Mangoes

Mangoes are amazing! They are a 4000 year old fruit that originated in Southeast Asia. Here in the Philippines they grow to perfection and have been aptly named the "King of Fruits" by the Filipinos.  The unripened mangoes are used in chutneys, with pickles and they can also be served with salt, chili pepper and/or soy sauce.  Ripened mangoes are served with a seafood sauce called Bagoong Alamang or they are cut and served on a plate.  The cutting of a mango is an art.  You hold the oval fruit with the stem side up.  The seed is a fleshy stone in the middle that is as long as the fruit itself.  To get the maximum amount of pulp for eating, you have to take a downward slice 1/4 inch on either side of the stem.  This is a flat piece that includes the seed and does not give you much pulp.  What is left is two delicious morsels that are sliced diagonally and scooped out with a spoon.  If you have vanilla bean ice cream with it, you will love the experience. Mangoes grow on trees and have nutritional value.  They are rich in dietary fiber and B6 and low in saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol. Just be careful you don't eat too many or you will glow a bright yellow.