From sweet, creamy Honey Mangos to large, juicy Keitt Mangos and other specialty varieties, discover the incredible range of flavors, colors, and textures this tropical fruit has to offer.
Whether you're enjoying them fresh, blending them into smoothies, or adding them to your favorite recipes, this guide will help you explore mango varieties, learn how to choose and store them, and discover delicious ways to enjoy this tropical favorite.
Scientific Name
Mangifera indica
Plant Family
Anacardiaceae
Skin & Flesh Colors
Skin ranges from green and yellow to orange and red; flesh is typically golden yellow to deep orange.
Flavor
Sweet, tropical, and aromatic, with flavors ranging from honey-like and floral to mildly tangy.
Texture
Juicy, smooth, creamy or fibrous, depending on variety
Best Uses
Fresh eating, smoothies, salsas, salads and desserts
Ripening
Ripen at room temperature until slightly soft and fragrant. Refrigerate once ripe.
Popular Varieties
Honey, Keitt, Kent, Tommy Atkins, and specialty mangos.
Mangos are one of the world's most beloved tropical fruits, celebrated for their natural sweetness, vibrant colors, and incredible variety. From rich, creamy Honey Mangos to juicy Keitt Mangos and unique specialty varieties, each offers its own distinctive flavor and texture.
Whether you prefer your mangos sweet and smooth or bright and tangy, there's a variety to enjoy for every taste and occasion.
Discover these jumbo-sized Vietnamese mangos with beautiful golden-yellow skin, buttery orange flesh, and an exceptionally sweet, rich tropical flavor. Delicious enjoyed fresh, in smoothies, tropical fruit salads, or in mango salsa.
Discover these jumbo-sized Vietnamese mangos with beautiful pink skin, smooth, buttery orange flesh, and an exceptionally sweet flavor with very little acidity. Perfect for fresh fruit platters, smoothies, or tropical desserts.
Enjoy these late-season Brazilian mangos with deep reddish-purple skin, creamy orange flesh, and a rich, honey-sweet tropical flavor. Their smooth, low-fiber texture makes them delicious fresh, in salads, salsas, or smoothies.
Discover these jumbo-sized Vietnamese mangos with beautiful golden-yellow skin, buttery orange flesh, and an exceptionally sweet, rich tropical flavor. Delicious enjoyed fresh, in smoothies, tropical fruit salads, or in mango salsa.
Discover these jumbo-sized Vietnamese mangos with beautiful pink skin, smooth, buttery orange flesh, and an exceptionally sweet flavor with very little acidity. Perfect for fresh fruit platters, smoothies, or tropical desserts.
Enjoy these late-season Brazilian mangos with deep reddish-purple skin, creamy orange flesh, and a rich, honey-sweet tropical flavor. Their smooth, low-fiber texture makes them delicious fresh, in salads, salsas, or smoothies.
Discover the tropical sweetness of Sapūrana Mangos, a distinctive specialty mango with beautiful green skin and vibrant golden-yellow flesh. Enjoy their juicy texture and delicious flavor fresh, sliced into fruit salads, blended into smoothies, or added to colorful tropical desserts.
Enjoy the delicious sweetness of Keitt Mangos, known for their beautiful green skin, golden-yellow flesh, and smooth, juicy texture. These large, flavorful mangos are perfect for eating fresh, preparing tropical fruit salads, blending into smoothies, or adding natural sweetness to homemade mango salsa.
Savor the rich, honey-like sweetness of Honey Mangos, loved for their golden-yellow skin, smooth, creamy flesh, and wonderfully tropical flavor. With their tender, low-fiber texture, these mangos are perfect for enjoying fresh, blending into smoothies, or creating refreshing fruit salads and desserts.
Not all mangos are alike! Compare six delicious mango varieties by appearance, flavor, texture, and best uses. From rich, creamy Honey Mangos to unique specialty varieties, discover which mango is perfect for your next recipe.
