

To remove the skin from a mango, start by slicing away the stem end. Then, hold the mango with one hand and use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to peel off the skin, starting from the top and working your way down to the bottom. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the flesh as you remove the skin, as you want to preserve as much fruit as possible.

Slicing Mango Cubes

Once the skin is removed, you can slice the mango into cubes. Hold the peeled mango in one hand, with the narrow edge facing up. Use a sharp knife to make vertical cuts down the sides, as close to the pit as possible. You should end up with two large mango “cheeks” and a center section containing the pit. Set the pit section aside for later use.

Now, you can score the mango flesh on each cheek with tic-tac-toe-style slashes, being careful not to cut through the skin. Hold the mango cheek gently, skin side down, and use your fingers to push the skin side out, so the cubes pop up. Finally, you can use a knife to cut the cubes away from the skin and transfer them into a bowl.

Now that you know how to cut mangoes, you can enjoy their sweet and juicy flesh in various dishes or simply enjoy them as a refreshing snack. Whether it’s in a salad, a salsa, or a smoothie, mangoes are sure to add a burst of tropical flavor to your culinary creations.

Mango Types and Availability

Mangoes are a diverse fruit, with various types and origins, offering a wide range of flavors, textures, and availability throughout the year. From the sweet and sour Honey Mango (Ataulfo) to the tart and fibrous Tommy Atkins Mango, there is a mango variety to suit every taste and preference. Let’s explore the different mango types and their availability:

The Honey Mango (Ataulfo)

The Honey Mango, also known as Ataulfo, is available from March to July and is primarily sourced from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. It has a vibrant yellow color, a small oblong shape, and smooth, firm flesh with no fibers. This mango variety is known for its high flesh to seed ratio, making it perfect for enjoying the juicy, sweet and sour flavor of the fruit.

The Francis Mango

The Francis Mango is available from May to June and is primarily sourced from Haiti and Ecuador. It has a unique S-shaped form, a peachy aroma, and a bright yellow skin with green overtones. The Francis Mango offers soft, juicy flesh with fibers, becoming more golden as it ripens.

The Haden Mango

The Haden Mango is available from March to May and is primarily sourced from Mexico, Ecuador, and Peru. This mango variety has a beautiful bright red color with green and yellow overtones, small white dots, and a tropical fruit aroma. The Haden Mango’s firm flesh contains fine fibers, providing a sweet and sour flavor with hints of tropical fruit.

The Keitt Mango

The Keitt Mango is available from March to April, August, and September. It is primarily sourced from Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, and the United States. This mango variety has a dark to medium green color, sometimes with a pink blush, and a high content of citrus notes. It offers firm, juicy flesh with limited fibers, giving it a unique taste and texture.

Other mango varieties, such as the Kent Mango, the Tommy Atkins Mango, and additional types like Alphonse, Edward, Kesar, Manila, and Palmer mangoes, are also available, each with its own distinct characteristics and availability during different times of the year. Whether you prefer a sweet, juicy mango or a tart and fibrous one, there’s a mango variety to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the abundance and diversity of mangoes throughout the year!

Recipes with Mango

Mangoes are not only delicious to eat on their own, but they also make a versatile ingredient in plant-based recipes. Whether you’re looking to create a refreshing smoothie, a zesty salsa, or a creamy nice cream, mangoes can elevate the flavors of your dishes. Here are some mouthwatering mango-based recipes to try:

1. Mango Smoothie: Blend ripe mango chunks with your choice of plant-based milk, a splash of lime juice, and a handful of spinach for added nutrition. Enjoy this refreshing smoothie as a wholesome breakfast or a post-workout treat.
2. Mango Salsa: Combine diced mangoes, red onion, jalapeño pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt for a vibrant and tangy salsa. Pair it with tortilla chips or serve it as a topping for tacos, grilled tofu, or vegan burgers.
3. Mango Nice Cream: Freeze ripe mango chunks, then blend them with frozen banana slices and a splash of coconut milk until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This dairy-free alternative to traditional ice cream is a guilt-free dessert option.
4. Mango Salad: Toss together a mix of salad greens, sliced mangoes, cucumber, avocado, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds. Drizzle with a dressing made from lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey or maple syrup for a refreshing and nutritious salad.

Get creative with mangoes in your plant-based cooking and discover the delightful flavors they bring to your favorite dishes.

Conclusion

Mangoes are a true delight for fruit lovers, offering a wide array of flavors and characteristics. With their diverse varieties, mangoes have become a global favorite, bringing joy to consumers around the world.

From the sweet and sour Honey Mango to the tart Tommy Atkins Mango, mango lovers can indulge in a variety of tastes. Each mango variety has its own unique qualities, making the fruit a versatile ingredient for various recipes.

Whether enjoyed fresh, juiced, dried, or incorporated into plant-based dishes, mangoes are a delicious addition to any menu. They provide a burst of tropical flavor and add a refreshing twist to your culinary creations.

With their popularity, mangoes have become a staple in many households. Their year-round availability ensures that mango enthusiasts can enjoy this delicious fruit at any time. So, explore the mango world and savor the sweetness and richness of this tropical gem.