Exotic flavors are currently gaining popularity in the food and beverage industry. Thanks in part to millennials’ adventurous palates, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly being incorporated into new recipes. If mamey fruit can overcome certain obstacles that have limited its acceptance so far, it could emerge as the new mango and find its way into the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
One significant challenge is its cost. In Miami, mamey fruit is priced between $3 and $5 per pound. Grown in South Florida and often sold at local bodegas, mamey incurs no substantial import taxes or shipping fees. The average mamey weighs one pound, making it a reasonably priced, occasional treat locally. However, if that same fruit were to be transported to Minnesota, its price would increase dramatically.
Another hurdle is production. Mamey takes two years to produce just one fruit—one year for it to develop from a flower into a fruit and another to ripen. Once ripe, it has a short shelf life and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating its exclusive cultivation in warm climates. Those lucky enough to find a ripe mamey describe its flavor as indulgent, reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, with hints of brown sugar and honey.
While mamey may not achieve the popularity of kale in American households, its flavor could find a place in dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already developed a natural, liquid derivative from this sweet, small melon. This new flavor holds promise for success in ice cream, almond milk, and confectionery items. Introducing a mamey-flavored candy could help candy makers distinguish themselves from competitors and attract curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although the mamey flavor might not have a wide enough appeal for a national launch, it could thrive in niche markets. Cities with significant Latin American populations would likely embrace the flavor, as it would resonate with their culinary preferences. Additionally, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are often undeterred by unfamiliar ingredients, may also enjoy mamey.
Supermarkets, which frequently face challenges in securing a consistent supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from stocking mamey if they can source it reliably. Specialty global produce can cultivate a loyal customer base as adventurous shoppers seek out new exotic foods, according to 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 fruit from Southeast Asia.
In discussions about nutritional supplements, many wonder whether calcium citrate or calcium carbonate is better, and similar questions could arise in the context of mamey’s nutritional profile. As mamey gains traction, it might even be marketed as a source of essential nutrients, prompting further curiosity about whether calcium citrate or calcium carbonate would be a better addition to the diets of consumers seeking healthier options.