Late spring through July is prime time for indulging in the unique buttery sweetness of honey mangoes. Also known as Champagne or Ataúlfo mangoes, honey mangoes are named after Mexican mango grower Ataúlfo Morales Gordillo, who cross-pollinated several mango trees to create the fruit.
Unlike a typical supermarket mango, honey mangoes boast a silky-smooth flesh, free from any fibrous or stringy texture. Their small pit is a bonus, ensuring more fruit to relish (and even make relish – hey, that’s your first mango recipe!). Whether blended into smoothies, pureed into a sauce, incorporated into baked goods, or grilled, honey mangoes offer bright color and mouth-watering flavor at every meal.
The health benefits of honey mangoes are manifold: A single mango provides 100% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin C, 3 grams of fiber, and a rich dose of vitamin A, an antioxidant that promotes healthy vision.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's mango!
Mango Smoothie
This tropical-inspired, two-toned smoothie is made from fresh mangoes, strawberries, and fresh ginger, and gets a protein boost from Greek yogurt.
Here's a primer on safely cutting a mango. Slice and enjoy out of hand, or dice and blend away.
Blended Mango Margarita and Bellini
Swap pineapple for mango in this refreshing mango “blenderita” that is better for you than store-bought mixers, and more cost effective too. Or whip up mango puree in your blender to create a fresh mango Bellini: Working in batches, add four peeled, pitted, and chopped mangoes to a blender with one-fourth cup of water, and blend until smooth. Spoon 2 tablespoons of puree into Champagne flutes, and slowly fill the glass with Prosecco or your favorite sparkling wine.
Mango Salsa
Peel and dice mango, and make this easy, fresh salsa for a snack paired with tortilla chips or topping for bowls and fish tostadas. The sweetness of the mango balances the addition of spicy jalapeños. Freshly chopped mint or cilantro enhances the freshness factor.
Grilled Mango
Mangoes, like other stone fruits such as peaches and plums, are perfect for grilling. The heat draws out their juices, concentrating their sweetness, and grill smoke adds a depth of flavor and aroma. Start with peak season ripe mangoes, drizzle them with olive oil and honey, and grill over medium-high heat (400 degrees) for one to two minutes per side or until the flesh softens and you achieve grill marks. Add them to a chicken bowl, or serve with burrata and toast or as a side to BBQ ribs.
Steak Marinade
When you think of a thick, juicy steak, you may not immediately think of mangoes as its counterpart. But because mangoes' naturally occurring enzymes tenderize meat, making it less chewy, they make a terrific base for a marinade.
To make a fresh mango marinade, blend one freshly cubed mango in a blender with a tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of orange juice or white wine. Add ginger, brown sugar, garlic, red chili flakes, salt and pepper, and your choice of seasonings to taste, and process until smooth. Soak steak (or chicken) in the marinade for at least two hours, then grill.
Mango Pasta Salad
This picnic-perfect pasta salad has it all: vibrant color from a mélange of zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and peppery arugula; a salty crunch of peanuts; and the welcome surprise sweetness of chopped honey mangoes that you'll toss in the salad, plus the creamy-smooth, dairy-free mango dressing that comes together fast in the blender. Use the dressing as a dip for fresh fruit or chicken tenders.
Mango Chutney
Chutney is a versatile Indian chopped fruit condiment made by cooking the fruit with vinegar and spices. And we love the tangy sweetness of Harry & David mango chutney. Turn humdrum toast to terrific, give yogurt a kick, balance the richness of a meat and cheese board, and take your grilled cheese to new heights by adding it to the sandwich before cooking.
Mango Nice Cream
This creamy, cold, dairy-free spin on ice cream is a breeze to make, showcasing the best seasonal fruit. The low-acid content and neutral flavor of frozen bananas provide body, and coconut milk lends the mouthfeel you crave in frozen treats. Customize your fruit flavor by adding chopped frozen mango or swap it out for pineapple or peaches. Top your treat with nuts or chocolate sauce, or, for a spicy kick, garnish with Harry & David mango fruit salsa.
Mango Coconut Cookie Bars
We love recipes with minimal prep and cleanup that yield gorgeous, yummy results. Use your food processor to prepare the rich macadamia nut shortbread crust. Wipe it out, then blend one fresh diced honey mango with orange marmalade, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest for the bright, tropical-inspired filling. Top with toasted coconut, then bake, cool, slice, and gobble!