Yellow Mango

Yellow mango refers to mango varieties that are predominantly yellow when ripe. Some of the most popular yellow mangoes include Ataulfo (also known as Honey mango or Champagne mango), Alphonso, and Carabao. These mangoes are loved for their smooth, buttery texture, sweet flavor, and lack of fiber compared to other varieties. Yellow mangoes are widely grown in tropical regions, particularly in Mexico, India, and the Philippines, and are cherished for their exceptional sweetness and creamy flesh.

Appearance and Flavor:

• Appearance: Yellow mangoes are typically small to medium in size, with smooth, golden-yellow skin that may have slight wrinkles when fully ripe. The flesh inside is a deep yellow or golden color, soft, and often free of fibers. The skin is thin and easy to peel.
• Flavor: Yellow mangoes are known for their intense sweetness and creamy texture. They have a rich, honey-like flavor with a mild tartness. Compared to red or green mangoes, yellow mangoes have less acidity, making them ideal for desserts and smoothies.

Popular Varieties of Yellow Mango:

1. Ataulfo Mango (Honey Mango):
   • Small, golden yellow, with a smooth, buttery texture.
   • Very sweet with a slight tang and a honey-like flavor.
   • Minimal fiber, making it ideal for fresh eating and blending.
2. Alphonso Mango:
   • Known as the "King of Mangoes," especially popular in India.
   • Golden yellow skin and a rich, creamy, non-fibrous flesh.
   • Intensely sweet with floral notes and a slight tang.
3. Carabao Mango (Philippine Mango):
   • Known as one of the sweetest mango varieties in the world.
   • Soft, smooth, non-fibrous flesh with a rich, sweet flavor.
   • Predominantly grown in the Philippines and loved for its juicy, tropical taste.

Culinary Uses:

Yellow mangoes are highly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, whether fresh, in desserts, or in savory dishes. Their smooth, creamy texture and intense sweetness make them perfect for a wide range of recipes.

• Eaten Fresh: Yellow mangoes are best enjoyed fresh, either sliced, cubed, or eaten directly from the peel. Their sweet, creamy flesh is a refreshing snack or addition to fruit salads.
• Smoothies and Juices: Due to their creamy texture and sweet flavor, yellow mangoes are perfect for smoothies and juices. They pair well with other tropical fruits like bananas, pineapples, and coconut milk.
• Mango Lassi: Yellow mangoes, especially Alphonso, are ideal for making mango lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink. The rich sweetness of the mango blends well with the creamy yogurt.
• Desserts: Yellow mangoes can be used in a variety of desserts, including mango sorbet, ice cream, mousse, cakes, and fruit tarts. Their sweetness often eliminates the need for additional sugar in recipes.
• Mango Sticky Rice: In Southeast Asian cuisine, yellow mangoes are paired with sweet coconut sticky rice for a traditional dessert known as mango sticky rice.
• Salsas and Chutneys: Yellow mangoes can be diced and mixed with other ingredients like onions, cilantro, and lime juice to make sweet and tangy salsas. They are also perfect for making mango chutney, which complements grilled meats and curries.

Nutritional Benefits:

Yellow mangoes are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber.

• Rich in Vitamin C: Yellow mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, promotes healthy skin, and helps the body absorb iron.
• High in Vitamin A: The deep yellow color of the mango flesh indicates a high content of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This supports vision, immune health, and skin health.
• Dietary Fiber: Yellow mangoes provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Antioxidants: Yellow mangoes contain antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation and protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Potassium and Folate: Yellow mangoes are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and folate, which is important for cell function and development.

Health Benefits:

• Boosts Immune Function: The high vitamin C content in yellow mangoes helps strengthen the immune system, supporting the body’s natural defenses against infections.
• Promotes Skin and Eye Health: The beta-carotene (vitamin A) in yellow mangoes supports healthy skin and vision by promoting cell regeneration and protecting against damage from UV rays.
• Aids Digestion: The dietary fiber in yellow mangoes aids digestion and supports healthy bowel movements, preventing constipation.
• Heart Health: The potassium in yellow mangoes helps regulate blood pressure, while antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease by protecting blood vessels from oxidative stress.
• Supports Healthy Weight: Yellow mangoes are low in calories but high in fiber, making them a filling and nutritious option for those looking to manage their weight.

How to Prepare Yellow Mango:

1. Rinsing: Rinse the mango under cold water to remove any dirt or debris from the skin.
2. Peeling: Yellow mango skin is thin and easy to peel. You can use a knife or your hands to remove the skin.
3. Cutting: Slice the mango lengthwise along both sides of the flat seed. Once you have the two halves, you can scoop or cut the flesh into cubes or slices.
4. Serving: Serve fresh yellow mango slices or cubes as a snack, in fruit salads, or use them in smoothies, desserts, or salsas.

Popular Dishes Featuring Yellow Mango:

• Mango Smoothie: Blend fresh yellow mango with yogurt, banana, and coconut water for a rich, tropical smoothie.
• Mango Sorbet: Puree yellow mango with lime juice and freeze to make a refreshing sorbet.
• Mango Sticky Rice: Serve slices of yellow mango with sweet coconut sticky rice for a traditional Thai dessert.
• Mango Salsa: Dice yellow mango and combine with red onions, cilantro, and lime juice to create a sweet and tangy salsa, perfect for pairing with grilled fish or chicken.
• Mango Lassi: Blend yellow mango with yogurt, milk, and cardamom for a creamy and refreshing mango lassi.

Storage:

Yellow mangoes should be stored at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, they can be stored in the refrigerator to slow down further ripening and will keep for up to a week. If the mango has been cut, store the pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can also freeze mango cubes for longer storage.