Eating Done Right: Mangoes - Food of the Week

Considered sacred in India, many Indians believe that the mango tree has the power to grant wishes for wealth, health immortality-and even grandchildren. Given the belief in the mystical quality of the mango, Indians use the leaves in weddings to assure the future fertility of newlyweds.

Mango trees, which sometimes reach 60 feet, grow best in tropical and sub-tropical climates, and most of the mangoes eaten in the United States come from Mexico.

Hailed as the king of fruitor fruit of the gods , mangoes are packed with fiber, potassium, vitamins A and C, antioxidants and beta carotene. Medicinally, mangoes contain a stomach soothing agent that acts as a digestive aid triggering a feeling of contentment. (In contrast, the leaves and stems of mangoes are toxic.)

This exotic recipe calls for an unusual mixture of tropical fruits and vegetables. This delicious and nutritious recipe comes from the Mango Recipe Guide, a website that features dozens of unique mango recipes.

Spicy Tropical Gazpacho

Serves 4

1 cup tomato juice

1 cup pineapple juice

1/2 cup chopped peeled mango

1/2 cup chopped peeled papaya

1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple

1/2 cup chopped seeded peeled cucumber

1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

2 tbsp minced fresh cilantro

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 to 1 tsp hot sauce

Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse four times or until combined. Cover and chill. The gazpacho is best served with crusty bread on a hot summer day.

Bon appétit!

P.S. Do you have any mango recipes to share?

Photo Credit: Joyosity on Flickr.