Hidden Gems of the Produce Section: Mangoes

King of the fruit and the national fruit of India, today's a good time for trying a mango. How to try it best? Start here:

• Remember that all varieties start green, but most change to shades of yellow, orange and red as they ripen.
• How to store depends on when you pick them. If unripe, green and firm, you should store them in a paper bag on the counter for one to two days until ripe.
• If they are ripe -- slightly soft and sweet smelling – you can store them uncut at room temperature one to two days.
• Once they’re cut, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Other Tips

Mangoes have a large, kidney-shaped stone in the center. To break it down:

• Slice into 3 sections lengthwise (with the stone in the center section).
• Remove the skin and cut the two outer sections into desired size and shape.
• Depending on the size of the stone, you may be able to get some small pieces from the outer edges of the middle section.

Reasons to Enjoy

• One cup of cut mango has about 98 calories, 2.5 grams of fiber, and it’s an excellent source of vitamins C and A. It’s also a good source of vitamin B6 and potassium.
• Tangy, sweet flavor with a smooth texture.
• Often paired with avocados for salsas and sauces paired with chicken or fish.