Mango Pie
Before we get to our recipe for mango pie, here are some facts about mangos. The mango started in Southeast Asia over 4,000 years ago. Since then, they have spread to many parts of the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world where it grows the best.
Mango trees are evergreems. They will grow to 60 feet tall. Four to six years after the mango tree is planted, it will bear fruit. They require hot, dry periods to produce a good crop.
Most mangos that are sold in the United States are imported from South America, Haiti, the Caribbean and Mexico. There are over 1,000 different kinds of mangos throughout the world.
Here are some interesting facts:
- They are an excellent source of Vitamins A and C.
- They are also a good source of Potassium and contain beta carotene.
- They are high in fiber.
- They are low in calories, fat and sodium.
How to you tell if a mango is ripe?
It can be determined either by smelling or squeezing. A ripe mango has a fruity aroma coming from the stem end. They are ready to eat when slightly soft to the touch. Similar to a ripe peach.
To find the best flavored fruit, look for one with a yellow tinge; however, the color may be red, yellow, green, orange or any combination.
Storing Mangos
- The best temperature to store them is 55 degrees F.
- Should you store them properly, their shelf life is approximately 1 to 2 weeks.
Here are a couple great pie recipes
Mango Pie (2 crust pie)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- dash of salt
- 2 pie crusts, unbaked
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- sliced mangoes
Cover bottom of crust with slices of mangoes. Sprinkle with other ingredients which have been thoroughly mixed together. Cover with 2nd pie crust. Bake for 15 minutes at 450 degrees. Reduce to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes.
Mango Cream Pie
- 1 baked pie crust
- 2 1/2 cups mango nectar
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 3 egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bake pie crust according to its directions or until lightly browned. Cool.
Combine nectar and next 5 ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Boil, whisking constantly, for one minute or until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Stir in butter and vanilla. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and cool to room temperature. Spoon mixture into prepared pie crust; cover and chill 8 hours. Garnish, if desired.
Garnishes for your cream pie
- whipped cream
- fresh mango slices
- fresh mint leaves
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