Why does my frozen mango and pineapple smell and taste like fish?

Question

I've purchased frozen mango and pineapple so many times and it sometimes has a distinct fish taste and slight smell. I see a lot of anecdotal comments about it on line but no real explanation. Does anyone know?

Cos57 · Answer

Fertiliser based on fish would be the culprit

Remi M. · Answer

I just purchased frozen blueberries and they also smell like frozen fish, absolutely disgusting... It's obvious why they smell like fish, they either freeze the berries or pack the berries same place as they freeze down or pack fish!
Not buying them anymore for sure, so disgusting!

playcat · Answer

yes! I thought I was crazy. I do love the mango flavor, but they smell fishy to me also!
I have tried several brands- all the same smell. the Dole have best color and flavor. I do wonder what countries these were grown in, though...

Aiya · Answer

I just ate a small packet of frozen mango from my freezer and I tasted fish. I never experienced this at any other time eating mango. So I looked it up and it seems like it’s a thing. I may still throw the rest out though because I didn't taste this before.

Pilar · Answer

Actually I don't think so...I grew up in mango country- the Dominican Republic- where many varieties of mango are grown every year. I know what fresh mango (and pineapple) off the tree should taste like. And it's not like fish. I can see why you would say that though.

boulangere · Answer

It might...

boulangere · Answer

It may be genetic. I love mangoes as much as I love my children, but both of them think they taste like fish. I can't sleep in the same house with cloves. I might just be all about you. And me.

Why does my frozen mango and pineapple smell and taste like fish?

7 Comments

Popular on Food52