It’s summer, and now is the time to buy fresh fruit in season. One excellent option for a refreshing summer beverage is mango juice. Mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and are so sweet on their own that they need no additional sugar added to make a tasty drink. The best mangoes for making mango juice are the Alphonso variety, also known as the “King of Mangoes.” This type is primarily grown in India and exported to the United States. The advantage of this variety is that the fruit is less fibrous which makes for a smoother puree.
The first step to making excellent mango juice is rinsing the Alphonso mangoes and placing them in the refrigerator for several hours so that the fruit is chilled. This way, you won’t have to add ice and potentially water down your drink. Next, peel the mangoes. After discarding the peel, cut the fruit into small pieces. Place the mango pieces into the blender and puree the fruit completely. If it’s not quite cold enough, add a few ice cubes and blend the mixture again or serve on the rocks. Mango juice has a vibrant orange color so serving it in tall, clear glasses makes for a bright addition to any meal.
Traditionally, Alphonso mango juice or mango lassi (a yogurt and mango smoothie) is served with Indian cuisine, but it’s great for a snack on its own. Mango juice is a really healthy way to incorporate more fruit into your diet and get your daily intake of vitamin C. Give it a go, and let us know what you think!