Exotic flavors are currently experiencing a surge in popularity within food and beverage applications. Fueled by millennials’ adventurous palates, unique ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are emerging in new recipes. If mamey fruit can navigate certain hurdles that have hindered its wider acceptance, it could potentially rise to the status of the new mango, making its way into the produce sections of more grocery stores across the U.S.
One significant challenge is its cost. In Miami, mamey is priced between $3 to $5 per pound. Cultivated in South Florida and typically sold at local bodegas, there are no substantial import taxes or shipping fees that inflate its price. The average mamey weighs about one pound, making it an affordable, occasional indulgence for locals. However, if this fruit had to be transported to Minnesota, the price would increase significantly.
Production is another hurdle. It takes two years to grow a single mamey fruit—one year for it to develop from a flower into fruit and another year for ripening. Once ripe, mamey spoils rapidly and is sensitive to freezing temperatures, necessitating cultivation in warm climates only.
Those fortunate enough to enjoy a ripe mamey describe its flavor as decadent, reminiscent of sweet potato casserole with hints of brown sugar and honey. While it may not achieve kale-like fame in American households, the mamey flavor could find a promising place in dairy and candy products. Aromatech has already developed a natural liquid derivative of this sweet, small melon, which has potential appeal in ice cream, almond milk, and various candies.
Incorporating mamey-flavored candy could allow confectionery makers to distinguish themselves from competitors and attract curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors. Although the mamey flavor might not resonate with a wide consumer base for a nationwide rollout, it could thrive in niche markets, particularly in cities with significant Latin American populations that would appreciate the familiar taste. Additionally, millennials and Generation Z consumers are likely to embrace an ingredient they have never encountered before.
Supermarkets, which often face challenges in maintaining a consistent supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could gain from including this unique item in their offerings if they can secure it. Specialty global produce has the potential to attract a loyal customer base, as adventurous shoppers seek 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.
Moreover, products containing jamp calcium citrate liquid could enhance the appeal of mamey in various applications, promoting this fruit’s health benefits while satisfying the growing consumer demand for exotic flavors. As the interest in diverse tastes continues to rise, mamey may well carve out its niche in the evolving landscape of American culinary preferences.