Mangoes and oranges are two of the most popular tropical fruits around the world. They both have distinctly different flavors – mangoes are sweet and slightly tart while oranges are juicy, sweet and citrusy. At first glance, they may seem like an unlikely pairing. However, mangoes and oranges can actually complement each other quite well and create delicious recipes when combined thoughtfully. Keep reading to learn more about the flavors of mangoes and oranges and how they can be paired together.
What are the Main Flavors of Mangoes?
Mangoes are known for being sweet yet slightly tart due to their complex flavor profile. Here are some of the main flavors in mangoes:
- Sweetness – Mangoes have high natural sugar content which gives them their characteristic sweet taste.
- Tartness – They contain citric and malic acids which provide a tart, tangy flavor.
- Tropical – Their aroma is reminiscent of other tropical fruits like pineapple and peach.
- Earthy – Some varieties have deeper, more earthy aromas reminiscent of honey.
When perfectly ripe, mangoes strike the ideal balance between sweet and tart. Unripe green mangoes tend to be more tart while overripe mangoes turn very soft, sweet, and almost jammy.
What are the Main Flavors of Oranges?
Oranges are prized for their sweet juice and zesty citrus kick. Here are some defining flavor notes of oranges:
- Sweetness – Oranges have high sugar content balanced by acidity which makes them taste sweet and tangy.
- Citrus – They contain citric acid and essential oils that gives them their distinct citrusy aroma and flavor.
- Acidity – Tart and tangy flavors come from the citric, malic, and ascorbic acids in oranges.
- Refreshing – Their juiciness and acidity makes oranges thirst-quenching.
- Zesty – Oils in the rind give oranges their characteristic zesty, orangey aroma.
Navel oranges tend to be sweeter while Valencia oranges are more tart and acidic. Blood oranges have hints of raspberry sweetness.
How Do the Flavors of Mangoes and Oranges Compare?
Though both are sweet fruits, mangoes and oranges each have their own distinct set of flavors and aromas.
Mangoes have a more complex, tropical flavor with sweetness coupled with tartness. Their aroma is deeply fruity. Oranges on the other hand taste refreshingly sweet and citrusy. They have a zesty fragrance and their acidity adds juiciness.
Mangoes tend to have rich, creamy flesh while oranges are juicier with more liquid pulp. Mangoes can sometimes have fibrous flesh depending on the variety while oranges have segments easily separated into juice sacs.
Here’s a quick comparison of their main flavor differences:
| Mangoes | Oranges |
|---|---|
| Sweet and tart | Sweet and citrusy |
| Tropical, peachy aroma | Zesty orange aroma |
| Creamy flesh | Juicy segments |
Common Ways to Enjoy Mangoes and Oranges
Mangoes and oranges are most commonly enjoyed fresh. Here are some of the most popular ways to eat them:
Mangoes
- Eaten plain as is
- Made into smoothies and lassis
- Grilled, baked, or sauteed
- Added to salsas
- Used in chutneys and preserves
- Added to desserts like ice cream
- Juiced or made into nectar
Oranges
- Eaten plain and peeled
- Squeezed into fresh orange juice
- Made into orange segments
- Added to fruit salads
- Used to flavor drinks and desserts
- Zested for orange zest
- Candied into orange slices
Their sweet-tart flavors mean mangoes work great in both savory and sweet dishes. Oranges add a refreshing sweetness and citrusy kick to drinks, desserts, salads and more.
What Types of Dishes Can Pair Mangoes and Oranges?
Though not a classic pairing, mangoes and oranges can complement each other well when combined thoughtfully. Their contrasting flavors and textures can make for delicious and surprising recipes.
Here are some types of recipes where mangoes and oranges work well together:
Fruit Salads
Mangoes and oranges are both popular fruits to add to fruit salads. An orange mango salad with a zesty dressing balances out the sweetness of the fruits. The creaminess of mango contrasts nicely with the juicy orange segments.
