Kuwini Mango - Gastro Obscura

Fruits & Vegetables

Kuwini Mango

Venture beyond the usual sour-sweet varieties with this funky, savory fruit.

For most, the word mango brings up a specific image: a fruit with green and red skin and an orange, sour-sweet interior. That describes a Tommy Atkins mango, the most common variety on an international scale due to its long shelf life and durability during shipping. Popular as it is from a commercial standpoint, it is universally considered a lesser mango by fruit enthusiasts.

With a bit of hunting, you can find far superior mango varieties. One of the most unique is the kuwini mango. Known as Mangifera odorata, the Southeast Asian species has, as its name suggests, a pungent odor. Its scent is so strong that the tree can be identified just by how it smells. The aroma gets more intense as you cut into the fruit, releasing an odor that’s a mixture of mango candy, parmesan cheese, and durian.

Much like the durian, there is a wholly unique flavor profile that comes from this funky fruit. The kuwini’s fibrous flesh has a savory-sweet flavor that resembles a cross between a juicy mango and an onion-heavy omelet. Not everyone is a fan, but many who acquire the taste of this fruit become addicted to that strange combination of flavors.

Where to Try It
Written By
Jared Rydelek Jared Rydelek