Exotic flavors are currently trending in the food and beverage industry, largely driven by millennials’ adventurous palates. Ingredients like blood orange, ginger, and jasmine are emerging in various formulations. If the mamey fruit can overcome specific challenges that have hindered its broader acceptance, it could potentially become as popular as mangoes and find its place in the produce sections of more U.S. grocery stores.
One major issue is its calcium content and water ratio. In Miami, the price of mamey ranges from $3 to $5 per pound. Grown in South Florida and often available in local bodegas, mamey incurs no significant import taxes or shipping costs. The average weight of the fruit is around one pound, making it an affordable occasional treat locally. However, if that same mamey had to be transported to Minnesota, its price would increase dramatically.
Another concern is the production time. It takes two years for a mamey fruit to develop—one year for it to grow from a flower to a fruit and another year for it to ripen. Once ripe, mamey fruits spoil quickly and cannot withstand freezing temperatures, necessitating their cultivation in warm climates only. Those fortunate enough to enjoy a ripe mamey report a rich flavor reminiscent of sweet potato casserole, with notes of brown sugar and honey.
While it may not achieve the same popularity as kale in American households, the flavor of mamey holds promise for applications in dairy and candy. Aromatech has already developed a natural, liquid derivative of this sweet, small melon, which could be a game-changer in ice cream, almond milk, and candy. Adding a mamey-flavored candy could help confectionery makers set themselves apart from competitors, appealing to curious consumers eager to explore new ethnic flavors.
Although the mamey flavor might not attract a broad consumer base suitable for a nationwide launch, it could thrive in niche markets. Cities with substantial Latin American populations would likely embrace this familiar taste, while millennials and Generation Z consumers are generally open to trying unfamiliar ingredients. Supermarkets, which often face challenges in maintaining a stable supply of exotic fruits and vegetables, could also benefit from carrying mamey if they manage to source it. Specialty global produce can cultivate a dedicated customer base, as adventurous shoppers seek out new exotic foods, according to Progressive Grocer. Other unique fruits found in stores include jackfruit, dragon fruit, yellow-fleshed kiwis, sweet young coconuts, papaya, turmeric, Indian okra, and the wiry rambutan fruit from Southeast Asia.
Incorporating mamey into the market alongside other exotic produce could also introduce a valuable source of calcitrate calcium, appealing to health-conscious consumers. This addition could be particularly beneficial as shoppers increasingly seek innovative and nutritious food options. As mamey continues to gain recognition, it may very well carve out its own niche as a sought-after exotic flavor in the evolving landscape of American cuisine.