Let’s explore two well-liked mango types: Keitt and Kent. By the end of this detailed comparison, you’ll know all about their unique flavors, qualities, and how to use them.
Table of Contents
Keitt Mango
Keitt mangoes, sometimes called “Tommy Atkins Keitt,” are big fruits that are long and have green skin. When they’re ready to eat, the skin gets a little bit yellow. These mangoes don’t have fibers and their flesh is a bright orange color and very juicy.
Flavor and Texture
Keitt mangoes taste really sweet and a bit sour, which makes them taste just right. Their texture is super smooth like butter, which is great for eating fresh or using in different foods.
Ripening and Shelf Life
Keitt mangoes are special because they can hang on the tree for a long time. This makes their taste even better. You pick them when they’re still green and hard. Then they ripen after being picked and it might take up to two weeks. Because they ripen slowly, they last longer, which is perfect for taking them long distances or keeping them for some time.
Culinary Uses
There are many ways to enjoy Keitt mangoes because they are good in lots of different dishes. Their sweet and a little bit sour taste is perfect for adding a tropical twist.
Here are some fun ways to use Keitt mangoes:
- Eating Fresh: Keitt mangoes are great just by themselves. You can cut them up for a yummy snack or mix them in a fruit salad for extra sweetness.
- Smoothies and Juices: When you blend Keitt mangoes with other fruits and some liquid, you get delicious smoothies and juices.
- Salsas and Chutneys: The sweetness of Keitt mangoes makes great salsas and chutneys. Chop them up with onions, peppers, cilantro, and lime juice, and you’ll have the perfect companion for grilled food or a topping for tacos and sandwiches.
- Desserts: You can use Keitt mangoes in desserts too! Try making pies, tarts, sorbets, or mango-flavored ice cream. Their color and taste will make any dessert better.
Kent Mango
Kent is another favorite mango type around the world. These mangoes are medium to big and have the usual mango look. Their skin is mostly green with some red when they’re ripe, and the inside is golden yellow and super juicy.
Flavor and Texture
Kent mangoes are known for their really sweet, tropical taste. They’re like a mix of apricot and peach. These mangoes are creamy and smooth with hardly any fibers. That’s why people love to eat them so much.
Ripening and Shelf Life
Kent mangoes are picked when they’re mature but still green. They need time to ripen up after being picked, usually about one week. When they’re fully ripe, you should put them in the fridge and eat them pretty soon so they stay tasty and nice.
Culinary Uses
You can use Kent mangoes in all sorts of dishes too. They give a sweet and tropical flavor to anything you combine them with.
Check out these recipes with Kent mangoes:
- Eating Fresh: Just like Keitt, Kent mangoes are yummier when eaten by themselves. Put them in fruit salads, smoothie bowls, or enjoy them as a snack.
- Mango Lassi: If you mix Kent mangoes with yogurt, some honey, and a little cardamom, you get mango lassi, which is a very tasty Indian drink.
- Mango Slices: Slice Kent mangoes and put them on top of cakes, pies, or custards. Their bright look and sweet taste will make any dessert special.
- Mango Salsa: Make a salsa with diced Kent mangoes, onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice. It’s yummy with grilled meat, fish tacos, or with chips.
Comparison
Keitt and Kent mangoes are quite special in their own ways. Keitts are green and then go a bit yellow, while Kents are green with a touch of red. Keitts are sweet and tangy, and Kents are sweet with a smell that reminds you of apricots and peaches. Keitts are very smooth, and Kents are creamy with almost no fibers.
Keitt mangoes take up to two weeks to ripen after being picked, while Kents are usually ready in about one week. Keitts last longer so they’re good for keeping in storage or sending to other places. But Kents should be eaten soon after they’re ripe.
Both types of mangoes are good in many different foods. Keitts have a unique sweet and tangy taste, and Kents have a rich tropical flavor. They can make any meal or snack delicious.
Here’s a table that shows the differences between Keitt and Kent mangoes:
| Aspect | Keitt Mango | Kent Mango |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Color | Green | Green with a slight red blush when ripe |
| Flesh Color | Bright orange | Golden yellow |
| Flavor | Sweet and slightly tangy | Sweet and aromatic, with notes of apricot and peach |
| Texture | Smooth and buttery | Smooth and creamy, minimal fiber content |
| Ripening Time | Longer ripening period, up to two weeks | Approximately one week |
| Shelf Life | Excellent for storage and shipping | Should be consumed within a few days of ripeness |
Conclusion
In the end, both Keitt and Kent mangoes have great qualities. Keitts impress with their longer ripening time and lasting longer, as well as their sweet and a bit sour taste. Kent mangoes are awesome because they smell and taste very tropical, have a creamy texture, and are very sweet.
Whether you like the Keitt’s smooth feel or the Kent’s rich flavor, these mangoes can make any dish exciting. So try them both and see which one is your favorite!
