Mango-licious lunchbox snacks

If you’re looking for a quick and easy lunchbox snack that’s not only healthy, but convenient too, why not pack a few pieces of delicious dried mango for school? Kids love the sweet taste and the best part is, it won’t go mushy after being in their bag all day.
This makes it perfect for children doing extra-mural activities.
Here are a few more reasons to add moreish dried mango strips to your child’s packed school lunch:
· Dried mango is rich in vitamin C, and combining it with lean protein helps boost iron absorption. A grilled chicken and dried mango wrap is a great way to improve the fibre and nutrient content of your child’s lunch, and positively increase their iron intake.
· Dietary fibre is essential for normal gut health in children. Mangoes contain fibre and provide a tasty way to help improve the overall fibre intake in your growing child’s diet. Try adding chopped dried mango pieces to your next batch of bran muffins. You can also combine dried mango muffins with low fat drinking yoghurt for a fuss-free breakfast option on those busy school mornings.
· Dried mango contains phytonutrient ellagic acid. It has antiviral and antioxidant properties, which are important for improving immunity.
· Orange-coloured fruits and vegetables are a rich source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining vision. It’s important to include foods from across the colour spectrum in your child’s diet. Remember, dried fruit should always be eaten in portion-controlled amounts as it is a concentrated version of the fresh fruit.
Four to five strips of dried mango is the ideal lunchbox-size serving for school-going children.
For more mango recipes, visit www.mango.co.za.