Get Fresh with Mangoes

There are over 1,500 types of mango, but the Tommy Atkins, a tart-sweet native Florida variety, is the one you'll see in supermarkets nearly year-round. It's delicious raw, and its firm texture means it will keep its shape in baked goods and cooked dishes.

Here's how to pick a winning mango:

A ripe mango: will give slightly when pressed; some varieties will be fragrant near the stem end.

If your mango is hard: try storing it at room temperature in a paper bag with an apple, which emits ethylene gas that helps the fruit ripen.

Ripe mangoes: will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, or peel and dice them and freeze in a resealable plastic bag for up to six months.

There's nothing like a ripe, juicy mango; but tart, crisp unripe ones are delicious in slaws and salads.

Mango-Radish Coleslaw

Insert a pointy wooden skewer into the stem end of a just-rip mango, gently twisting the sharp end of the skewer into the pit. Remove the skin with a vegetable peeler. Starting at the bottom of the mango and working your way towards the top, cut 1/3-inch-thick "petals" on an angle around the fruit, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season with chili powder, lime juice and salt.

Mix some mango, chopped cooked shrimp, cubed avocado, red onion, cilantro and sliced jalapeno with lime juice and salt. Serve with tortilla chips.

Stir-fry chicken with cubed mango, ginger, garlic, red bell peppers, scallions and sweet-and-sour sauce. Serve over rice.

Blend sliced mango with milk, plain yogurt and a little honey. Serve in a tall glass with a mango or lime slice as a garnish.

Attention smoothie lovers: A 2007 study showed that milk, when combined with mango, significantly increased the body's ability to access the fruit's beta-carotene, a compound that promotes healthy skin and eyes. Blend on!

Fanicfy your breakfast with this simple tropical topping.

Coco-Mango Waffles

Add a sweet, fruity twist to traditional guacamole and you'll feel like you're sunbathing in the tropics.

Mango Salsamole

This sweet and spicy puree does double duty as a marinade and a dipping sauce.

Mango Chicken Skewers

Start your day with this delicious juice blend, packed with vitamins and nutrients!

Kiwi-Orange-Mango Juice

Tender pork chops, crisp cabbage and ripe mangoes make this a well-rounded dish. Serve over rice!

Teriyaki Pork-and-Mango Stir-Fry

When you make fish tacos at home, you have full control over the spice, flavor and sauce.

Fish & Mango Salsa Tacos

Flaky puff pastry and homemade whipped cream are a mango's best friend!

Mango Napoleons

Shredded coconut makes an extra crispy, flavorful crust. Mango salsa will bring out the coconut's natural sweetness.

Coconut-Crusted Chicken with Mango Salsa

Want an easy way to amp up your mango? Grill it!

Pork Tenderloin with Mango