Most exotic fruits cause not only delight, but also a lot of questions. This is due to the fact that many of us saw them exclusively in pictures or in films. For example, this is the case with such a beautiful and sweet mango fruit. Is it possible to eat this fruit with a peel? How and with what to cook it? How to serve? How easy is it to get rid of a bone? We will talk about this and much more today.
Appearance of an exotic fruit, shape, weight
Mango is a rather weighty exotic fruit that has an ovoid shape. On the one hand, it is slightly narrower, and on the other, wider. Depending on the variety, mangoes are green, orange, yellow or even red.
One such fruit weighs approximately 200-250 g. Mango species are known whose size does not exceed the fruit of the plum tree. Much less common are specimens weighing 400-500 grams. And giants with a weight of about 1.5 kg are very rare. Here is such an unusual mango fruit. It is difficult to say whether it is possible to eat a peel from such a huge fruit, since such specimens were found only several times in life. One can only assume that they were treated exactly the same as with fruits of ordinary size.
Where does mango grow?
The birthplace of this wonderful fruit are considered Thailand, India, Vietnam, Myanmar and other countries of Southeast Asia. At the moment, in the southern states of America have also learned to grow mangoes. Small plantations are in Mexico, Australia, and Central America.
Features of pulp and peel
Before answering the question whether it is possible to eat mango with a peel, it is worth describing the pulp and peel of this fruit itself. The fruit of this plant has a beautiful and juicy, but slightly fibrous pulp of yellow or orange color.
Its peel is quite smooth and dense, but very thick and has an unpleasant wax coating. It is by her condition that one can judge how much the fetus has ripened, overripe or has already deteriorated.
In stale fruits, the peel is usually covered with fine wrinkles and irregularities. In fresh, it is completely smooth and elastic. Moreover, if you slightly press on it with your finger, a dent should form. However, a couple of seconds after you remove it, the notch will disappear. But are mangoes peeled? We are talking about this further.
Do I need to get rid of the peel?
Since the peel of the fruit is very thick and tough, it is recommended to get rid of it. Before you get to the pulp, the skin of the fetus is gently washed and wiped dry. Responding to a request about whether it is possible to eat mango with a peel, mention should be made of the features of the skin, its structure and thickness. Peel is not eaten precisely because of its high density. But throw it away is not worth it. Since a little pulp still remains on it when cut, it can be thoroughly washed and put in the freezer.
Then, with these pieces, you can wipe your face in the mornings and evenings. Thus you perfectly moisturize your skin. And fruit acid in the composition of the fruit will give it elasticity, grooming and give a little vitamin C. Indeed, it is mango that contains a large amount of this component, several times higher than what is contained in lemon. It follows that it is nevertheless necessary to peel the mango. Is it necessary to throw it away, it's up to you.
How does mango grow and flower?
Mango fruits grow and ripen on evergreen trees. However, some species of such plants are able to reach a height of 35-40 meters. However, due to the fact that such tall plants were not very convenient for growing mangoes on an industrial scale, selectors managed to breed low-growing species. This approach has helped streamline the harvest process.
Young tree leaves have a slight reddish tint. As the plants grow, they acquire a bright green color. Mango blooms with small yellow flowers. Later, the petals fall, and small balls of fruit appear on the branches.
Over time, they grow and become large. Their shell takes on a smooth and shiny appearance. But do pests eat mango peels? Like many other fruit plants, some species of aphids, ticks, and other insects like the leaves and fruits of mangoes. However, with proper plant care and regular processing, they have no chance.
When does the fruit ripen?
The fruit ripening period is quite long. It takes from 4 to 6 months to fully ripen the fruit. Harvesting ripe and juicy fruits takes only a few weeks. For example, in Thailand, it lasts from early April to late May. At this time, all the trading stalls, store shelves and markets are full of fresh mangoes.
Of course, to find mango in our country is quite realistic at almost any time of the year. However, this fruit will be slightly different from the ripe and healthy fruit that can be found in the spring in Thailand and other warm countries.
What taste does mango have?
So, you now know that you should not eat mango with a peel. Is it possible to eat it without her? Sure you may. But what does this tropical wonder taste like? According to experts, the tastes of the fruit of the store, to which many are already accustomed, and that which was torn directly from the tree, will vary.
A real ripe fruit has a special flavor, vaguely reminiscent of the fresh pulp of pineapple, melon, apricot and fresh peach. When you start eating a slice of mango, you will understand how fragrant and sweet it is. It will literally melt in your mouth. It is said that a small slice of mango can arouse appetite and even quench your thirst.
How to peel a mango and get rid of a stone?
There are several options for ridding the fruit of the skin and seeds. The simplest one: to take mango fruit in one hand and a sharp knife in the other. And then you just have to peel it like potatoes. After that, cut the fetus in half and carefully remove the seed. However, in carrying out these simple steps, it is worth taking some precautions. The thing is that the fruit is very juicy. So get ready for the juice to flow by hand. The ideal option is to peel the fruit over the sink or some container.
Another option for cleaning mangoes looks more impressive.
- Take the pre-washed mango.
- Prepare a sharp knife.
- Using a knife, divide the fruit into two parts (it’s worth moving right along its bone). The bone lies tightly in the pulp. If necessary, cut it from the middle of the mango half.
- Turn the pulp slightly on the peel and make a few more incisions crosswise.
- Turn the flesh even more and carefully cut the obtained diamonds with a knife into a plate.
Do not forget! No need to eat mango peel. Can it be used in cooking? Most likely not. The fruit skin is generally discarded or left to create a special decorative effect when served on the table. But they don’t eat it.
How is a ripe mango?
The pulp of an overripe mango is very soft. Cut such a fruit with diamonds or slices will not work. Therefore, you can eat it by carefully cutting off the top of the fetus with a teaspoon.
Cooking Tips for Mango Lovers
This fruit is not only tasty, but also very useful. Its pulp contains a huge amount of amino acids, fiber, pectin, flavonoids, unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins of groups E, A, D and B. Moreover, mango is a low-calorie product. After all, in its 100 g - about 66 calories. Therefore, it can be safely added to any diet.
Mangoes are usually eaten raw. It can be safely added to smoothies or fruit shakes. Slices of the fruit go well with yogurt and milk. Sometimes mangoes are added to salads. Here it should be combined with avocado, pineapple and chicken meat. Fruit pulp is also used in sweet desserts and pizza.
As you can see, this is a very interesting and healthy fruit.