Fresh Picks of the Month

Mangoes

*file109051* Beneath its vibrant and fragrant skin, mangoes pack a whole variety of essential vitamins and minerals, and even better, a juicy and fresh taste that works well with any meal!

Nutrition Benefits

• Mangoes contain essential vitamins and dietary minerals such as vitamins A, B, B6, C, E, and K
• Mangoes are also rich in potassium, copper, and amino acids
• The antioxidant power in vitamins A and E help protect against heart disease and other various ailments

Serving Tips

• Add fresh mango cubes to a fruit salad or salsa for a hint of sweetness and vibrant color
• Puree a mango and chill for a delicious homemade and healthy juice
• Blend mango with milk for a fulfilling milkshake

Handling and Storage

• Store firm, unripe mangoes at room temperature for a week to ripen
• To speed the ripening process, place unripe mangoes in a paper bag before storing at room temperature

Preparation

• Fresh mango can be served and enjoyed in a variety of unique forms. They can be enjoyed peeled and eaten as is, they can be sliced into three slices and enjoyed in thirds, or they can be sliced into thirds and sliced into cubes
• Freezing:  Sprinkle sugar over peeled, diced mangoes slices.  Stir gently until the sugar dissolves in the juice.  Seal in airtight container or plastic freezer bags and store for up to 12 months.

Try These Recipe Ideas

Mango Salsa

Ingredients
1 large fresh mango, peeled and diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
1 clove diced garlic
1/2 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 large red onion, finely diced
juice of 1/2 fresh lime

1. Mix all the ingredients together well and squeeze the lime juice over the mixture
2. Refrigerate for one hour and serve

Mango Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients
2 large ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cubed
3 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
6 tablespoons low-fat granola

1. Puree 1 mango and spoon a generous amount into the bottom of a cup or glass
2. Top mango puree with 1/4 cup of yogurt
3. Sprinkle cubed mango over the top
4. Repeat with any excess mango and yogurt, then top with granola
5. Chill and enjoy!