Mango de Azúcar: A Taste of Summer Flavor
Memorial Day is here and I’m sure everyone is ready to leave this rainy weather behind us and enjoy the sun. With a snowy winter followed by this seemingly non-stop dreary rain, everyone is surely ready for the beach – and all the bright refreshing flavors that come with the season.
Tropicals rise in demand during the summer for their ability to deliver that thirst quenching bite. If you’ve ever taken a look at our buyer report (and we definitely recommend you do!), you’d know there’s many tropical specialties commercially available. But one variety in particular stands above all – and we mean this quite literally. Mangoes are not only one of the most popular tropical varieties, but they are one of the most popular fruits around the world.
To please the crowds this summer with mangoes, we’re not talking about the typical round variety like Tommy Atkins – it’s a been there, done that type of vibe that consumers are not looking for in today’s market. We’re talking about a relatively new variety to our coolers – Mango de Azúcar.
What is Mango de Azúcar?
Mango de Azúcar is a premium mango variety grown along the coasts of central and northern Colombia. They are well known for being small but mighty. Their petite size – which typically fit into the palm of a hand – weighs between 90 to 240 grams. Despite their small stature, Mango de Azúcar are known to burst with a sweet flavor and aroma. Their skin ripens from a green to yellow color tinged with red when ripe.
Mango de Azúcar is typically in season from March to July.
What do Mango de Azúcar taste like?
Something to know about Mango de Azúcar is that they are sweet – they typically brix between 20 and 24. Their flavor is often described as sweet with notes of honey. They are not as fibrous as other mango varieties, giving Mango de Azúcar a milder flavor. Despite being less fibrous, their flesh is soft and juicy with a floral aroma.
How to Store Mango de Azúcar
Ideal storage temperature for Mango de Azúcar is 50-53°F. Mangoes should be handled with extreme care as they are very susceptible to bruising.
How to Merchandise Mango de Azúcar
Merchandise Mango de Azúcar alongside other yellow mango varieties and tropicals (or shall we even suggest some local grown varieties like Jersey strawberries?!). Be mindful when creating displays as Mango de Azúcar are susceptible to bruising.
Professional Uses in Foodservice
A unique trait about Mango de Azúcar is they can be eaten in their entirety – even the skin! This makes the variety extremely snackable, perfect as a mid-day sweet treat. Mango de Azúcar is also extremely versatile – incorporate it as a freshly sliced element, tossed into a salad, or blended into a frozen treat, like sorbet.
