What's New? Fruit & Vegetable Tasting

Ataulfo

The mango (pronounced a-toll-fo) is a cultivar or type of mango from the Chiapas region of Mexico. They are also called , Baby, Yellow, Adolfo, or Champagne mangoes. Ataulfo mangoes are golden yellow, oval shaped and somewhat smaller (they are btw 6-10 ounces) than the more traditional type of mango, which is also called the mango. The fruit of the Ataulfo is also less fibrous than the traditional mango and has a thinner pit in the middle. The outside skin is tough, and the flesh is deep yellow and high in sugar (15 grams per 100 gram serving), has a buttery feel and a rich, sweet flavor. When ripe and at room temperature, the Ataulfo mango will have a sweet smell and a slight wrinkling of the skin.

Mangos were introduced to Mexico through Brazil from the Philippines via Portuguese travelers and trade in the 1700’s but they are originally from India. Historians believe it was Buddist Monks who first brought mango seeds with them in travels outside of India. In ancient Sanskrit, mango trees are referred to as “wish granting trees”. The Ataulfo mango was discovered in Mexico in 1958 as a result of a cross pollination of different varieties of mango and named after it’s grower, Ataulfo Morales Gordillo. They only gained popularity in the US in the 1990’s but had been sold in Mexico plentifully since its discovery.

Nutritional info:

Ataulfo mangoes are rich in vitamins A, B, and C as well as dietary fiber and are a good source of carbohydrates. They contain potassium and calcium, as well as iron and folate. Mangoes contain enzymes that have been shown to aid in digestion.

Ataulfo make great excellent sorbet, jams, tarts and chutneys. Sautéed mango with poultry and roasted meats and pureed raw mango makes a great addition to smoothies, juices, and curries. Store at room temperature until ripe, once ripe they will keep refrigerated for up to a week. They available for sale from spring through fall.

**The vegetable for this tasting has been generously donated by Lemon Street Market. Thank you!