Mango Facts

Mango facts

Learn fun mango facts and general information about mangoes. This page includes how mangoes grow, what to look for when buying them, how to store them, how to use them in recipes, and easy mango recipe ideas.

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Fun Mango Facts

  • June through August is peak mango season.
  • Mangoes grow on tall evergreen trees in tropical areas.
  • Mangoes can be used in smoothies, fruit salads, chutneys, and salsas.
  • Mangoes can also be canned or frozen.
  • Ripe mangoes are soft enough to cut easily but should not feel mushy.

How Mangoes Grow, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Mangoes Are Available

June is peak season through August.

How Does a Mango Grow?

Mangoes grow on tall evergreen trees in tropical areas.

What to Look for When Buying a Mango

Choose mangoes that are plump without blemishes. Avoid soft or shriveled ones. They should yield gently when pressed, or you can buy them and ripen them at home.

Mango Storage Tips

If ripe, a mango can be stored in the refrigerator. To ripen, leave it at room temperature.

Kid Tip: Mangoes have a large flat pit in the middle, so adult help is useful when cutting them.

How to Cook with Mangoes

How to Use Mangoes

  1. Peel and cut mango away from the large pit.
  2. Use mango in chutneys, salsas, fruit salads, and smoothies.
  3. Freeze extra mango pieces for later smoothie recipes.
Learning more about mangoes
Cooking Tip: Mango is especially good in sweet-and-savory recipes because it adds both flavor and moisture.

Mango Texture and Ripeness

Firm mangoes are better if you want to let them ripen at home.

Ripe mangoes should give slightly when pressed and will be sweeter and juicier.

Mangoes that are too soft or shriveled are usually past their best stage.

Food Science: Ripening Mangoes

Why Does Mango Get Softer?

As mango ripens, the fruit becomes softer and sweeter. That is because the natural starches inside begin changing into sugars.

This is why a ripe mango tastes sweeter and feels softer than an unripe one.

Mini Activity

Mango Ripeness Test

  1. Look at a mango and describe its color and shape.
  2. Gently press the outside.
  3. Talk about whether it feels firm or slightly soft.
  4. Guess whether it is ready to eat now or needs more time to ripen.

Mango Nutrition Facts

Mango is high in vitamin B6, fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. It also aids in digestion and provides potassium.

  • Mango is high in vitamin B6.
  • It contains fiber.
  • It contains vitamin C and vitamin A.
  • Mango also provides potassium.

More Food Fact Resources




Mango Recipes

Mango-Peach Smoothie

This easy fruit smoothie combines mangoes and peaches with milk and orange juice.

By Elizabeth (Virginia)

  • Category: Drink
  • Prep: 10 minutes
  • Cook: No cooking
  • Yield: 4 servings
Mango smoothie
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Ingredients

  • 2 mangoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 peaches, sliced
  • 1 cup vanilla soy milk, almond milk or milk of choice
  • 1 cup orange juice

Directions

  1. Blend everything together until smooth.
  2. Pour and enjoy.
Teaching Tip: This is a great beginner recipe for practicing measuring, pouring, and blender safety with adult help.

Mango Salsa

This fresh mango salsa combines sweet mango with onion, cilantro, pepper, jalapeno, and citrus juice.

  • Category: Salsa
  • Prep: 15 minutes
  • Cook: No cooking
  • Yield: 6 servings
Mango salsa
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Ingredients

  • 3 ripe mangoes, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped finely
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped small
  • 1/2 medium jalapeno, minced small
  • Juice of 1 lemon or lime, or about 2 tablespoons

Directions

  1. Add diced and chopped ingredients together in a serving bowl.
  2. Pour the juice of lemon or lime over the top.
  3. Serve with chicken, fish, or pork chops.
Flavor Tip: Mango salsa is sweet, tangy, and a little spicy, so it works well with savory foods.

More Mango Ideas

mango strawberryy popsicle

Mango Popsicles

Try a mango popsicle recipe.

Mango meatloaf

Mango Meatloaf

See how mango can be used in a savory recipe too.

Mango crackers

Mango Cracker Snack

Try a fun mango snack idea from the preschool snacks page.

Yogurt parfait with fruit

Add Mango to a Parfait

Use mango in a yogurt parfait for a fresh and easy snack idea.

Kids Cooking Videos: Mango Salsa

Mango Facts FAQ

When are mangoes in season?

June through August is peak mango season.

How do mangoes grow?

Mangoes grow on tall evergreen trees in tropical areas.

What should you look for when buying a mango?

Choose mangoes that are plump and free from blemishes. Avoid ones that are soft or shriveled.

How should mangoes be stored?

Store ripe mangoes in the refrigerator. Leave them at room temperature to ripen.

What nutrients are in mangoes?

Mangoes are high in vitamin B6, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Keep Learning About Mangoes

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mango strawberryy popsicle

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Smoothies

Add mango to your smoothie recipes.

Share your food facts and recipes

Do you have a food facts or recipe to share?


Explore More Food Facts

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