The mango is one of peoples’ favorite summertime fruits. When it’s time to hit the beach, you’re definitely looking out for some mangoes and mango-flavored drinks to help cool you off from the summer heat.
However, like many fruits, there are a lot of things about mangoes that you might not know. One such is where they stand viz a viz seeds.
So do mangoes have seeds? Yes, they actually do. As we all know, inside every mango is a husk. That husk is the rough, flesh-like component that is smack in the middle of the mango and which you usually gnaw on before you throw it away. However, inside that husk is the mango’s seed.
As expected, the mango’s seed is primarily used for reproduction. It is the part that is planted to get more mangoes. However, the seed can also be eaten as it has been found to contain some nutritional benefits. Later, we’ll look quickly into how to grow a mango from the seed.
The Health Benefits of the Mango Seed
Many people who love mangoes will go after their flesh. While the flesh is both tasty and nutritious, you’re actually not getting the whole picture if you stop there.
The mango flesh is rich in nutrients. It contains a significant amount of flavonoids (jncluding beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene), as well as minerals like potassium and copper. The flesh also contains Vitamins A, B6, C, and E. thanks to its high content of fiber, it should be able to help you manage your levels of cholesterol, weight, and blood sugar
As for the mango seed, extensive research has shown that it also does have significant health benefits. So, let’s take a look at some of them:
- Diabetes support: Studies have tested supplements rich in mango seeds for diabetes patients, and they have found that these seeds hep to reduce blood glucose levels. Mango seed can also help to reduce bad cholesterol, combat type II diabetes, and promote the production of good cholesterol.
- Weight loss: If you’re looking to achieve your summer body, perhaps getting some mango seeds might be good for you. Mango seed extract has been known to reduce the conversion of sugars in the body to fat. Mango seed can also improve body metabolism for extended periods, allowing the body to burn more fats.
- Antioxidant properties: Mango seeds have bene found to be rich in antioxidants. These will help to protect your body against free radicals, which cause heart issues, cancer, and other diseases.
Can You Eat a Mango Seed?
Now that you know the benefits of the mango seed, you might want to know if eating it is appropriate.
So, can you eat a mango seed? Yes, you can. The flesh isn’t the only part of the mango that has health benefits, and nothing should stop you from enjoying the mango seed.
Generally, there are two ways to eat a mango seed: you can choose to dig in directly, or you can be the prim and proper person with manners.
Digging In
- Rinse and scrub the ripe mango with a sponge and soapy water. When done, rinse the soap off.
- Sink your teeth into the mango. Use your teeth to peel the mango’s skin away from tis seed. Repeat this step as much as you need.
- Hold one end of the mango husk with your fingers and fingernails. Scrape away all residual fiber and flesh from the husk until you reveal the seed itself. Remember that you will need to do this over both sides.
- Bite and scrape your teeth over the husk’s center part until you get to the seed.
- Keep eating the seed at each end and along its center. You can suck off as much flesh as you need.
The Prim and Proper Approach
- As usual, get your mango and wash it thoroughly.
- Hold a clean mango so that one of the narrow edges is against a cutting board. Get a knife and slice it off-center, taking out a slab of flesh and skin.
- Rotate the mango 180 degrees and take off another slab.
- Cut off each narrow side of the mango as well.
- Cut off the skin at the tip of the mango where its stem once was. Bite into it and suck off all flesh to expose the residual seed.
Using the Mango Seed for Planting
We already covered how to get the mango seed, so let’s go from there. When you get the husk at the center, find a pair of scissors or something else that’s sharp. Carefully cut the edges of the husk so you don’t damage the seed inside.
Gently remove the seed from the husk and remove any loose layers around it. remember not to force or peel anything.
The next step is sprouting the seed. Take a cloth or a paper towel and dampen it just a little bit. Use the cloth to wrap your mango seed and put it in a plastic bag. You can put the plastic bag in a kitchen cupboard that is dark. Try to get it in a warm spot so that germination can be faster.
Every few days, check up on the seed to see signs of sprouting. If needed, dampen your cloth or paper again. After about three weeks, you should see a red sprout growing. After another two weeks, the sprout should have grown roots. When you see this, your seed is ready for planting. Get a pot that is wider than the seed and put some soil in it. The mango will sort itself out, and you’re ready for planting season.
Final Thoughts
- Mangoes have seeds, regardless of the specie.
- The mango seeds are enclosed inside the husk, but they can be found with some tenacious digging.
- Mango seeds have significant health benefits, including promoting weight loss and fighting diabetes.
- You can also eat mango sees just as you’d eat its flesh.