Everything there is to know about Mangoes

My Dad grew up in the Panama Canal and my brother, David, just recently spent 2 years in Panama as well. They tell stories about how readily available fruit is there. Mango trees everywhere you go, David's friend with a fruit farm that gave away barrels of ripe pineapples, mangoes, and other tropical fruits. I think I would die and go to heaven to live in such a tropical climate where there is a mango tree infestation. Granted I was born and raised in Florida where oranges and strawberries can be found locally practically all year round, which was pretty fantastic...but sometimes a girl just needs a mango!


Mango is widely accepted as a superfood for endless reasons. I'll tell you what it has in it (all the large unpronounceable words), then I will tell you what it does (that's my favorite part).

• Phytochemicals and nutrients include: pre-boitic dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, other B vitamins, potassium, copper, iron, amino acids, flavonoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene,and beta-cryptoxanthin and omega-3's & 6's. That is just in the pulp of the fruit, the peel of the fruit comes with it's own set of special powers.

What on earth does all that mean?! 

• Naturally, as with any high antioxidant food, especially those high in vitamin C, it helps prevent cancer, heart disease, and boosts immune system.
• Those suffering from acidity can gain relief by eating mangoes thanks it's awesome combination of enzymes. 
• The combination of vitamin A and flavonoids are essential for vision. Vitamin A is also known to maintain healthy mucus membranes and skin. Got a cold, eat a mango! Want to clear up that skin? Eat a mango, or slice it and put it on your fave for 10- 15 minutes, then rinse. 
• If you suffer from anemia, the high iron content in mangoes can help.
• Potassium helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure. 
• The pre-biotic soluble fiber helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL)
• According to healthmango.com mangoes contain glutamine acid and can help boost memory and keep cells active in children with concentration troubles. 
• And lastly, that vitamin E can spruce up your sex drive ;-)

A couple weeks ago we ordered a case of mangoes with our Saturday produce. I experimented with multiple smoothies and recipes, and I will share with you my favorite smoothie of them all. And I am feeling particularly generous this morning so I am also going to share the recipe for the mango salsa and clean cinnamon & "sugar" chips I made yesterday afternoon! LUCKY YOU!

Note the case of mangoes on the right (oh and that bag of navels from a produce stand on the side of the road was incredible too-made some bomb orange juice)! YUMM!

COCONUT MANGO SMOOTHIE

Next time you feel a cold coming on, give this smoothie a go to give you the ultimate Vitamin C boost!

2 Mangoes, 2 oranges, 1 banana, coconut flesh to taste, 1 c almond milk, and about 10 ice cubes. Blend until smooth. GULP GULP GULP!

NOW- LO AND BEHOLD:

MANGO STRAWBERRY SALSA WITH CINNAMON AND SUGAR CHIPS

Here is what you will need:

For the chips:

3 100% whole wheat tortillas

2 tsp of cinnamon

2 TBSP of granulated Stevia in the Raw

canola oil spray

For the salsa:

1 mango

about 7-8 medium strawberries

1/4 a bunch of cilantro

1/6 of a medium red onion

2 tsp of minced garlic

juice from 1 lime

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400.  Slice your 3 tortilla's into 8ths. Spray both sides with canola oil spray and lay on baking sheet. Combine stevia and cinnamon in bowl then sprinkle on both sides of oiled tortilla, then spray both sides again lightly with oil. Pop in oven for 12 minutes until lightly brown and crispy.

While your chips are in the oven start dicing up your strawberries, mango, onions, and cilantro. If you've never diced a mango here is how I did it.

Toss all diced ingredient in bowl, then add your lime juice, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Stick in the fridge to marinate while chips finish up. Once chips are done BON APATITE! This would also work great as a topper to some honey marinated grilled chicken!

Do you have a favorite mango recipe? I'd love to hear it!