Judging by their sometimes sour taste it would be easy to assume that mangos are citrus fruits. However, while citrus fruits are well-known for their characteristic taste, not all tangy and juicy fruits are automatically considered citrus fruits. So, are mangos citrus fruits? Keep reading to find out.
Are Mangos Citrus Fruits?
The quick answer is no, mangos are not citrus fruits.
Actually, mangos and citrus fruits belong to different families. While many citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, belong to the Rutaceae family, mangos fall under the family named Anacardiaceae.
Mangos share the same family as cashews, pistachios, and other tropical and subtropical fruit species.
So, from a botanical perspective, mangos are not citrus fruits and share little in common with this family of fruits.
The Nutrient Content of Mangos
Despite not being a citrus fruit, mangos have something in common with them. Both citrus fruits and mangos are excellent sources of vitamin C.
A 100-gram portion of mango contains 36.4 mg of vitamin C, which is equal to 40% of the Daily Value.
Note that citrus fruits are well known for containing high amounts of vitamin C, with most providing over 100% of the daily recommended value in just one serving.
While mangos, are still a good source of vitamin C they provide lower quantities of this nutrient compared to citrus fruits.
Additionally, mangos contain vitamin A, fiber and antioxidants (such as niacin and carotene), which are essential nutrients for digestive health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and fighting inflammation.
The Tanginess Factor
Mangos and citrus fruits may not be from the same family but they share a common characteristic: tanginess.
In the case of citrus fruits, the acidic taste comes from citric acid. Mangos, on the other hand, owe their tanginess to a combination of compounds that includes citric and malic acids.
Wrapping It Up
Although they share some characteristics such as vitamin C and tanginess, mangos are not citrus fruits. This two types of fruits belong to different families: Rutaceae in the case of citrus fruits and Anacardiaceae in the case of mangos.
Mangos offer lower amounts of vitamin C compared to citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons. However, they are still a smart and delicious addition to your diet.
Citric acid is another thing mangos and citrus fruits have in common, although this compound is present in mangos alongside other acids, such as malic acid.
To learn more about mangos, check out our blogs: “How To Know if a Mango is Ripe” and “Are Mangos High in Fiber?“
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