Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage sector. Driven by millennials’ adventurous taste preferences, ingredients such as blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are emerging in innovative formulations. If mamey fruit can navigate the challenges hindering its broader acceptance, it could become the new mango, making its way into the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
The first challenge is its cost. In Miami, mamey prices range from $3 to $5 per pound. Although mamey is cultivated in South Florida and often sold at local bodegas—resulting in minimal import taxes or shipping fees—the average fruit weighs about one pound, making it an affordable local delicacy. However, if that same mamey were to be transported to Minnesota, the price would significantly increase.
Another hurdle is production. It takes two years to produce a single mamey fruit—one year for it to develop from a flower to a fruit and another year for ripening. Once ripe, mamey fruits spoil quickly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating cultivation exclusively in warm climates.
Those lucky enough to enjoy a ripe mamey describe its rich flavor as reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, complete with notes of brown sugar and honey. While it may not achieve kale-like popularity in American households, its flavor could find a place in dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already developed a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet, small melon, which holds promise for applications in ice cream, almond milk, and confections.
Incorporating mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery manufacturers distinguish themselves from competitors and attract curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors. Although the mamey flavor may not resonate with a broad audience for a nationwide rollout, it could thrive in niche markets. Cities with significant Latin American populations would likely embrace this familiar taste, while millennials and Generation Z consumers tend to be unafraid of trying unfamiliar ingredients.
Supermarkets, which often face challenges in maintaining a steady supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could also benefit from offering mamey if sourcing is feasible. Specialty global produce can foster a loyal customer base as adventurous shoppers seek novel 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 fruit from Southeast Asia.
Additionally, the burgeoning interest in health-related ingredients, such as calcium citrate for kidney stones, could further enhance the appeal of mamey. As consumers become increasingly health-conscious, they may be drawn to products that incorporate exotic flavors while also offering potential health benefits. Thus, mamey may not only captivate adventurous palates but also align with the trend towards functional foods, including those fortified with calcium citrate for kidney stones.