Have you ever tried mamey fruit?

Mamey fruit is by far my favorite fruit. I love it when spring finally comes because that means I get to eat as much as I want. Because it’s sweet, It’s almost like a comfort food to me. I love it as a smoothie in the morning, or as an afternoon snack during a long work day. I used to eat an afternoon mamey with my grandmother when I was little (she was also a fan), but now, it’s not just that it’s tasty and sweet, but I’m also drawn to it for its multiple benefits it has to your health. 

I love this fruit, but I’m also aware that not many people really know it. So, here’s a small explanation. Mamey is a tropical fruit that grows in Mexico, South and Central America. It’s particularly popular in Mexico, and in the U.S. it’s popularity has recently started growing, mostly in Florida. 

From the outside it resembles a football, with a rough, brown, sandpapery skin. But, just like an avocado, when you open it, it has a soft, creamy texture. Inside it has a vibrant orange color. To eat it, you just have to remove the pit, like you would an avocado, and get the fruit out of the skin. It can be eaten just like that. I love eating it directly from the skin with a spoon, while watching TV, but it’s also great for desserts, like ice cream, or for breakfast smoothies. To a smoothie, you can also add some spices, like cinnamon, vanilla, ginger or nutmeg, and nuts, since they mix wonderfully well.

The taste is very hard to explain, because mamey is unique. For starters, it’s sweet and tropical, like a mango, but not too sugary. You can also find some hints of apricot, peach or raspberry. Perhaps, even a hint of sweet pumpkin. Knowing when it’s ripe is super important, since it’ll completely change its taste. An unripe mamey is even bitter. The mamey has to be firm, but not hard. 

Why should you eat it? 

Mameys are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Among these are Vitamins C and A, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Phosphorous. Here are three additional reasons to include it in your diet.

• Let’s start with its color. The reason mamey has such a vibrant orange-reddish meat is called carotenoids. These are powerful antioxidants. Carotenoids are also great for preserving healthy tissues, and contribute to healthy eyes. 

• A friend for digestion. If you’re looking for something that will help you have a healthier colon, look no further. The recommended daily amount of fiber is from 21 to 38 grams, and this fruit contains 9 grams per cup. Mamey fruits also help combat inflammation. 

• Keep your nutrients high. One of the causes of anemia is lack of iron in your diet. Not many fruits or vegetables have this mineral, but mamey does. Most importantly, it also contains Vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron.

Pictures by me.