Vietnamese mango: A taste of tropical bliss and culinary ingenuity

Tropical fruits are known to be bursting with flavor, and Vietnamese mango is no exception. It is highly sought after for its sweet and juicy taste.

1. About Vietnamese mango – a popular tropical fruit

Vietnam has a long-standing tradition of cultivating mangoes, which are grown in various ecological regions. The cultivation of Vietnamese mango spans from the south to the north, and the largest mango-producing provinces are located in the Mekong Delta, such as Tien Giang, An Giang, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, Can Tho, and Ben Tre.

Ripe mangoes are enticing with their vibrant yellow color, sweet and sour taste, and delightful aroma, making them a beloved and esteemed fruit to Vietnamese people. In terms of nutritional content, every 100g of Vietnamese mango contains around 60 kcal with minimal fat. Moreover, each mango provides approximately 1.6g of dietary fiber beneficial for digestive health, contributing to the recommended daily intake.

Mangoes are rich in various vitamins, including vitamin A for eye health and vitamin C for skin vitality, and diverse minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and copper. Additionally, compounds like quercetin, beta-carotene, and astragalin in mangoes exhibit strong antioxidant properties, neutralizing free radicals and potentially preventing aging, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. For pregnant women and individuals with anemia, mangoes can serve as a valuable source of iron.

2. Popular types of mangoes in Vietnam

2.1. Hoa Loc mango (xoai Hoa Loc)

Hoa Loc mango is a renowned specialty fruit from the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, weighing 350-450g with an elongated shape. When ripe, the skin turns light yellow while the flesh is firm, smooth, and low in fiber. This type of Vietnamese mango is consumed when fully ripe with a rich, pleasant aroma and a deep, sweet flavor. Hoa Loc mango is also used in sweet treats like mango smoothies and ice cream.

2.2. Cat Chu mango (xoai Cat Chu)

Cat Chu mango is small, round at the top, and slightly elongated. This mango variety is smaller compared to Hoa Loc mango, with an average weight of around 350g per fruit. The distinctive feature of Cat Chu mango is its small seeds, lack of fiber, and thick mango flesh. It is highly aromatic with delightful taste.

2.3. Thanh Ca mango (xoai Thanh Ca)

Thanh Ca mango is a popular Vietnamese mango variety, weighing between 250g to 450g, with a nice fragrant, long shape, and slightly curved tip. Its flesh is often peeled and sliced, earning it the nickname “xoai mut” (peeled mango). The vibrant yellow flesh is firm, smooth, and low in fiber, providing a sweet and refreshing taste.

2.4. Acacia mango (xoai keo)

Vietnamese people are fond of not only ripe mangoes with soft flesh but also unripe crunchy mangoes. Acacia mango (xoai keo) is a green, round fruit with a sticky, resinous substance. When ripe, it changes color to yellow and is rich in fiber. Because of its sour taste, Acacia mango is considered the top choice for making salads and Vietnamese mango shakes.

2.5. Elephant mango (xoai tuong)

Xoai tuong, also known as Elephant mango, boasts a robust size of up to 1kg. Grown in Binh Dinh Province, it has an elongated shape and green skin when unripe. As it ripens, the skin turns yellow. The mango offers a crunchy texture, pleasant aroma, and tangy flavor.

2.6. Four-quarter mango (xoai tu quy)

Four-quarter mango (xoai tu quy) is a Vietnamese mango variety with a robust appearance, weighing up to 2kg. It is cultivated in Southern Vietnam and has a bright yellow color when ripe. The flesh is low in fiber and has a crisp texture. The skin of this mango is thin and the seeds are small. The flavor is more enjoyable when unripe.

2.7. Flat-seed mango (xoai hat lep)

Flat-seed mango (xoai hat lep) is a well-known Vietnamese mango variety in An Giang Province. This mango has a slightly elongated shape, curves at the tail, and typically has dark green skin. Xoai hat lep is known for its delightful aroma and balanced taste. Each mango has an average weight of around 400g.