Swipe left or right to view the full chart.
| Variety | Appearance | Flavor | Texture | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Elephant | Large, golden-yellow fruit | Rich, tropical sweetness | Buttery, juicy | Fresh eating, smoothies, salsa |
| Pink Elephant | Large fruit with pink-toned skin | Very sweet, low acidity | Smooth, buttery | Fresh eating, fruit platters, desserts |
| Palmer | Reddish-purple skin, orange flesh | Honey-sweet, tropical | Creamy, low-fiber | Salads, smoothies, salsa |
| Sapūrana | Green-toned skin, yellow flesh | Sweet, tropical | Juicy; varies by selection | Fresh eating, fruit salads, desserts |
| Keitt | Mostly green skin, yellow flesh | Sweet, mildly tangy | Smooth, juicy | Fresh eating, smoothies, salsa |
| Honey | Golden-yellow skin and flesh | Rich, honey-like sweetness | Creamy, low-fiber | Fresh eating, smoothies, desserts |
Wondering how to tell if a mango is ripe? The best way is to gently squeeze the fruit. A ripe mango should give slightly under light pressure, much like a ripe peach or avocado. Some varieties also develop a sweet, fruity aroma near the stem.
Don't judge a mango by its color alone! Depending on the variety, ripe mangos can be green, yellow, orange, or red. Focus on how the fruit feels and smells rather than its skin color, and avoid mangos with large bruises or overly soft spots.
Gently squeeze the mango with your fingertips. A ripe mango should yield slightly to pressure, similar to a ripe peach or avocado. If it's still firm, allow it to ripen at room temperature.
Smell the mango near the stem. Many ripe mangos develop a pleasant, sweet, fruity fragrance as they mature. A mild aroma is normal, but a strong fermented smell may indicate the fruit is overripe.
Mango skin color varies by variety and isn't always an indicator of ripeness. Some mangos remain green even when fully ripe, while others turn yellow or red. Check the fruit's softness and aroma instead.
Specialty mangos offer an incredible range of flavors, colors, shapes, and textures. From the impressive Golden Elephant Mango to the beautifully colored Pink Elephant Mango, each variety brings something unique to the table.
Melissa's specialty mango selection includes unique varieties such as Sapūrana, Baby Sugar, R2E2, and Valencia Pride Mangos. Some are exceptionally sweet and creamy, while others offer bright tropical flavors, juicy flesh, or distinctive appearances.
Availability changes throughout the year as mango-growing regions come into season. Exploring different varieties is a delicious way to discover new favorites, whether you enjoy mangos fresh, in smoothies, or in tropical recipes.
Specialty Mango Highlights
Varieties: Golden Elephant, Pink Elephant, Sapūrana, Baby Sugar, R2E2 and more
Colors: Green, yellow, orange, pink and red
Flavor: Sweet, tropical, honey-like or mildly tangy
Texture: Smooth, creamy, juicy or fibrous, depending on variety
Best Uses: Fresh eating, smoothies, fruit salads, salsas and desserts
Choose mangos that feel heavy for their size and have smooth, intact skin. For ready-to-eat mangos, look for fruit that yields slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid large bruises, broken skin, or overly soft spots. Remember, skin color varies by variety and isn't always an indicator of ripeness.
Store unripe mangos at room temperature until they become slightly soft and fragrant. To help speed ripening, place them in a paper bag. Once ripe, refrigerate whole mangos to slow further ripening. Store cut mango in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days.
Wash the mango thoroughly under running water before cutting. Using a sharp knife, slice along each side of the flat center pit to remove the two cheeks. Score the flesh into cubes without cutting through the skin, then scoop out with a spoon. Enjoy fresh or add to your favorite recipes.
Learning how to cut a mango is easier than you might think! From slicing around the flat center pit to creating beautiful mango cubes, these simple preparation methods will help you enjoy the sweet, juicy flesh of your favorite mango varieties.
Step 1 | Slice Around the Pit
Wash the mango under running water and dry it. Stand the mango upright on a stable cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice down each side of the flat center pit to remove the two large mango cheeks. Trim any remaining edible flesh from around the pit.
