What if this Beliefnet blogger were to tell you that there is a healthy and guilt-free food readily available - sitting in your supermarket - waiting for you - that is more comforting than mac n' cheese, chocolate pudding, whipped potatoes and pancakes combined? Would you be interested in that? Well, read on and then scroll down for the best, most comforting recipe ever!
Mangoes have been around for at least 4,000 years. They grow on huge trees and the mango fruit gracefully hangs down like an upside-down lollipop on a very long stem.
They are considered a comfort food in many parts of the world and have an amazingly rich and meaningful history.
It is said that Amrapali, a very beautiful dancer and courtesan from Vaishali, lived in Buddha's time (600 B.C.). She offered Buddha a mango orchard. She was so impressed by his teachings that she became a nun.
Mango trees grant wishes and are a symbol of love. The mango tree flowers during spring and when it is laden with blossom, the cuckoo sings in the tree. It is thus associated with the season of love in traditional poetry.
I am sure that you can now see how mangoes bring comfort and while they are messy and a tad difficult to eat, they are well worth the effort.
Succulent, juicy and delicious they are rich in beta -carotene and vitamin C, not to mention low in calories and high in fiber. One cup of mango slices is approximately 110 calories with 0.5 grams of fat and 3 grams of dietary fiber.
They are available from January through September, however, those that enter the marketplace later are generally of better quality. Mexican mangoes are available from April through September; and Florida mangoes from May through August, although they peak in June and July.
The next time you're a bit frazzled, and in need of a little comfort, solace, smoothing over - reach for a mango.
How to Pick a Mango: Pick up a mango and very softly press your thumb against its flesh. Does it give a bit and smell really sweet, like a flower? Great! If there are a few black spots on it, not to worry, as mangoes bruise so easily. But if covered with bruises, it is past its prime! The best sized mango is about a pound or so. And for the most part, if a mango smells great, it tastes great.
If the mango is green and firm, you can bring it home and ripen it yourself! Leave the mango on the counter for a few days, until it colors (yellow/orange to red), is soft to the thumb, and smells good. Do not refrigerate a mango. If you store a mango below 50ºF for any length of time it will lose its flavor.
How to Cut a Mango: It's important to use a sharp thin-bladed knife. First, cut off both ends of the fruit. Then place fruit on the counter, flat end down, and using knife, peel the skin off from top to bottom along curvature of the fruit. Then cut fruit into slices by carving lengthwise along the pit. The pit is huge!
Mango Soup
Ingredients:
1 large mango, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon grass, chopped
1 large pinch cayenne
1/2-inch piece fresh ginger
1-3/4 cups chicken stock
3/4 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
Place the mango in a food processor or blender and pulse a few times. Add: lemongrass, ginger, cayenne, and 1/2 cup of the chicken broth. Process until completely smooth. Transfer to a large bowl, and add the rest of the chicken broth. Stir well. Add the yogurt and stir again. Chill, and garnish with cilantro before serving.
Makes six servings. Approximately 50 calories per serving!
faTual faToids: Fun mango facts to toss around the dinner table while you're enjoying your delicious Mango Soup!
Mangoes are known as "the apple of the tropics."
More fresh mangoes are eaten world-wide than any other fruit.
Indian villagers believe that when a son is born, mango trees grow new leaves. So they use leaves to decorate their doorways and announce the happy event to the world.
Mango leaves are also used at wedding ceremonies to ensure that the newlyweds will bear children.
On holy days, Hindus use mango twigs to brush their teeth.
More healthy treats that comfort!
National Donut Day: Our Lady of Weight Loss Takes on Krispy Kreme
10 Healthy Summer Time Recipes from the OLofWL Kitchens!
Eat More:Weigh Less
Spread the word ... NOT the icing,
Janice
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Janice Taylor is a Life & Wellness Coach, specializing in weight loss, reinvention, transformation & happiness, author, seminar leader and 50-pound-BIG-Time-LOSER! Write Janice for an Introductory Coaching Session.
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"Janice Taylor is a certain kind of kooky genius ~ see if her idiosyncratic diet plan will work for you." ~ O, The Oprah Magazine
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I love them in salsa!
I need to print that recipe!I too love them in salsa,with chips, great snack,lol...at least in this tough economic times!!!lol
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