Mango juice is a popular beverage made from ripe mangoes, a tropical fruit that
originated in Southeast Asia. Mangoes are known for their sweet, juicy, and
aromatic flesh, which can range in color from yellow to orange to red. But is
mango a citrus fruit, and what are the benefits of drinking mango juice?
is mango a citrus fruit?
Mango is not a
citrus fruit, despite its sour overtones and juicy characteristics. Citrus
fruits come from the Rutaceae family of flowering plants, whereas mangos are a
member of the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes cashew and poison ivy.
Mangoes differ from citrus fruits in that they have unique physical
characteristics. A mango often has an oblong or oval shape, with a single large
seed at the center. The skin is smooth and varying in color from green to
various hues of yellow, orange, and red. Citrus fruits, on the other hand,
often have rounded shapes and are distinguished by a segmented structure with
several seeds.
Mangoes do contain citric acid,
a natural acid found in various fruits, including citrus fruits like lemons and
oranges, as well as in mangoes. It contributes to the tangy flavor of mangoes
and helps enhance their overall taste. However, the concentration of citric
acid in mangoes is relatively lower compared to citrus fruits. Mangoes contain
about 0.71% citric acid by weight, while lemons and limes contain around five
percent.
Mango juice is
a delicious and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed in various ways. You can
easily make your own mango juice at home by blending fresh mango chunks with
water or milk and adding sugar or honey if desired. You can also add ice cubes
for a frosty and frothy texture, or other fruits, spices, or juices for a
unique flavor combination. Some popular mango juice recipes are mango and
cayenne juice¹, juice carrot orange mango², and pineapple melon mango
passionfruit juice.
Mango juice is
not only tasty, but also nutritious. Mangoes are rich in important nutrients
and antioxidants that provide a wide range of health benefits. They are a good
source of dietary fiber and vitamins A, C, and E. Mangoes also contain folate,
magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients support immune system health, sound
digestion, and general well-being.
Mango juice is
a wonderful way to enjoy the flavor and benefits of mangoes, a tropical fruit
that is not a citrus fruit. Whether you make it yourself or buy it from the
store, mango juice is a refreshing and nutritious drink that can quench your
thirst and boost your health.