Mangoes. Who doesn’t love them? We all love mangoes!
In season now is the Australian R2E2 mangoes, which has orange-coloured skin with a red blush and non-fibrous, sweet yellow flesh. It has a long shelf life and is available from November to February.
Interesting fact: Originally from South East Asia, mangoes have been cultivated for more than 4,000 years. In the 4th and 5th centuries BC, Buddhist monks introduced mango plants to eastern Asia. By the 10th century, traders had taken mangoes on their voyages to the Middle East and East Africa. The Portuguese introduced mangoes to South America, the Philippines and West Africa.
In the 1800s, mango plants reached Australian shores and they are now grown in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia.
Here are some simple tips to help you better enjoy your persimmons
Choose firm mangoes that have a pleasant smell. Avoid mangoes that are very soft or have bruises or black spots on the skin. The colour of a mango does not indicate ripeness. Some varieties with peach-coloured skin may not be ripe. A ripe mango will yield to gentle pressure at the stem end of the fruit.
Store unripe mangoes at room temperature but not in direct sunlight. Once they are ripe, store mangoes in the crisper section of your fridge. They will keep for up to three days when refrigerated.
Make a simple mango chutney – boil chopped unripe mango, sliced apple, onion, brown sugar, white wine vinegar, garlic, chilli in a saucepan, then add sultanas and, when cool, store in sterilised jars.
Serve stir-fried chicken – cook chicken in oil, lime juice and soy sauce, add broccolini and bok choy, then finish off with sliced mango, torn fresh mint and coriander leaves.
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