Step 2 | Score and Scoop
Place a mango cheek skin-side down on a cutting board. Carefully score the flesh lengthwise and crosswise to create a grid, without cutting through the skin. Gently turn the cheek outward if desired, then scoop or slice the cubes away from the skin.
An Alternative Preparation Method
For a ripe but still firm mango, carefully remove the skin using a vegetable peeler or small knife. Hold the fruit securely and work slowly, as peeled mangos can be slippery. Slice the flesh away from the flat pit and cut into strips, cubes, or pieces for your favorite recipes.
Fresh, Sweet & Versatile
Enjoy ripe mangos fresh for a naturally sweet tropical snack. Blend them into smoothies, add diced mango to fruit salads or salsa, or use the juicy flesh in desserts, sauces, and refreshing beverages. Mangos also pair beautifully with lime, chili, coconut, and other tropical ingredients.
Melissa's Tip: Mango varieties differ in size, shape, and fiber content. Always wash mangos before cutting, use a stable cutting surface, and keep your knife away from the large, flat pit. Refrigerate cut mango promptly in a covered container.
Mangos are naturally sweet tropical fruits that provide important vitamins and minerals. From vitamin C and B vitamins to copper, mangos offer a delicious way to add nutrients, vibrant color, and tropical flavor to a balanced diet.
Mangos are an excellen source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports normal immune function and helps the body produce collagen. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, helping protect cells from oxidative damage.
Mangos provide vitamin B6 and folate, which both help the body in numerous ways. Vitamin B6 helps the body make neurotransmitters, like serotonin and dopamine, while folate helps develop the nervous system.
Mangos are a good source of copper, providing 15% of one’s daily needs in ¾ cup. Copper is an essential mineral that helps maintain the nervous and immune systems, and aids in iron absorption.
Mangos have a low glycemic index and load, which helps in minimizing blood sugar spikes. For those who are cautious about carbohydrate intake, including individuals with diabetes, mangos may still be a healthy part of your diet.
Melissa's Tip: Mango nutrition varies by variety, ripeness, serving size, and preparation method. Enjoy fresh mangos as part of a varied, balanced diet.
Looking for delicious ways to enjoy fresh mangos? From refreshing smoothies and tropical salsas to creamy frozen desserts, explore these flavorful mango recipes from Melissa's Produce and discover new ways to enjoy this sweet, versatile fruit.
A ripe mango will generally give slightly when gently squeezed, similar to a ripe peach or avocado. Some varieties also develop a sweet, fruity aroma near the stem. Skin color is not always a reliable indicator of ripeness because different mango varieties naturally have different colors. For the best flavor and texture, choose a mango that feels slightly soft without being mushy.
Store unripe mangos at room temperature until they soften and become ripe. To speed up ripening, place them in a paper bag at room temperature. Once ripe, whole mangos can be refrigerated for approximately five days to help maintain freshness. Cut mango should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within three to four days.
Mango varieties differ in size, shape, skin color, flesh color, sweetness, flavor, and texture. Some mangos have smooth, creamy flesh with very little fiber, while others have a firmer or more fibrous texture. Varieties such as Keitt, Honey, Palmer, Golden Elephant, and Pink Elephant offer different eating experiences. Exploring different mango varieties is a great way to discover your favorite flavors and textures.
Mango skin is technically edible, but it is generally not recommended because it can be tough, bitter, and irritating to some people. Mango skin and sap contain compounds related to urushiol, which can cause allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals. For the most enjoyable eating experience, wash the mango thoroughly and remove the skin before eating the sweet, juicy flesh.
Wash the mango and place it upright on a stable cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice down each side of the large, flat pit to remove the two fleshy cheeks. Score the flesh of each cheek into a grid without cutting through the skin, then scoop out the cubes with a spoon. You can also trim any remaining edible flesh from around the pit.
Yes! Fresh mangos freeze well and are excellent for smoothies, frozen desserts, and other recipes. Peel the mango, remove the pit, and cut the flesh into cubes or slices. Arrange the pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen mango pieces to an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. For best quality, use frozen mango within approximately six months.
