Cherry Mangoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
This item was last sold on : 07/02/24
Description/Taste
Cherry mangoes are a small variety that measures about 5 to 7 centimeters in length. These ellipses-shaped fruits have a lime green hue with faint patches of yellow and red throughout their bumpy body. Their skin may also be speckled with black spots of varying sizes. The inner flesh of Cherry mangoes is a vibrant yellow-orange, typical to that of traditional mango varieties. This flesh has a firm texture that holds its shape when the fruit is cut in half. In the center of the Cherry mango lies a large, oblong seed that takes up a significant amount of the fruit interior. The sweet, tropical aroma of Cherry mango is complemented by its sugary, rich flavor with a spicy aftertaste and notes of turpentine.
Seasons/Availability
Mangoes, including Cherry varieties, are typically harvested in two seasons: spring and summer or fall and winter.
Current Facts
The botanical name for all mangoes, including the Cherry mango, is Mangifera indica. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes cashews and pistachios. Cherry mangoes are alternatively called Cherie or Sherry mangoes. Small mangoes like this variety are sometimes called condo mangoes, a term that refers to their ability to grow inside of containers. Condo Mangoes can also be grown in greenhouses, on balconies, or in suburban backyards, making them suitable for those limited in space. Cherry Mangoes are believed to be from Indonesia, a country known for its prolific mango production. East Java is the country's primary area for mango cultivation. Other varieties of mangos like the Arumanis, Manalagi, Golek, and Lalijiwo are also grown here.
Nutritional Value
Though the specific nutrition of Cherry mangoes isn’t widely known, they are likely to contain similar nutritional values to mangoes in general. Mangoes are a significant source of vitamin A, a crucial nutrient for immune function, vision, and skin health. This fruit also provides vitamins C and K, which can help with collagen production, blood vessel health, bone metabolism, and blood clotting. They are a good source of fiber, a nutrient that helps with digestion. Mangoes contain potassium, folate, and magnesium, which aid in regulating blood sugar levels and blood pressure, fluid balance, protein metabolism, and muscle and nerve function.
Applications
Cherry mangoes can be eaten raw, dried, or cooked and pair work for both sweet and savory dishes. Fresh Cherry mangoes can be eaten on their own or chopped into a fruit salad with oranges, tangerines, bananas, and strawberries. They can be tossed into a salad, turned into a juice or jam, or served on top of cakes and pastries. Underripe Cherry mangoes can be combined with other underripe fruits like ambarella, starfruit, and rose apple in an Indonesian dessert called rujak. This dish is often served with a flavorful sauce made from kecap manis, palm sugar, and sambal. To ripen Cherry mangoes, leave them at room temperature until they become soft to the touch.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The mango fruit is originally from India and has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. It has a notable Indonesian presence in the Central and East Java regions because of the area's dry climate. Varieties like Mangga Harum Manis are popular in Indonesia and available year-round in local markets like South Jakarta. Mango cultivation in the United States started over 100 years ago and is primarily focused in Florida, California, and Hawaii. Some of the most popular varieties include Tommy Atkins, Haden, Keitt, and Kent, though Cherry mangos are also grown in the United States. Despite once being a major mango producer, the United States mango market is now dominated by imports from Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, even as mangos continue to become more popular within America.
Geography/History
Cherry mangos originated in Indonesia. They thrive in tropical and semi-tropical regions with high temperatures, rich soil, and lots of sun. Like most mango varieties, Cherry mangoes are a product of selective breeding and are thus most often cultivated on commercial farms and home gardens rather than in the wild. Cherry mangoes spread from Indonesia to other parts of the world is most likely a result of international trade, increased popularity of tropical fruit, and a desire for smaller, more convenient varieties like the Cherry mango. This mango variety is most likely to be found at specialty stores or farmers' markets that specialize in tropical fruits. Cherry mangoes can also be grown in home gardens that offer suitable growing conditions.
