Mangoes (Mangifera indica) – find manufacturers and suppliers

Mangoes (Mangifera indica) are tropical fruits that are popular worldwide due to their sweet taste, versatile uses and health benefits.

They belong to the sumac family (Anacardiaceae) and are rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants. Mangoes are known for their sweet, tropical flavor, which can contain notes of peach, citrus and flowers.

Below is an overview of the properties of mangoes, as well as an overview of their uses and health benefits:

Properties of mangoes:

1. Mangoes are stone fruits with a thin, green, yellow, orange or reddish skin, a juicy, yellow to orange flesh and a large, flat pit.
2. Mangoes have a sweet to honey-like taste with a tropical note. The sweetness depends on the degree of ripeness. Unripe mangoes are tart, while ripe mangoes have a balanced sweetness.
3. There are over 1,000 varieties of mango worldwide, with differences in taste, size, color and texture.
4. The mango originally comes from South and Southeast Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.
5. Today, the mango is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt.

Uses of mangoes:

1. Culinary uses:
Mangoes are used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory:
Eaten fresh cut into cubes or as a smoothie.
In juices and drinks such as mango lassi, an Indian yogurt drink. In cocktails such as mango daiquiri or mocktails.
As a dessert such as mango sorbet, pudding, cake or ice cream. Mango sticky rice is popular in Thai cuisine.
In savory dishes such as chutneys, salsas or curries (especially in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine).
In salads or as an accompaniment to meat dishes.
Dried mangoes are a popular snack.
Unripe mangoes are pickled (pickles) or used as a sour note in dishes.

2. Cosmetic use:
Mango butter is extracted from the seeds and is a moisturizing ingredient in creams and lotions.
Mango juice is sometimes used in face masks as it can have skin lightening properties.
Mango butter is included in hair masks or shampoos to combat dryness.

3. Medicinal use:
In Ayurvedic medicine, mangoes are used to treat digestive problems, skin diseases and respiratory ailments.
The kernel and leaves are also used in traditional medicine.
Mangiferin (from the peel and kernels) is being studied for anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

4. Industrial use:
Mango puree, pulp or extract is used in finished products such as yogurt, sauces and baked goods.
Mango seeds are sometimes incorporated into animal feed.

Health benefits of mangoes:

• Antioxidant activity provides protection against free radicals and cell damage.
• Fiber and enzymes such as amylases help with digestion.
• Support for the immune system thanks to vitamin C and beta-carotene.
• Antioxidants and vitamin A support healthy skin.
• Potassium helps regulate blood pressure.

Mangoes are not only delicious, but also versatile and healthy. Whether as a snack, in dishes or as an ingredient in cosmetics - they offer numerous benefits and have a long tradition in the cuisine and medicine of many cultures.

Below you will find an overview of the most important criteria to look out for when buying mangoes:

When buying mangoes, there are some important aspects to consider to ensure high quality fruit and to meet market or customer requirements.

• Make sure you buy from certified traders or producers who are known for quality, sustainability and fair working conditions.
• India and Pakistan are known for varieties such as Alphonso and Sindhri (particularly aromatic).
• Mexico and Brazil are important exporters of large-volume varieties such as Tommy Atkins.
• Thailand and the Philippines are famous for sweet varieties such as Nam Dok Mai.
• Ideally, purchase at peak harvest time to get the best prices and quality.
• Ensure that the mangoes have been constantly refrigerated (10-13°C) during transportation to maintain quality and shelf life.
• Note the degree of ripeness on delivery: For immediate sale: buy ripe mangoes. For later use: Unripe mangoes that can ripen at room temperature.
• The skin should be smooth and flawless, with no visible damage, bruises, cracks or rot.
• The color varies depending on the variety (green, yellow, red, orange). Ripe mangoes often have a uniform coloration, but this is not always a reliable indicator.
• The mango should be characteristically sweet and aromatic, with no signs of overripeness (sour, fermented smell) or bitterness.
• Look for uniformity in size and weight for the professional trade (often important for packaging and presentation).
• A symmetrical shape without deformations is also important.
• The distinguishing features of ripe mangoes are a pleasant, sweet smell at the base of the stem and a slightly soft consistency when tested under pressure, but not mushy.
• Unripe mangoes are firmer and have no sweet aroma. These are suitable if longer storage or post-ripening is planned.
• The choice of mango variety depends on the intended use:
• For fresh consumption, varieties with fiber-free, sweet flesh are suitable, e.g. Alphonso, Nam Dok Mai or Ataulfo.
• For processing (e.g. purees, desserts, drinks), varieties with an intense flavor and high pulp content, e.g. Kent or Haden, are ideal.
• Unripe mangoes (for chutneys or pickles) or preferably sour varieties such as Kesar or local Asian mangoes.
• Mangoes should be packed in shockproof boxes or crates, ideally with dividers (e.g. cardboard partitions or mesh padding) to prevent bruising.
• The variety, size, quality class and origin should be clearly labeled.
• Mangoes are cheaper in the high season. Prices can rise sharply in the low season.
• Premium varieties cost more, but often justify the price in terms of flavor and presentation.
• Organic mangoes are increasingly in demand - make sure they are certified organic.
• Support sustainable cultivation projects and fair trade products.

When buying mangoes, the right combination of quality, ripeness, variety, origin and storage conditions is important. A good supplier, careful inspection and knowledge of customer requirements are essential to select the best mangoes for the purpose.

Mangoes can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about producers and suppliers of mangoes from all over the world can be found at Exportpages.