There’s something special about mangos. The versatile flavor of fresh mango is one that can be offered in so many ways it’s impossible to grow tired of it. They can stand on their own as simple fresh fruit but are versatile enough to incorporate in a variety of savory and sweet menu items. Three of the top culinary trends of 2019—globally inspired dishes, plant-forward cuisine, and better-for-you menu items—are ripe for mango use, particularly when chefs are willing to be creative and thoughtful in ideating with this tropical fruit. Check out these ways to incorporate mango into this year’s biggest menu trends.
Globally inspired dishes
It’s no secret that customers are craving a variety of ethnic and globally inspired cuisines. Whether its Asian, Indian, African, Peruvian or another cuisine, , mangos add an unexpected sweet twist to a familiar recipe.
The top mango-producing countries in the world, including India, China and Thailand, regularly incorporate mangos into their cuisine, so diners can expect to see more mango on menus featuring those cuisines—think Asian chicken dishes with mango, sushi rolls that incorporate the fruit and curries that feature its bright flavor—and operators looking for inspiration can start there, too.
Additionally, globally inspired breakfast dishes are particularly on-trend right now, and operators can use this movement to liven up the morning segment. Consider adding a breakfast special that gleans inspiration from Eastern cuisines, such as Mango Oatmeal Congee, or a quick grab-and-go option like a Mango Smoothie with Turmeric, Green Tea and Ginger.
Plant-forward cuisine
Each year, it seems that consumers are looking more and more for plant-centric options. Conveniently, mangos play just as well in savory vegetarian meals as they do in sweeter dishes. Consider some of these plant-forward appetizers, entrees and sides that also highlight mangos, the world’s most popular fruit:
- Fresh Mango Gazpacho
- Grilled Corn and Mango Salad
- Sriracha Mango and Basil Pasta
- Grilled Eggplant Salad with Mango Sambal
- Quinoa Burgers with Mango Curry Relish
- Tropical Mango Roll with Thai Peanut Noodles and Vietnamese Dipping Sauce
- Vegetarian Mango Spring Rolls with Mango Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
Better-for-you menu items
As the public grows more aware of their overall health, consumers increasingly ask for health-conscious menu items. While it might seem obvious for an operator to offer a side salad or traditional fruit cup in lieu of French fries or onion rings, more creative options can include freshly cut mangos, a fruit-and-yogurt parfait or a sweet mango slaw instead. A one-cup serving of mango provides three grams of fiber per one-cup serving (that’s 12% of daily needs) and has just 100 calories, making this fruit a winning choice for health-conscious eaters.
Operators can also help guests out by adding little nutritional snippets to the menu to help guests make healthier choices. Mangos are a superfruit, for instance, and are bursting with the antioxidants vitamin A and Vitamin C. They are also an excellent source of folate and a good source of vitamin B6. Calling out the vitamin C content (or other nutritional aspects of the fruit) in mangos just might encourage a guest to order a menu item that they weren’t previously eyeing—mangos don’t just offer a delicious, fruity and colorful addition to a dish, but they also add a nutrition boost that diners are increasingly looking for. It’s a win-win for operators and diners.
This post is sponsored by National Mango Board