It's the most wonderful time of the year - mango season! As soon as the temperatures start soaring, we know it's time for the king of fruits to grace us with its presence. And in India, mangoes are not just a fruit, they are an emotion, a way of life!
Indians have an unwavering love for mangoes that transcends all boundaries. We have over 1,500 varieties of mangoes that we grow, eat, and celebrate during the season. From the juicy and sweet Alphonso to the tangy and sour Kesar, we have a mango for every taste bud.
During the mango season, our taste buds come alive with the sheer variety of dishes that we make with mangoes. Mango lassi, mango milkshakes, mango kulfi, mango ice cream - you name it, we have it. And let's not forget the traditional aam ras - a heavenly puree made with ripe mangoes that we serve with hot puris. It's a match made in food heaven!
But that's not all, my food-loving friends. We also use mangoes in savoury dishes like mango chutney, mango pickle, and mango rice. The sweet and sour taste of mangoes adds a unique flavour to these dishes, making them all the more delicious. Mangoes are not just delicious, they are also packed with nutrients that offer a range of health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of consuming mangoes:
Boosts Immunity
Mangoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for boosting the immune system. They also contain antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals and harmful toxins.
Good for Eye Health
Mangoes are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyesight and preventing age-related macular degeneration.
Improves Digestion
Mangoes are high in fibre, which promotes digestive health by preventing constipation and regulating bowel movements. They also contain enzymes that aid in digestion and break down proteins.
Lowers Cholesterol
Mangoes contain high levels of soluble fibre, which helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They also contain compounds that prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Protects Against Cancer
Mangoes contain antioxidants like quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid, and methyl gallate that help protect against certain types of cancers.
Helps with Diabetes
Mangoes are a low glycemic index (GI) food, which means they do not cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. They also contain compounds that regulate insulin levels, making them a good fruit choice for people with diabetes.
Improves Skin and Hair Health
Mangoes are rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin and hair. They contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which help protect the skin from damage and keep it looking youthful.
Here are 5 Indian dishes that are made with mangoes
Aamras
Aamras is a sweet and creamy dessert from the western Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. It is made by blending the pulp of ripe mangoes with sugar and a little bit of milk to create a smooth and creamy consistency. The dessert is usually served chilled and is a perfect treat for hot summer days. The taste of aamras is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavours. The ripe mangoes used in making aamras are naturally sweet, and the addition of sugar enhances their sweetness. The milk added to the mixture gives the dessert a smooth and creamy texture that perfectly complements the pulpy mango flavour. The best part about aamras is that it is made with fresh, seasonal mangoes, which gives it a distinct taste that cannot be replicated with canned or frozen mango pulp.
Mango Curry
Mango curry is a popular dish in South India that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the spiciness of Indian curry. The dish typically features ripe mangoes cooked with a blend of spices, coconut milk, and other ingredients to create a tangy and flavorful curry. The taste of mango curry is a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours. The ripe mangoes used in the curry are naturally sweet, which complements the spices and gives the dish a unique taste. The spices used in the curry, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chilli powder, provide a depth of flavour and just the right amount of heat. The addition of coconut milk gives the curry a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, which balances out the spices and the tanginess of the mangoes.
Mango Rice
Mango rice is a delicious and unique dish from South India that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the savoury taste of cooked rice. The dish is made by mixing cooked rice with a blend of spices, grated coconut, and ripe mango pieces. The taste of mango rice is a perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours. The ripe mangoes used in the dish are naturally sweet and add a fruity flavour to the rice. The spices used in the dish, such as mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves, provide a savoury and aromatic flavour. The grated coconut gives the dish a slightly sweet and nutty taste that complements the sweetness of the mangoes.
Mango Pickles
Mango pickle is a popular condiment in India that is made by preserving mangoes in a blend of spices, oil, and vinegar. The pickle is typically made using unripe, green mangoes, which are cut into small pieces and mixed with a blend of spices, such as mustard seeds, fenugreek, cumin, and red chilli powder. The taste of mango pickles is tangy, spicy, and slightly sour. The unripe mangoes used in the pickle are naturally tart, which complements the spices and gives the pickle its tangy taste. The spices used in the pickle give it a pungent, aromatic flavour, while the oil and vinegar help to preserve the mangoes and enhance their taste.
Mango Pickle
Mango chutney is a popular condiment in Indian cuisine that is made by combining ripe mangoes with a blend of spices, sugar, vinegar, and other ingredients. The chutney is typically used as a dip or spread for various dishes, such as samosas, dosas, or sandwiches. The taste of mango chutney is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavours. The ripe mangoes used in the chutney provide a fruity sweetness that is complemented by the spices, such as cumin, coriander, ginger, and red chilli powder, which give the chutney a spicy kick. The sugar and vinegar in the chutney provide a balance of sweet and sour flavours, which enhances the taste of the mangoes and spices. Mango chutney is a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be served as a dip with chips or crackers, used as a spread on sandwiches or burgers, or as a condiment with grilled meats or vegetables.