Mango
A large tropical drupe; the Peruvian season covers our winter.
- Season: November, December, January, February, March
- Peak season: December, January
- Botanical family: Anacardiaceae
History
Native to India and Burma, the mango has been grown there for more than 4,000 years and has become India’s national fruit. Portuguese sailors spread it to Africa and the Americas from the 16th century.
Origin and growing regions
Mangoes sold in France in winter come mainly from South America:
- Peru
- Brazil
- Réunion and the Caribbean
Benefits
The mango is delicious and rich in vitamins:
- Beta-carotene: Its orange flesh is rich in it.
- Vitamin C: Present in good amounts.
- Moderate energy: About 60 kcal per 100 g.
- Fibre: Good for digestion.
Varieties
- Kent: Very juicy, no fibres.
- Keitt: Stays green even when ripe.
- Tommy Atkins: Red, firm flesh.
- Alphonso: Indian, intense scent.
- José: Small fragrant mango from Réunion.
Zero waste
- Storing: At room temperature to ripen, then in the fridge: 3 to 5 days.
- Freezing: In cubes: up to 6 months, perfect for smoothies.
- Nothing goes to waste: There’s still flesh on the stone: scrape it with a spoon. An overripe mango makes a lassi or sorbet.