+15 votes
I am prepairing sliced mango for a weekend grill marinade. Need to know if mango skin is safe to eat or if peeling is strictly required to avoid adverse reactions.
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2 Answers

+4 votes
Best answer
Hello Layla. While mango skin is technically edible and contains dietary fiber and antioxidants, I strongly advise peeling it, particularly when preparing a marinade for other people.

From a safety standpoint, the main concern is a compound called urushiol, which is present in mango skins, stems, and sap. Urushiol is the exact same allergen found in poison ivy and poison oak. For people who are sensitive to it, consuming the skin or even handling it can trigger allergic contact dermatitis, often referred to as mango mouth, causing itchy rashes, swelling, and blisters.

From a culinary perspective, mango skin is thick, fibrous, and noticeably bitter. It will not break down properly during blending or grilling, which can negatively affect both the texture and the flavor profile of your marinade.

To ensure your dish is delicious and safe for everyone at your weekend gathering, peeling the mango entirely before slicing is definitely the best approach.
by chef (131k points)
selected by chef
+10 votes
Peel it unless your looking to give your guests an itchy rash and bitter meat for dinner. Better safe than sorry so strip that skin right off.
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