Weight: 500 gms
Salt Mango, known as “Uppu Manga” in South India, is a delightful culinary creation that celebrates the tangy and Savoury flavors of raw green mangoes. This traditional dish involves preserving slices of unripe mangoes with salt and allowing them to undergo a natural fermentation process. The result is a unique blend of sourness from the mangoes and the salty kick from the curing process. Salt Mango is a beloved condiment that captures the essence of the tropical fruit while offering a refreshing and slightly tangy experience. It’s a popular treat during the mango season and is enjoyed as a standalone snack or paired with dishes like curd rice (thayir sadam) to balance flavors and enhance the meal’s overall taste.
The process of making Salt Mango involves thinly slicing green mangoes and coating them generously with salt. The mango slices are then placed in a container and allowed to ferment over a period of time. This fermentation not only preserves the mangoes but also transforms their taste, infusing them with a pleasant tartness. The result is a snack that encapsulates the vibrant flavors of raw mangoes and the art of preserving seasonal produce. Salt Mango not only pays homage to traditional culinary practices but also showcases the regional appreciation for the distinct characteristics of raw green mangoes.
Ingredients:
Baby Raw Mango, and Salt.
How To Eat:
- Unwrapping and Preparing: If packaged or stored, unwrap or retrieve the preserved mango slices from their container. They may be coated in salt and have undergone a natural fermentation process.
- Serving Size: Salt Mango is usually enjoyed in small portions due to its intense flavors. A little goes a long way in enhancing the taste of your meals.
- Pairing with Meals: Salt Mango is commonly served as a side dish or condiment with main meals. It pairs exceptionally well with rice dishes, curries, and Indian breads.
- Balancing Flavors: The tanginess of Salt Mango can be used to balance the flavors of dishes that are rich or spicy. The saltiness also adds a contrasting element to the meal.
- Curd Rice (Thayir Sadam): One classic way to enjoy Salt Mango is by pairing it with curd rice (thayir sadam). The tangy mango complements the creamy and soothing yogurt rice.
- Rice Dishes: Add a few slices of Salt Mango to plain rice or rice dishes to impart a tangy and salty kick to your meal.
- Curries and Dals: Incorporate Salt Mango into your curries or lentil dishes for a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Indian Breads: Enjoy Salt Mango with Indian breads like chapati or roti, either as a side or by wrapping a slice within the bread for a tangy twist.
- Snacking: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you can enjoy Salt Mango as a standalone snack. Just remember that its tanginess and saltiness might be quite intense on its own.
- Experimentation: Get creative by adding Salt Mango to various dishes to explore how it complements different flavors and textures.
- Cultural Experience: Savoring Salt Mango allows you to experience the culinary traditions of South India and the ingenious use of raw mangoes in this preserved form.
Shelf Life:
Several weeks to a few months if stored properly
Storage Instructions:
Store in a cool and dry place in an air tight container
Benefits:
- Rich in Vitamin C: Green mangoes, the primary ingredient in Salt Mango, are a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential for immune system support, skin health, and wound healing.
- Digestive Aid: The tangy and sour taste of green mangoes can stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion.
- Hydration: Green mangoes contain water and electrolytes, making them hydrating, especially during hot weather.
- Balanced Flavors: Incorporating Salt Mango into meals can balance flavors, adding a tangy and salty element that enhances the overall taste of dishes.
- Appetite Stimulant: The tanginess of Salt Mango can stimulate the appetite, making it a great addition to meals, especially when you’re not feeling particularly hungry.
- Cultural Connection: Enjoying Salt Mango allows you to connect with South Indian culinary traditions and the art of preserving seasonal produce.
- Nutrient Variety: By incorporating Salt Mango into your diet, you introduce a variety of flavors and nutrients that contribute to a well-rounded eating experience.
- Simple Snack Option: Salt Mango can be enjoyed as a simple and flavorful snack, offering a quick and convenient way to satisfy your taste buds.
- Experimentation: Exploring the taste of Salt Mango introduces you to unique flavor profiles and encourages culinary experimentation.
- Regional Appreciation: Salt Mango celebrates the distinct flavors of green mangoes, which are abundant during the mango season, and showcases how local ingredients can be transformed into delicious preserved snacks.
- Antioxidants: Green mangoes contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
- Low in Calories: Green mangoes are relatively low in calories, making them a guilt-free addition to your diet.
