A Thai sweet green mango (Mamuang Kiew Sa Wei) is one of the only varietals worldwide that is sweet when green. Most varietals are bitter and tangy when green, only becoming sweet and producing more sugars as they move toward full ripeness.

The unripened flesh of the mango is often used in salads and used in India, Malaysia and Thailand to tenderize meat and to add a tart flavor to vegetable and bean dishes. No, this isn't a different species of mango — green mango is actually just the unripened flesh of a normal mango.

Throughout Thailand, they are eaten whole like we eat apples. The Thai sweet green mango pairs incredibly well with spicy food, because of the sweetness of the flesh. Thus, they are the “it” mango for spicy dishes like Spicy Green Mango and enjoyed grilled with spicy sauces.

If you are not able to find young green mangoes, this recipe work well also with tart green apples; or try any tart, crisp young fruits, such as peaches and nectarines. I usually add lime juice when substituting with fruits that are not very sour.