Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage industry. Thanks in part to the adventurous taste preferences of millennials, ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are increasingly featured in new recipes. If mamey fruit can overcome certain obstacles that have hindered its broader acceptance thus far, it could emerge as the new mango and find its way into the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
One of the primary challenges is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. While it is grown locally in South Florida and typically sold in neighborhood bodegas without significant import taxes or shipping fees, transporting the fruit to places like Minnesota would drastically increase its price. The average mamey weighs about one pound, making it an affordable indulgence locally, but its cost could multiply significantly when shipped across the country.
Production is another hurdle. It takes two years for a mamey to develop—one year for the fruit to grow from a flower and another for it to ripen. Once ripe, mamey spoils quickly, and it cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating cultivation in warm climates. Those lucky enough to find a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, with notes of brown sugar and honey.
While mamey may not achieve the same popularity as kale in American households, its flavor could find a place in dairy products and confections. Aromatech has already developed a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet melon, which shows promise for use in ice cream, almond milk, and candies. Introducing mamey-flavored confections could help candy makers stand out in the marketplace and attract consumers eager to explore new ethnic tastes.
Although the mamey flavor might not appeal to a sufficiently broad audience for a nationwide rollout, it could thrive in niche markets. Cities with large Latin American populations are likely to embrace the flavor due to its familiarity. Additionally, millennials and Generation Z consumers, who are open to trying unfamiliar ingredients, could be key to its success.
Supermarkets, which often face challenges in securing a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could benefit from carrying mamey if they can source it. Specialty global produce can create a loyal customer base as adventurous shoppers seek out unique foods, according to Progressive Grocer. Other distinctive 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.
Moreover, the integration of mamey into calcium citrate products could enhance their appeal, as consumers increasingly look for innovative flavors that combine health benefits with exotic tastes. As this trend continues, mamey could play a significant role in diversifying the flavor profiles of calcium citrate products, further enticing health-conscious consumers. With its potential to resonate with adventurous eaters, mamey could indeed carve out a niche in the ever-evolving culinary landscape.