Operators planning winter menus are encouraged to highlight a brightly colored and tropical tasting fruit throughout the cooler months ahead, taking advantage of the increased mango volumes during the last quarter of the year. Mangos are available year round because they’re sourced globally, providing a little bit of sunshine in any season. The current South American mango production is expected to continue strong well into March of 2017, providing a consistent crop. This year the National Mango Board (NMB) expects higher than normal volume from October through the end of 2016 and into 2017. Operators and distributors should visit Mango.org/Crop to access the latest mango supply information as well as helpful shipment data visualization tools.
In addition to keeping operators updated on a weekly basis through the crop report, the NMB also offers plenty of seasonal menu and usage ideas. As few customers can resist a taste of the tropics during the dark days of winter, the NMB recommends sizzling starters to keep summer alive like Crispy Fried Oysters with Mango and Avocado and warming entrees, such as Jumbo Shrimp with Caramelized Mango, Crispy Serrano Ham and Pickled Red Onion.
To guarantee the best possible customer experience, the NMB reminds operators that pre-conditioned and fresh-cut mango can be ordered from most produce and broadline distributors. For fresh mango recipes, as well as the tools and resources to build your business with fresh mango, visit mango.org/foodservice.
