Mangos

Mangos (Mangifera indica) are an oval shaped fruit with thin green, yellow, or red, skin and a thick yellow/orange flesh that surrounds a large central pit.

Health Benefits of Mangos:

• Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
• Increased Immune Function
• Reduced Cancer Risk
• Protection Against Heart Disease
• Protection Against Dementia
• Promoted Eye Health
• Alleviation of Inflammation
Mangoes are related to both poison ivy and poison sumac. The oils from the skin and particularly the stem of the mango can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations in certain people. To help alleviate any possible

reactions avoid eating mangoes close to the skin, and cut a mango from the bottom down to the stem. The amount of irritant oils also depends on variety, and several types of mango cause little irritation.  

Climate and origin: Mangoes are tropical fruits which originated in India and thrive in a hot dry climate. (Zone 10 in the U.S.)How to choose Mangos: A mango is ripe when it yields to gentile pressure, and is overripe if it becomes mushy. Mangoes can be bought firm and allowed to ripen at home. Avoid any mangoes with wrinkled skin, or a rancid smell.

Taste: Mangoes have a very sweet fragrant taste, mushy texture, and depending on variety, several stringy fibers.

Miscellaneous information: Ever popular, mangoes account for 50% of all tropical fruits currently cultivated.