Mangoes are a delicious fruit that is enjoyed by many. However, when they’re not in season, what can you substitute for them?
There are quite a few substitutes that can be used depending on what is available to you.
In this article, we will discuss 10 substitutes for mango and explain the differences and similarities between them.
We will also give examples of how we’ve used the substitutes.
Let’s get started!
Substitutes for Mango
- Mango Extract
- Apricot
- Mango Puree
- Sweet Red Bell Pepper
- Banana
- Cantaloupe
- Kiwi
- Nectarine
- Papaya
- Peaches
Mango Extract
Mango extract can be used as a substitute for fresh mango in some cases. It is most commonly used in baking, as it can add flavor and aroma to cakes, cookies, and other desserts.
The extract can also be used to make mango jam or chutney.
When substituting mango extract for fresh mango, it is important to keep in mind that the extract is much more concentrated than the fruit.
As a result, you will need to use less extract than you would fresh mango. In addition, the extract may alter the color of your dish.
If you are using the extract as a flavor enhancer, it should not have a significant impact on the overall taste of your recipe.
However, if you are using the extract as the main ingredient, it is important to choose a recipe that will complement the flavors of the extract.
Apricot
Apricots are a great substitute for mangoes in recipes. They have a similar sweetness and texture, and they are much easier to find (and afford).
Apricots can be used in all the same ways as mangoes, from being diced and added to a salad to being pureed and swirled into ice cream.
When substituting apricots for mangoes, keep in mind that the former is slightly less sweet and slightly more acidic.
As a result, you may want to add a bit more sugar to your recipe if using apricots.
You may also want to add an extra squeeze of lemon or lime juice to balance out the sweetness.
Mango Puree
Mango puree is an excellent substitute for fresh mango in several recipes. It has the same sweetness and flavor as fresh mango, but it is much easier to work with.
Mango puree is also less likely to cause digestive issues than fresh mango.
When substituting mango puree for fresh mango, you will need to use less of the puree than you would of the fresh fruit. This is because the puree is more concentrated.
You may also need to add a little extra acidity to balance out the sweetness of the puree. Lemon juice or citric acid are both good options.
In general, mango puree makes an excellent substitute for fresh mango in any recipe that calls for cooked or pureed fruit.
Sweet Red Bell Pepper
The sweet red bell pepper is a suitable substitute for mangoes because it has a similar sweetness and texture. In addition, the sweet red bell pepper is also low in calories and fat.
Bell peppers are a type of Capsicum annuum. They are also known as sweet peppers or chili peppers in different parts of the world.
All these varieties of bell peppers are fruits that are harvested when they are still unripe.
The bell pepper is used as a vegetable due to its crisp flesh and seeds. The flesh of bell pepper can be eaten raw or cooked while the seeds are generally not consumed.
The unripe fruit is green in color but it can also be red, orange, yellow, white, or brown when ripe.
Banana
Bananas and mangoes are both delicious fruits that can be used in a variety of recipes.
However, there are some cases where a banana may be a better choice than a mango.
For instance, if you are looking for a fruit that is less likely to cause indigestion, you may want to choose a banana over a mango.
Bananas are also a good choice if you are looking for a fruit that is lower in sugar.
Additionally, bananas have more potassium than mangoes, which makes them a good choice if you are looking to increase your intake of this nutrient.
While every fruit has its unique flavor, in some recipes, a banana can be used as a suitable substitute for a mango.
For example, if you are making smoothies or ice cream, you may not be able to taste the difference between a banana-based recipe and one that uses mangoes.
When substituting bananas for mangoes in recipes, it is important to keep in mind that bananas will make the dish sweeter than mangoes.
You may want to reduce the amount of sugar called for in the recipe accordingly.
Additionally, bananas will add more moisture to your dish than mangoes.
