Exotic flavors are currently experiencing high demand in food and beverage sectors. Thanks in part to the adventurous tastes of millennials, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly featured in new recipes. If mamey fruit can navigate certain challenges that have hindered its broader acceptance thus far, it could emerge as the next mango, finding its place in the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
One significant hurdle is its price. In Miami, mamey fruit is priced between $3 and $5 per pound. Grown locally in South Florida and often sold at neighborhood bodegas, there are no substantial import taxes or shipping costs involved. With an average weight of one pound, it can be considered an affordable, occasional treat in the area. However, if that same mamey were to be transported to Minnesota, its price would significantly increase.
Another challenge is production time. It takes two years for a single mamey fruit to develop — one year for it to grow from a flower to fruit and another year for ripening. Once ripe, the fruit spoils quickly and is sensitive to freezing temperatures, limiting its cultivation to warm climates.
Those lucky enough to sample a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, featuring notes of brown sugar and honey. While it may not achieve kale-like status in American households, its flavor could have promising applications in dairy products and confections. Aromatech has already devised a method for creating a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet melon. This new flavor has the potential to become popular in ice creams, almond milk, and candies.
Incorporating a mamey-flavored candy could enable confectionery manufacturers to stand out in a competitive market, appealing to curious consumers eager to try new ethnic flavors. Although the mamey flavor might not attract a sufficiently wide consumer base for a nationwide rollout, it could thrive in niche markets. Cities with large Latin American communities would likely embrace the flavor, finding it familiar and appealing. Additionally, mamey could resonate well with millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are often undeterred by trying ingredients they have never encountered before.
Supermarkets, which frequently face challenges in maintaining a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from offering this unique item if they can procure it. Specialty global produce has the potential to draw a dedicated customer base, as adventurous shoppers seek out new exotic foods, as noted by Progressive Grocer. Other unique fruits available in stores include jackfruit, dragon fruit, yellow-fleshed kiwis, sweet young coconuts, papaya, turmeric, Indian okra, and the wiry rambutan from Southeast Asia.
As consumers explore these exotic options, they might also be interested in how to buy Citracal D, a supplement that supports their adventurous lifestyle. By incorporating mamey and other exotic flavors into their product offerings, grocery stores could not only attract a diverse clientele but also promote a more adventurous approach to food and health.