The Unusual Mamey Fruit
The mamey fruit, also known as Mammea americana, is an often overlooked choice when compared to the more popular tropical fruits like bananas and avocado. While it goes relatively unnoticed in mainstream markets and grocery stores, the mamey fruit is an undeniably unique and nutritious option with lots of potential for use in health-focused diets.
Where does the Mamey Fruit Come From?
Mamey fruit originates from Central and South American jungles, where it has been consumed for centuries. It is another example of “forgotten” foods – wild, indigenous crops that have been pushed aside by modern transport and production systems. The mamey tree is found in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America, and is sometimes referred to as the “cho-target vine”.
What Does the Mamey Fruit Look Like?
The mamey fruit has a thick, leathery exterior and is a brownish red or greenish yellow in color. It typically measures around 8 inches in length, and is spherical to slightly oblong in shape. The tough outer layer protects the succulent, bright orange flesh inside, which is marked with a thin brown skin. The interior of the mamey is segmented, like a mango or citrus fruit, and it can contain anywhere from one to six large seeds.
What are the Nutritional Benefits of the Mamey Fruit?
Mamey is an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Most notably, it packs a high amount of carotenoids, an antioxidant that is known to provide protection against free radicals. It is also a great source of vitamin C, and has more than 30 percent of the recommended daily allowance. The high sugars and fiber make mamey great for curbing sugar cravings and keeping you energized throughout the day. It is also a decent source of B-complex vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6.
What Does Mamey Taste Like?
Mamey shares similar flavor profiles with peaches and sweet potatoes, with hints of almond, cinnamon, and clove. Its creamy sweet flavor is highly enjoyed among locals in its native habitat, as well as international visitors. Most people will find the flavor of the fruit to be rather mild, not too sweet and not overly tart. It’s a great option for adding delicious flavor to smoothies and other recipes in addition to providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Cooking with Mamey Fruit
Mamey is a versatile fruit that can easily be incorporated into a variety of dishes. It can be eaten raw as a snack or mixed into salads, smoothies, or yogurt. It can also be used as a baking ingredient in muffins, cakes, pies, and tarts. Mamey also makes great preserves, jams, and sauces; it can even be cooked and mashed like a sweet potato!It’s also a great way to sweeten oatmeal, ice cream, rice pudding, and other desserts.
Additional Uses of the Mamey Fruit
In addition to providing essential nutrients, mamey also has a number of exciting uses beyond the kitchen. For centuries, this fruit has been used to treat a variety of ailments, from skin rashes to dysentery. It can also be used to make juices, juices with added sugar, milkshakes, and even alcoholic beverages! In some tropical regions, mamey juice or syrup is used as a pretty popular home remedy for easing coughs and colds.
Summary
Mamey is a long ignored fruit native to the jungles of Central and South America that has been consumed by locals for centuries. It has a brownish-red to greenish-yellow leathery exterior and an orange juicy interior segmented like a mixed citrus. It is a great source of fiber, carotenoids, vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, as well as great flavor with hints of almond, cinnamon and clove. Mamey can be eaten raw as a snack, baked into desserts, used in cooking and preserves, and even turned into juices and home remedies. It’s unique flavor, health benefits, and access to the wild make it an exciting option for new and experienced fruit-lovers alike.