If you are making something that should be dry, such as cookies, you may want to reduce the amount of liquid called for in the recipe or add a little extra flour to compensate.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe makes an excellent substitute for mango in many recipes. Its sweetness and delicate flavor are a perfect match for mango, and they can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Cantaloupe is also a good source of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, making it a healthy choice for those looking to boost their intake of these important vitamins.
Additionally, cantaloupe is lower in sugar than mango, so it is a suitable substitute for those on a low-sugar diet.
When substituting cantaloupe for mango, it is important to note that the fruit will not be as firm as mango, so it is best to use it in dishes where it will be cooked or mashed.
Kiwi
Kiwi can be used as a delicious and nutritious substitute for mango. For instance, kiwi can be used as a replacement for mango in smoothies and other recipes that call for pureed fruit.
The two fruits have a similar texture, making kiwi a suitable stand-in for mango.
And because kiwi is lower in sugar than mango, it can be a healthier choice for those watching their intake of refined sugar.
Kiwi is also an excellent source of vitamin C, so it can help to boost the immune system.
If you’re looking for a flavor comparable to mango, try using kiwi in recipes that also include pineapple or orange juice.
When substituting kiwi for mango, you may need to add a small amount of sweetener to offset the tartness of the kiwi.
Nectarine
There are a few instances where nectarine can be used as a substitute for mango.
For example, if you are looking for a fruit that is lower in sugar but still has a similar sweetness, nectarine would be a good choice.
Additionally, nectarine is less acidic than mango, so it may be a better option for people with sensitive stomachs.
If you are making a dish that requires mangoes to be peeled and diced, nectarines can be used as a convenient replacement since they have thinner skin and do not require as much prep work.
In general, nectarines are a suitable substitute for mangoes because they share many of the same properties.
Both fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and they have a similar nutritional profile.
While they do have different flavors, they can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
The main difference you may notice when using nectarines in place of mangoes is that the final dish will be slightly less sweet.
Papaya
Mango and papaya are both sweet, delicious fruits that can be used in a variety of recipes.
However, mangoes can be difficult to find, and they can be quite expensive.
Papayas, on the other hand, are relatively easy to find and tend to be less expensive than mangoes.
As a result, papaya is often used as a substitute for mango in recipes.
There are a few things to keep in mind when substituting papaya for mango in a recipe.
First, papayas are generally softer and less fibrous than mangoes.
As a result, they may not hold up as well in some recipes, such as fruit salads.
Second, papayas have a slightly different flavor than mangoes.
They are less tart and have a milder sweetness.
As a result, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in a recipe that calls for mango.
Peaches
Peaches are a fantastic substitute for mangoes in any recipe. They are incredibly versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Here are some benefits of using peaches as a substitute for mangoes:
- Peaches are a great source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for boosting the immune system.
- They are also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion.
- Peaches have a lower sugar content than mangoes, so they are a great option for those who are watching their sugar intake.
- Peaches have a lovely sweetness that pairs well with other ingredients, such as spices or citrus fruits.
FAQ
What is the best substitute for mango if I want something that tastes similar?
If you want a fruit that tastes similar to mango, apricot or nectarine are good substitutes.
What is the best substitute for mango if I want something that tastes different?
If you want a fruit that tastes different than mango then papaya or bananas are good substitutes.
Is there a substitute for mango for savory dishes?
Yes, sweet red bell pepper is a good substitute for mango if you’re looking for something for savory dishes.
What is the best substitute for mango if I want something healthy?
All of the substitutes listed are healthy options. However, some substitute options such as sweet red bell pepper or kiwi are higher in Vitamins C and E than mangoes.
What is the best substitute for mango if I want something low in sugar?
All of the substitutes listed are lower in sugar than mangoes. However, some substitute options such as sweet red bell pepper or kiwi are higher in fiber which can help offset the sugar content.
Conclusion
There are many delicious substitutes for mangoes, so you can enjoy your favorite recipes year-round.
When substituting mangoes, be sure to take into account the different flavors and textures of each fruit.
With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to find the perfect substitute for mangoes in any recipe.
Happy cooking