How to Freeze Mango (for Smoothies Etc.)
Do you love the sweet flavor and smooth texture mango imparts to smoothies? Next time you spot a special on fresh mango at a local grocery store, stock up on these yummy fruits and freeze them for later use in smoothies. It is also good to have frozen mango on hand if you have one of those frozen fruit dessert makers that turn frozen fruits into guilt-free, sorbet-like desserts. However, as the freezing and thawing processes alter the texture of mango, you don't want to be eating pieces of once-frozen mango in fruit salads and other dishes that require pretty, firm pieces.
The best way to freeze mango for later use in smoothies and frozen desserts is to first pre-freeze the fruit in individual pieces, and once the pieces are frozen solid, transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers which you can then put back into the freezer for long-term storage. If you just the fresh mango pieces in a freezer bag or container without pre-freezing the pieces first, they will stick together and form a giant clump of frozen fruit—not very practical if you want to be able to grab just a few pieces for use in a smoothie!
How to Freeze Mango Cubes
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to freeze mango without having to worry about the pieces sticking together in the freezer:
- Peel the mango and remove the stone. Cut the flesh into cubes.
- Line a freezer-safe tray with parchment paper or a freezer-safe silicone baking mat
- Arrange the mango cubes in a single layer on the tray, making sure they don't touch. Cover the tray with plastic wrap, and slide it in the freezer, making sure that it's secure and level so it won't fall when the freezer door is opened.
- Once the slices are frozen solid, remove the tray from the freezer and transfer the frozen mango cubes into freezer-safe bags or containers (freezer-safe glass containers are great if you don't like plastic).
- Label and date the bags or containers, and store them in the freezer until you need your frozen mango.
Using Frozen Mango in Smoothies and Desserts
Using frozen mango in smoothies results in a creamy texture without the addition of dairy. If you're longing for an extra smooth vegan smoothie, here's a recipe for a mango and avocado smoothie that combines two of the "creamiest" smoothie ingredients: frozen mango and ripe avocado.
Flavorwise, frozen mango pairs well with all sorts of smoothie ingredients, but it is a particularly useful ingredient to have on hand if you want to be able to whip up kale smoothies that actually taste good. This is because mango helps cover up the natural bitterness of kale. If you need some tried-and-tested smoothie recipes that pair frozen mango with kale, check out our fruity mango kale smoothie or our mango-based green smoothie featuring kale and spinach.
Aside from using frozen mango in smoothies, you can also use it to create guilt-free frozen desserts using a frozen fruit dessert maker such as Yonanas or Dessert Bullet. Now, in case you didn't get the memo, these powerful but compact kitchen gadgets turn pieces of frozen fruit into healthy, 100% fruit-based mock ice cream. All you have to do is feed your Yonanas or Dessert Bullet some frozen fruit, and the machine will almost immediately start extruding guilt-free soft serve directly into a serving bowl. Traditionally, these types of frozen desserts are made with frozen bananas because when squashed or pureed, frozen bananas have an extremely creamy texture. But there are also Yonanas and Dessert Bullet recipes without bananas, and many of these recipes use frozen mango. Some popular flavor combinations praised by Yonanas and Dessert Bullet fans include:
- Mango + Kiwifruit
- Mango + Raspberries
- Mango + Avocado
- Mango + Pineapple
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