Mangaba, botanically known as ‘Hancornia Speciosa’ is a tropical fruit native to Brazil, particularly in the Cerrado region of this country. Often referred to as the fruit of the Cerrado, it thrives in Brazil’s biodiverse and often challenging savanna ecosystem. It is valued for its sweet and tangy taste and is used in regional cuisines and traditional medicine. Highly appreciated in Brazilian cuisine, (particularly in the states of Minas Gerais, Goiás, and Bahia) the fruit is a symbol of the region's biodiversity and is not only consumed for its taste but also has cultural importance for the local communities, which harvest it carefully from wild trees. The article delves into its health benefits, culinary uses, and an easy recipe for this exotic fruit.

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How Does Mangaba Fruit Look Like?

The mangaba fruit is typically small to medium-sized, with a round or slightly oval shape. Its skin is usually a yellowish-green or light orange when ripe, and it has soft, thin skin that is easy to peel. The fruit is juice, soft, creamy, and filled with a sweet aroma. The pulp is white to light yellow, with a texture like that of custard or yogurt. It tastes tangy with a floral, subtle, refreshing citrusy flavor. The fruit contains a relatively large seed in the center, which is typically not consumed.

What Are Mangaba Uses?

Like most fruits, mangaba is enjoyed fresh, and often eaten as a snack or as part of fruit salads. Its refreshing flavor makes it a great addition to tropical fruit dishes. In Brazil, mangaba is commonly made into refreshing juices and smoothies, often mixed with other tropical fruits, and considered a thirst-quenching and cooling drink. The pulp of the fruit is sometimes used in the preparation of sweets, ice creams, and jams. Its creamy texture lends itself well to dessert-making. In addition to desserts, mangaba is sometimes used in sauces or syrups, particularly in regional Brazilian cooking.

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Health Benefits Of Mangaba

Bolster Skin Health: The fruit has ample vitamin C that helps boost the immune system and promotes skin health.

Loaded With Antioxidants: Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and protect against cell damage.

Helps In Digestive Process: The fiber content in mangaba aids in digestion and helps promote gut health

Improves Hydration: The mangaba fruit has a high water content, which can help keep the body hydrated. Hydration is essential for maintaining energy levels, supporting metabolism, and promoting optimal organ function.

Upkeeps Eye Health: The sweet fruit contains vitamin A, an important component for maintaining healthy vision, and skin, and maintaining mucous membranes.

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Enjoyed in many forms, from fresh fruit to drinks and desserts, if you are in Brazil or your surroundings or have access to Brazilian markets, it is a fruit worth trying! And here is how you can use it in a smoothie recipe. Try this delicious and tropical drink made from this Brazilian fruit.

Mangaba Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of fresh or frozen mangaba pulp (mostly available only in Brazilian or Latin American grocery stores)
  • 1 cup of coconut milk
  • 1 banana, for extra creaminess
  • 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar
  • Ice cubes (If you prefer your smoothie to be cold)

Method

  • Scoop out the pulp from the fruit. If using frozen mangaba pulp, let the mangaba pulp thaw for a few minutes before blending. If you have fresh mangaba, you may need
  • In a blender, combine the mangaba pulp, coconut milk, banana, and honey or sugar.
  • Add a handful of ice cubes if you want a colder, thicker smoothie
  • Blend everything until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the smoothie into a glass.
  • Garnish with shredded coconut, or you can also use a few fresh mint leaves
  • Enjoy a refreshing and tropical Mangaba smoothie!

(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu Ayurveda Pharma Expert)

Author Profile: Preeti Sharma

Preeti Sharma has a Master's in Electronic Media and Mass Communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.

References:

Mangaba (hancornia speciosa): exploring potent antifungal and antioxidant properties in lyophilized fruit pulp extract through in vitro analysis

Victor Hugo Nosella Sá Barreto 1 2, Camila Medeiros da Silva Mazzeti

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38963903/

https://www.mtechgardens.com/products/copy-of-milkfruit-chrysophyllum-cainito-fruit-plant?srsltid=AfmBOoo5OgRv_5peBAtwMObT0Xkqwx2NrXQqmTEqIiW1XuvzaSSP1eGK