Introduction
Do You Peel Mangoes Before Eating?

Eating mangoes is a delightful experience, but how do you approach the skin? This question often arises as some prefer to peel the mangoes for a more pleasant taste and texture, while others maintain that the skin offers significant nutritional benefits and is safe to consume. In this article, we will explore the differences in practices and the nutritional value of mango skin, supported by scientific evidence and cultural perspectives.

Cultural Perspectives
Cultural Practice: Mango Skins in El Salvador

Growing up, many Americans, like myself, peel mangoes before eating them to avoid what they consider bitter and astringent flavours. However, a cultural shift occurred when a housemate from El Salvador taught me to consume mangoes unpeeled. This practice, common in El Salvador and other Latin American countries, is not just about taste but also carries traditional and health benefits. By following this unpeeled habit, you are embracing a practice that thousands of people around the world consider a natural and healthier way to enjoy mangoes.

Personal Experience: Growing a Variety of Fruits
Growing a Diverse Range of Fruits in Berkeley, CA

I have always been a health enthusiast and have cultivated a wide range of fruits and herbs in my garden. This includes not only mangoes but also guavas, dragon fruit, lemons, oranges, apples, peaches, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, carrots, and herbs. Living in Berkeley, California, has provided me with the ideal climate to grow these fruits, which I can pick fresh and enjoy.

Learning from Experience
Adapting to Traditional Practices

Later, when my friend Yanira, a transplant from El Salvador, moved in with me, she shared her belief that peeling mangoes is not necessary. She emphasized that her family back in El Salvador had a long practice of eating peels, arguing that it is a natural and safe practice. Initially, I was skeptical, but after six years of making mangoes without peeling and one year of consuming them with the skin, I have yet to experience any negative effects. However, it is important to note that individual sensitivities can vary, and for some, the bitterness and astringency of the skin might be a concern.

Nutritional Value of Mango Skin
Mango Peel as a Nutritional Treasure

Mango skin is not just a protective shield but also a source of nutrients. It is rich in a variety of beneficial compounds, including pectin, carbohydrates, vitamins, cellulose, minerals, and other vital nutrients. These nutrients can contribute to improving the body's immunity and resistance after consumption. Moreover, the skin contains quercetin, a natural flavonoid compound known for its antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

Safety and Precautions
Is Mango Skin Safe to Eat?

Despite its potential health benefits, it is crucial to ensure the mango is clean and free of pesticides. If you are sensitive to urushiol, a substance found in poison oak and present in lower concentrations in mango skin and leaves, you should be cautious about consuming the skin. However, in general, mango skin is safe to eat. A study by the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of the Virgin Islands found that the peels are edible and had various health benefits.

Conclusion
Eating Mangoes with the Skin: A Personal Choice

Whether you choose to peel or not is ultimately a matter of preference and personal health. While the skin can offer significant nutritional benefits, the bitterness and astringency may be a deterrent for some. It is important to consider your individual sensitivities and preferences. The next time you are tempted to peel your mango, consider the rich nutrient profile of the skin. As for me, I enjoy the texture and nutritional benefits it provides, and I believe it is worth the small inconvenience of not peeling.