There are over 2500 types of mangoes, but commercially we consume around only around 200 types. The mango is high in antioxidants, potassium, has over 20 essential vitamins and minerals, and it’s rich in fibre.

The Ataulfo mango, a.k.a “the Manila Mango” is one of the best tasting types of mangoes, being that it has a small flat pit, with its flesh being fibrous free rich, and sweet. This fruit can be found in Mexico, where they’re called supreme mangoes “Mangoes de Manila.” It can be found in the Philippines cultivated in the region of Cebu, where it’s the national symbol of the country. The season is usually between March & September, however the summer months will yield the sweetest fruit.

Choosing the Fruit:
Pick one that’s bright golden yellow, blemish & wrinkle free. When its unripe, it’s green, and it’s quite sour to taste. Like a banana, it turns yellow & sweet when ripe.
Overly ripen mangoes will start to soften and blemish, it is best to use them in a smoothie.

How to Eat the Fruit:
Only the flesh of the mango is consumed. The mango can be eaten fresh ripe, dried, puree, used as a topping on ice cream; or even blended into a smoothie. In Thailand it is served as a dessert sliced and laid over a bed of glutinous rice flavoured with coconut milk. In Taiwan it is laid over a bed of ice drizzled with condensed milk.

For some of the best Mango selection in Winnipeg, make sure to check our friends at Young’s Market.

Image prutas Originally uploaded by don2g

While attending the screening of The Last Song last night, it was to my disappointment to discover that Silver City Polo Park no longer has New York Fries and Pizza Hut in their lobby.

The New York Fries has been replaced with Outtakes/Pizza Pizza which offer a wide arrangement of foods for movie goers. Instead of individual sized pizzas that Pizza Hut sold, Pizza Pizza offers them by the slice. They too offer Fries – but everyone knows that nothing can beat NYF.

I have nothing against Pizza Pizza, but when it comes to top level fries/pizza, NYF and Pizza Hut were the perfect one two punch. Having them as separate locations also minimized lineups… the line up as Pizza Pizza yesterday was ridiculous!

The old Pizza Hut area was completely removed and now contain a stand for napkins and straws making the lobby a bit more roomy than before.

According to our friends on facebook and twitter, Silver City Polo Park isn’t the only one to suffer the Pizza Hut/NYF fatality… St. Vital has also made a similar change.

Image IMG_0951 Originally uploaded by AccessWinnipeg

This weeks Friday Eats will be a bit different. Instead of featuring a Winnipeg restaurant we are featuring a food item that is taking Winnipeg and the world by storm. It is called the Shirataki Noodle or The Miracle Noodle.

Our friends at Young’s Market gave us a rundown of this very popular dietary food item:

This amazing high fibre weight-loss product originated in japan. Its made from soluble plant fibre, which gives dieters 3 advantages.

1) once digested, it expands slightly and gives you a sense of fullness;
2) it has no calories;
3) you don’t need to cook it;

Cooking Suggestions:
All you have to do is drain away the water content and pour your favourite sauce over it and serve. Or consume it like many Asians do, in hot-pot!

This product is great to use as a substitute meal since it gives you a sensation that you ate something hearty. This is why it is known as the “miracle noodles.”

Shirataki Noodles aka The Miracle Noodle is available now at both Young’s Trading (397 William Ave.) and Young’s Market (1000 McPhillips St.)

Make sure to check out their website at youngsmarket.ca for more great recipes and food tips.

Image shirataki Originally uploaded by crd!