Smoothies and Juices
Blending mangoes and oranges makes refreshing smoothies and juices. Mangoes provide creaminess while oranges add a tangy citrus note. A touch of orange zest or juice brightens up mango smoothies.
Salsas and Chutneys
The sweet-tart mango pairs well with the citrusy kick of oranges in salsas and chutneys. Try recipes like mango orange salsa with lime and chili flavors or an Indian-inspired mango orange chutney.
Desserts
Mangoes and oranges liven up pies, tarts, cakes, ice creams and other desserts. Mangoes work well in custards and fruit compotes while orange zest or segments provide a refreshing garnish.
Seafood
Sweet mango and orange flavors complement seafood like shrimp and fish nicely. Grilled shrimp skewers with mango orange sauce are delicious.
Salads
The fruits add sweetness and color to savory salads. Try recipes like spinach avocado salad with mangoes, oranges and a citrusy vinaigrette.
Marinades and Sauces
Pureed mangoes and oranges make flavorful acidic marinades and sauces for meats. A mango orange bbq sauce glaze on ribs is sure to satisfy.
With a bit of creativity, mangoes and oranges pair wonderfully in both sweet and savory dishes thanks to their complementary flavors and textures.
Key Tips for Cooking with Mangoes and Oranges Together
Here are some top tips to get the best flavor when cooking with mangoes and oranges together:
- Use ripe, sweet mangoes and juicy oranges for maximum flavor.
- Add orange zest to dishes to heighten the citrus kick.
- Sweeten recipes with orange juice instead of sugar when possible.
- Boost the tropical essence by adding lime juice.
- Add some chili or cayenne pepper to balance the sweetness.
- In marinades and dressings, use more orange juice for acidity.
- Garnish finished dishes with fresh orange segments or mango slices.
- Pair mango orange dishes with mint, basil or cilantro.
- To cut mangoes easily, slice off the sides first, then score the inside flesh.
With these handy tips, you can enhance the natural flavors of mangoes and oranges in all kinds of delicious recipes.
Potential Health Benefits of Eating Mangoes and Oranges
Besides being delicious, mangoes and oranges provide important vitamins, minerals and plant compounds that offer potential health benefits:
Mangoes
- Excellent source of immune-boosting Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
- Contain zeaxanthin and lutein which supports eye health.
- Provide Vitamin B6, copper and folate.
- Have antioxidant properties from polyphenols and carotenoids.
- May lower risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
Oranges
- High in Vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids immune function.
- Provide potassium, thiamin, folate, and Vitamin A.
- Contain phytochemicals and flavonoids with antioxidant effects.
- May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Orange peel is rich in oils with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Together, mangoes and oranges provide a concentration of health-boosting vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and flavonoids.
Potential Downsides of Eating Too Many Mangoes or Oranges
While mangoes and oranges are very healthy in moderation, eating excessive amounts could potentially cause some minor side effects:
Mangoes
- High in natural sugars – may not be ideal for diabetics and those limiting sugar.
- Can cause bloating, gas or upset stomach when overeaten.
- Contain oxalic acid – those with kidney problems should avoid eating too much.
- The sap contains urushiol which can cause skin irritation.
Oranges
- Contain citric acid – overconsumption may erode tooth enamel.
- Can aggravate heartburn or reflux symptoms in some people.
- May interact with certain medications that are metabolized slowly.
- Not suitable for acid reflux, endometriosis, migraines.
As with most things, moderation is key. Eating too many mangoes or oranges in excess is not recommended as it may cause some digestion or allergy issues.
Conclusion
Mangoes and oranges make an unexpected yet delicious pairing when used thoughtfully in recipes. Mangoes offer tropical, peach-like sweetness while oranges provide a refreshing citrusy zing.
These fruits complement each other wonderfully in fruit salads, smoothies, salsas, seafood dishes, marinades and more. Mangoes and oranges also deliver a concentration of beneficial vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
When creating recipes using mangoes and oranges, select ripe fruit and balance their sweetness with complementary acidic and spicy flavors. Used in moderation, mangoes and oranges can be a delightful and healthy addition to any dish.
