National Mango Day is July 22 and we can’t think of a better day to get some Mexican food in NH! Mangoes are actually a relatively recent addition to Mexican cuisine, but they took Mexican kitchens by storm as soon as they arrived. In Mexico, you will find mangoes everywhere. Street vendors serve them on their own, seasoned with chile, lime, and salt, or as a part of other dishes.
Let’s take a look at the mango’s journey to Mexico and the delicious ways it’s used in Mexican food in NH.
Mangoes Come to Mexico
When it comes to ingredients found in Mexican cuisine, the mango is a relative newcomer. It came to Mexico from the Philippines around 1775. The Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade route brought many items and commodities from Asia to Mexico and the New World. These commodities included silk, ivory, and spices, and mangoes soon joined the list. There are many varieties of mango grown and found in Mexico, but the Manila mango is still one of Mexico’s favorite varieties.
Mangoes and Mexican Flavors
Being tart and sweet, mangoes go beautifully with the spicy and complex flavors of Mexican food. Mexico City is a “culinary crossroads” where traditions that go back 1,000 years meet the flavors and traditions of food from Spain, France, the Middle East, and North America. The mango’s smooth texture, which is very similar to avocado, makes it a delicious addition to salsa, guacamole, and other traditional Mexican dishes.
Easy Mango Salsa Recipe
The way most people have had mango in Mexican cuisine is in salsa. You can find many varieties of mango salsa in any grocery store, but it’s also easy to make yourself. If you want to try your hand at it, here’s an easy recipe that only requires a few ingredients:
- 3 ripe mangoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- The juice of one lime (a large lime will yield about ¼ cup of juice)
- Salt, to taste
To prepare the salsa, put the mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño into a bowl. Drizzle the lime juice over the other ingredients. Use a large spoon to stir all the ingredients together. Add salt to taste and stir everything again. For the best flavor, let it sit for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Los Primos: Authentic Mexican Food in NH
If this has gotten you in the mood for traditional Mexican flavors, come to Los Primos! We bring the taste of authentic Mexican food to NH. We have something delicious that everyone will love, no matter what their favorite Mexican foods are.