Mangoes often regarded as the king of fruits, offer more than just their delicious, succulent flesh.
In our quest to embrace zero waste and sustainability, it is essential to explore how every part of the mango from the flesh to the pit and skin can be utilized efficiently.
A tale of taste: Uncovering the story behind naming Fazli MangoHowever, before we learn more about how to maximize the potential of mangoes, it is important to know what exactly zero waste is.
At its core, zero waste is an approach to change our behaviour to achieve responsible production and consumption as well as accelerate the shift towards a more circular system. It adds towards the goal of keeping landfills, oceans clean and free of litter.
Katimon mango: A year-round delightThe flesh
This is undoubtedly the star of the show. The things that you can do with the flesh of a mango are almost uncountable. However, here are a few ways to spice up how you eat mangoes.
Salsas and Chutneys: Dice mangoes and mix them with onions, cilantro and lime juice and add a bit of jalapeno or any pepper of your choice for a zesty salsa. You can also try cooking mangoes with vinegar, spices and sugar for a rich mango chutney.
Desserts: The flesh of ripe mangoes can be incorporated into sweet desserts like sorbets, ice creams, cakes, cheesecakes and puddings. Its natural sweetness makes for a detectable treat every time.
Salads: Diced cubes of mango cubes can be added to salads for a sweet kick to a savoury and refreshing summer salad.
The emotional tale behind the naming of Langra mangoMango Pit
While the pit is often discarded, it has several potential uses beyond being thrown in the compost bin. This creamy-white big sized seed possesses a dense supply of nutrients and several antioxidants. This can be used in powder form, oil or as a butter for skin and hair.
Mango seed butter: Taking a mango pit and blending it and applying to hair can help with dandruff and early greying.
Moreover, it can also be used as a moisturizer. It is said to be better than store brought moisturizers which are oily and greasy.
Natural Scrubber: The pit’s rough texture makes it an excellent scrubber for cleaning pots and pans. Just use it like you would a sponge.
Mango seed powder: Consumption of mango seed powder in moderation is said to help reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases, and is good for controlling blood sugar levels and diabetes.
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Mango skins are also rich in nutrients and can be used in various ways.
Smoothie Add-in: Blend thoroughly washed mango skin into smoothies for added fibre and nutrients. It is important to however thoroughly wash off any residues of dirt and pesticides from the mangoes.
Infused Water: Soaking mango skins for a few hours in water helps to add a subtle flavour to the water. This is ideal for those who have a hard time drinking enough water and staying hydrated in the scorching heat of the summer sun.
Additionally other herbs and fruits can be added for an extra dash of flavour.
Face Masks: Mango skin can be used for DIY face masks. Blend the skin with honey and yoghurt for a natural, moisturizing face mask.
Ultimate guide to making a delectable mango cheesecakeMango Leaves
Even the leaves of a mango tree shouldn't be overlooked.
Tea: Mango leaves can be dried and brewed in a tea. This is believed to have several health benefits including aiding in digestion and regulation blood sugar levels.
Home Decor: Fresh or dried mango leaves can be used in floral arrangements or as a part of festive decorations.
By rethinking how we use mangoes, from flesh to the pit, skin, and leaves we can significantly reduce waste and discover new, creative ways to enjoy this beloved fruit. Embracing zero waste with mangoes not only benefits the environment but also enhances our culinary and household practices.
