The mango is a tropical fruit with a distinct flavor. There are many varieties of the fruit, each varying in taste and texture, though most are generally subtly sweet with a firm flesh. They are excellent sources of antioxidants, dietary fiber and other nutrients. Delicious on their own or incorporated within a cooked dish, mangoes are popular additions to warm-weather meals. The mango is a common ingredient in salsa, fish and pork recipes as well as in drinks and desserts. Because the mango is a seasonal fruit, it may be unavailable in some areas during cooler times of the year; luckily, most grocery stores offer frozen, cubed mangoes year-round. Though no other food delivers quite the same taste as a mango, there are a few alternatives that will suffice if you can't get your hands on the real deal.
Pineapple
A tropical fruit high in vitamin C, the pineapple shares the mango's sweet and juicy characteristics, though it is a bit more acidic. When shopping for a pineapple, look for a heavy one that is already ripe with dark green leaves. Because of its firm texture, a pineapple is a good substitute in any recipe that require slices or chunks of the fruit to keep its shape. Pineapples are delicious alongside cilantro, rosemary, coconut and caramel.
Papaya
The papaya, also known as the "paw paw," is delicate in both taste and texture but robust in nutrition. Papayas offer significant values of potassium, folate and vitamins A and C. The most popular variety of this fruit is somewhat akin to a banana with a more tropical flavor. Choose blemish-free papayas that are firm but give slightly when squeezed. Use papayas as an alternative to mangoes when paired with other citrus fruits or in recipes that do not rely on a strong fruity taste.
Peach
A moderately ripened peach offers a texture similar to that of a mango -- slightly firm and juicy. A peach that is too ripe is much juicier and sweeter than a regular mango, though these characteristics are usually desirable in desserts and other sweet recipes. Peaches also offer similar nutritional benefits to that of a mango: antioxidants and fiber as well as potassium. Choose vividly colored peaches with no visible or tangible blemishes. The fuzzy peach skin is edible, though you will likely need to remove it prior to cooking.
Nectarine
The nectarine, similar to a combination of peach and plum, offers a juicy flesh with sharp flavor. It is sweet like a peach but slightly more acidic. This fruit is also high in vitamin C and fiber. Nectarines are satisfactory alternatives to mangoes in many types of recipes, from desserts and side dishes to salsas and salads. Choose a nectarine with unblemished skin, vibrant colors and a firm texture. Like the peach, its skin should be removed before cooking.
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