mangoes

Countrywide, Spring is high time for the likes of peas, asparagus, and artichokes, but in more equatorial climes, April, May, and June are peak season for mangoes, one of the world's most beloved tropical fruits, known for its sweet, fragrant flesh and succulent texture.

Mangoes are enjoyed both ripe and unripe. To select a fully ripe mango, look for a smooth, leatherlike skin, an intoxicating scent, and a meaty flesh that gives, but isn't mushy. To enjoy unripe or "green" mangoes, select firm fruits and store them in the refrigerator to use before they've ripened. Get inspired to use them in different ways when you read more.

I never thought I'd say this, but these days, I'm more of a tea person than a coffee person. Ever since getting hooked on ginger tea, I've slowly made my way to other herbal teas and, most recently, black and green tea. Not that I wasn't able to drink them before, but now I actually like them.

Snapple must've known. They shipped over a giant container of their latest drink, Papaya Mango Iced Tea, a new limited-edition beverage released in partnership with CBS's The Amazing Race, and "inspired by the exotic flavors and rich tea tradition of India." We tried both the regular and diet versions, which are, according to the label, "naturally flavored with other natural flavors." What does that even mean?

"The regular tastes good!" Katie remarked on first sip. It's true: the fruity-floral initial notes, mildly bitter black tea, and sweet ending are inherently satisfying. As a longtime Diet Coke drinker, I preferred the aspartame version. It tastes similarly refreshing and doesn't have the lingering aftertaste of some diet beverages. Neither had distinctly mango or papaya notes, but generally tropical, almost pineapple-y flavors.

I don't buy bottled iced tea often, but this would be the perfect drink to get into gear for Spring's warmer days. What's your favorite iced tea flavor?

There's no better time than a massive heat wave to embrace salsa. It's a no-cook appetizer that's ideal for last-minute Summer entertaining, and makes use of the cornucopia of farm-fresh seasonal ingredients at your disposal. Eschew classic tomato salsa for a Mediterranean riff that incorporates cured green olives, oregano, and hot pepper relish — a topping that would taste great not only on pita chips, but also white meat or grilled fish. But salsa doesn't have to be salty: Take it for a sweet spin by incorporating mango and kiwi with a hint of brown sugar and ginger. Try either, or both, when you read more.

What do you do when you have spinach and shrimp left over from savory Greek shrimp skewers? The key to not tiring of repeat ingredients is to steer your meal in an entirely different culinary direction. Take a hint from ripe, in-season mangoes, and use them to build on a tropical theme. Sauté shrimp in lime juice, garlic, and cayenne for a little Latin spice, then coat them in a sunny-themed cilantro and mango purée to offset the heat. With lime-pickled onions adding some acid and bite, you've got a plate of brand-new, exciting flavors. Make this tonight when you keep reading.

Aside from berries, one of my favorite fruits to enjoy during the Summer are mangoes; I love their sunny, peachy-sweet flavor. But it wasn't until recently that I started cooking with unripe mangoes. Green mangoes, as they're also called, are popular in Thai cooking. They have a crisp texture, and a tart, rather than saccharine, quality that's optimal for savory applications.

Purchase green mangoes while still firm, and use them before they ripen. Enjoy them julienned and lightly dressed in a salad with a salty and spicy sauce, served alongside protein such as grilled pork, chicken, or tofu. Just for comparison purposes, why not serve a fruit salad with sweet mango for dessert? Enjoy both mango preparations when you keep reading.

It's like oranges with cinnamon for dipping: Reader Mee-shell uploaded this photo of mangoes with chili and lime to the Savory Sights group in the YumSugar Community. Do you have an image of something delicious that you recently made or enjoyed? Upload it!

I picked this snack up at a street fair recently but it's super easy to make at home. Toss sliced mango with lime juice, salt, and chili powder. Done! (Jicama and papaya work great too.)

Who says an affordable meal has to be boring? This recipe for coconut mango chicken proves that exotic doesn't always mean expensive. For just under $10, you can feed four people with an exciting chicken preparation. Simply simmer boneless breasts in a mixture of coconut milk and chicken broth. Add chunks of fresh mango and serve with a side of black beans. Voila! Not your regular weekly chicken, but still a dinner that's quick, uncomplicated, and most important, scrumptious. To get the recipe, read more

When I was a child, my dad used a great technique to introduce my siblings and me to fish. He selected a mild tasting white fish and served it with a sweet fruit salsa. This is a much healthier option than fish sticks and it actually was a meal that I looked forward to and enjoyed.

As I came across this recipe for grilled snapper with mango salsa, I instantly had memories of Dad's fish with fruit salsa. Since snapper isn't the most sustainable of fishes, I'll probably sub in something similar like rock fish. To take a look at the simple and delicious recipe, read more

These days, pineapples are available year-round at the store, so you may not know that they're actually at their peak between the months of March and July. The best way to enjoy these tropical fruits? Skip the can and select the largest, plumpest specimen you can find, preferably one with a little give. Trim and cut it — then savor its succulence with a fresh fruit salad.

Pineapples have traditionally been employed in tropical fruit salads, where they complement the flavors of papayas, mangoes, and toasted coconut. But don't overlook a savory application. Combine the fruit with cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs in a fiery Asian vinaigrette for a sweet-hot twist. Make it a full meal by adding shredded rotisserie chicken or garlicky grilled shrimp. Aching for a taste of the tropics? Decide whether to go the sweet or salty route when you read more.