Mango Basics

A relative of the pistachio and cashew, the mango grows in tropical climates. The mango tree measures an average of 50 feet in height, although it can sometimes reach 100 feet, and produces an annual yield of about 100 fruits. Mangoes comprise more than 1,000 different varieties, some of which are round, while others are oval or kidney-shaped. The fruit averages about 4" in length and weighs between 9 ounces and 3 pounds. The slightly tart and spicy flavor of mangoes is pleasant, though certain varieties of mangoes, especially wild mangoes, have very little flesh and may leave a turpentine aftertaste.

Mangoes have a thin, smooth skin that can be greenish, yellowish, or reddish in color, often tinged with purple, pink, orange-yellow, or red. The flesh is orange or orange-yellow, like that of the peach. Though mangoes are sometimes fibrous, the flesh of most varieties is smooth, buttery, sweet, and fragrant. The flesh clings to the stone, the pit at the center of the mango, which is large and flat.

The fruit of the mango tree, the mango is thought to be native to India. Cultivated for more than 6,000 years, mangoes were long unknown outside of Asia. They were introduced into Brazil by Portuguese explorers in the 18th century, after which they gradually became known throughout the world. The Portuguese named the fruit manga, an adaptation of man-gay, as mangoes are called in the Tamil language of ­southeastern India. Thailand, India, Pakistan, and Mexico are among the largest producers of mangoes today.