Hoity-Toity Mangoes

A few years ago I wrote about Nerdy Produce (an article about the not so popular fruits and vegetables that often get overlooked) and Popular Produce (the well-liked head cheerleaders and quarterbacks of the produce department). Well, as I was grocery shopping this weekend I came upon a new social class of fruit. I was formally introduced to the Champagne mango – the royalty of the produce section. The Champagne mango is also referred to as the Ataulfo, honey or manila Mango.This ladylike fruit was sitting in her own private shipper, daintily displayed and coyly watching the shoppers pass her by. She sat there confidently and patiently so as to not seem too eager to be selected.

The ripened Champagne mango was dressed in a beautiful yellowish skin and was quite slim compared to her fellow greenish-red mango cousin. It was clear that Ms. Champagne Mango had been styled by a famous produce fashion designer to reveal her Pilates/yoga physique.

Intrigued by her charm and suddenly inspired to celebrate, I selected three perfectly ripe mangoes and carefully placed them in the upper portion of my cart (you know the section where you keep your purse and the most delicate of your produce selections).

Sunday evening I pulled out my best knife and most stylish cutting board and sliced up Ms. Mango. Working with Ms. Mango one-on-one, I found her to have quite the “bubbly” personality and utmost charm. She played the star-role in my Mango-mato Soup and then celebrated later that evening with a cameo in Tequila Champagne Mango & Avocado Dressing.

Recipes

Mango-mato Soup (or Smoothie)
Serves 2

Ingredients

• • 3 large Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 2 mangos, peeled, seeded and diced
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • Juice of 1 key lime
  • Cilantro, chopped, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions
Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Serve as a soup (hot or cold) or even as a refreshing beverage.
Tequila Champagne Mango & Avocado Dressing
Yield 2 cups

Ingredients

• • 1 mango, peeled and seeded
  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 med avocado
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or olive oil

Instructions
Mix the mango, tequila, avocado, water, and lime juice in a blender and purée on a low setting. Gradually add the oil while blender is still on. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Recipes courtesy of ChampaneMango.com