Chili Mangoes
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Chili mangoes are a small varietal, averaging 10 to 11 centimeters in length, and have a slender, straight to slightly curved, tapered shape with sloping shoulders ending in a point on the non-stem end. The fruit’s skin is thin, smooth, and taut, showcasing variegated green, maroon, bright red, and yellow-orange hues. The skin is thin, tender, and considered edible among some consumers, but most choose to peel or discard the skin, depending on preference. Underneath the skin, the yellow-orange, golden flesh is aqueous, fibreless, soft, and succulent. One of the most unique characteristics of Chili mangoes is this thin core. The underdeveloped core is around the size of a toothpick and is slender, flat, and brittle. Some smaller fruits may not even have a core. Chili mangoes are edible raw when ripe and release a fragrant fruity aroma when opened. The flesh is sweet, sugary, tropical, and floral.
Seasons/Availability
Chili mangoes are available in the spring through summer.
Current Facts
Chili mangoes, botanically classified as Mangifera indica, are a rare type of mango belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. The small fruits are not a separate mango variety but are natural mutations of normal-sized fruits. The slender mangoes were once considered defects found during cultivation and were discarded from the trees. Growers would also eat the fruits as they did not want to waste food. Over time, growers began harvesting the small, distinctly shaped fruit and sold them as a specialty mango. Chili mangoes are thought to be native to China and were commercially released in the 21st century. Despite their commercial release, Chili mangoes are only found in limited quantities, as each tree produces only a few small fruits, typically around 1 or 2. Low quantities have prevented the specialty mangoes from rapidly expanding in commercial markets, but efforts are being made among growers to increase productivity. Chili mangoes are valued for their narrow core, soft flesh, and sweet, fragrant flavor. The fruits have recently gained notoriety through social media, increasing demand, thus allowing the mangoes to be sold as a premium variety in commercial markets.
Nutritional Value
Chili mangoes have not been studied for their nutritional properties. Since the fruits are very small, their nutritional value is limited. Like other mango varieties, Chili mangoes may be a source of potassium to balance fluid levels within the body, calcium to protect bones and teeth, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, and vitamin C to strengthen the immune system. Mangoes also sometimes provide fiber to regulate the digestive tract, iron to produce the protein hemoglobin for oxygen transport through the bloodstream, magnesium to control optimal nerve functioning, and other nutrients, including B vitamins, folate, copper, manganese, and zinc.
Applications
Chili mangoes have a sweet, tropical taste suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The variety is popularly consumed straight out of hand and is typically sliced at the center of the fruit, twisted, and pulled apart. Chili mangoes have very thin, tender skin, and some consumers choose to eat the flesh with the skin. The skin can also be peeled in sections like a banana, and the flesh can be eaten, discarding the slim, central core. Most Chili mangoes are eaten fresh as their small nature makes them ideal as an individually sized snack. In addition to fresh eating, Chili mangoes can be blended into smoothies, shakes, and juices or sliced and tossed into salads and fruit bowls. They can also be made into a puree, frozen into a natural sorbet or ice cream, or incorporated into a filling for baked goods and desserts. Try serving fresh mango over parfaits, custards, and puddings. The fruits can also be simmered into jams, jellies, sauces, and chutney. Chili mangoes pair well with fruits such as strawberries, coconut, peaches, and pineapples, vanilla, maple syrup, condensed milk, and spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric. Whole, unwashed, and unopened Chili mangoes should be left to ripen at room temperature in a cool, dry, and dark place. Once mature, the fruits can be stored in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Chili mangoes were named for their similarity in shape to chile peppers, botanically known as capsicum annuum. The fruits have a slender, slightly curved, and tapered shape reminiscent of spicy pepper varieties, but it is important to note that the name is solely connected to appearances, not flavor. Chili mangoes retain a classically sweet, fruity, and floral flavor. While less common, Chili mangoes are also called Pepper mangoes and Finger mangoes, as some cultures think the fruits look like slender fingers. One of the first mentions of Chili mangoes being released was through the 2023 Sanya Mango Festival in Hainan, China. Three new mango varieties, including Chili mangoes, were officially released and were promoted through the festival to attract attention, retailers, and potential buyers.
Geography/History
Chili mangoes are native to China and were released as a commercial cultivar in the early 21st century. Historically, the small fruits were natural mutations on mango trees, considered unsellable, defective, and discarded during cultivation. Over time, growers began selecting these mutations and propagating them as new commercial fruit. The exact history of Chili mangoes is unknown, but the first commercial release was from growers in Hainan, China. Hainan is an island and province in Southern China known for being one of the southernmost points in the country. The island’s tropical climate makes the province the top-producing region for mangos in China, and fruits sold from Hainan are considered high quality in commercial markets. Chili mangoes were thought to have been released in 2023 from growers in Hainan and are a mutation of the imperial or royal mango. Since their release, Chili mangoes have been heavily promoted through social media and are often featured in videos to showcase their thin core and unusual fruit shape. Today, Chili mangoes are sold as a rare, premium fruit throughout China. They are also exported and found in limited quantities in Thailand, Bangladesh, and India. Chili mangos are sometimes sold through select distributors and retailers in the United States.
