Mango Madness – Recipes to Savour the Season........ Because happiness really does grow on trees.

Photo Credit: m_a_essam

I absolutely love mangoes. It’s one of my all-time favourite tropical fruits. I swear I was born under a mango tree!

Growing up, we had several mango trees in the yard, and the neighbours always had plenty to share. Mangoes were never in short supply during mango season! Whether we were picking them straight from the tree, sucking on a seed, or hiding a stash in the fridge ‘just in case,’ mangoes were part of daily life.

I personally enjoy them best fresh off the tree, but mangoes are incredibly versatile — desserts, chutneys, candied or spiced preserves, curries, condiments (especially from the full green ones) ... the possibilities are endless!

                                        Photo Credit: pngkey.com

But seriously — if you’ve ever bitten into a perfectly ripe mango and felt the sweet, juicy sunshine burst across your taste buds, you’ll know exactly why mangoes are called the king of fruits. Whether you’re a die-hard mango lover searching for the best varieties, a home cook looking for creative mango recipes, or just curious about which types to try in your region — you’re in the right place.

Let’s peel back the layers of mango magic — get ready for mango season, mango recipes, and all things mango!

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Mangoes We Love

The Caribbean is a mango lover’s paradise, with each island boasting its own local stars. In Trinidad and Tobago, some of the most beloved varieties include:

• Julie – stringless, aromatic, and perfect when chilled

• Starch – sweet, dense, and hands-down my all-time favourite

• 10 Pound – big, bold, and great for sharing

• Cutlass, Calabash, Rose, and Ice Cream – all delicious in their own ways

If you’re in a subtropical or temperate zone, look out for varieties like Haden, Amrapali, Carrie, and Valencia Pride — well-loved for their flavour and adaptability.

Wherever you are, mango season means one thing: happiness grows on trees.

                                         Photo Credit: Nana Abena Asiedua Akomeah(pexels,com)                            

Photo credit: Unsplash

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Mango Madness: Recipes to Savour the Season

Ready to bring mangoes into your kitchen? Here are two irresistible recipes — one spicy and one sweet — perfect for the season.

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🥭 Mango Chow (Trini Style)

This is one of Trinidad’s most iconic mango snacks. It’s salty, spicy, tangy, and totally addictive. Whether you’re liming on a hot afternoon or just raiding the fridge for something exciting, chow hits the spot every time.

Recipe source: Simply Trini Cooking (https://www.simplytrinicooking.com/mango-chow/)

You’ll need:

• 2 green (or just turning) mangoes, peeled and sliced

• 1–2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1 small hot pepper, chopped (scotch bonnet or bird pepper) Optional

• Juice of 1–2 limes

• A handful of chopped chadon beni (culantro)

• Salt to taste

• Optional: black pepper, shadow beni sauce

To make it:
Toss everything together in a bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes for the flavours to soak in. Serve chilled — if you can wait that long!

Grey-Haired Gardener Tip:💡
This is a great way to use half ripe mangoes, and it keeps well for a day in the fridge (though good luck making it last that long).

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🍦 No-Churn Mango Ice Cream

Photo Credit: Ali Dashti (Pexels.com)

This one’s for when the afternoons are just too hot and you want something creamy, cold, and bursting with mango flavour. No fancy machines needed — just a bowl, a whisk, and some ripe mangoes.

Recipe source: Immaculate Bites(https://www.africanbites.com/mango-ice-cream/)

You’ll need:

• 2 cups  mango puree

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

• 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

To make it:

1. Whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the mango puree, condensed milk, and vanilla.

3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mango mixture until well combined.

4. Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Grey-Haired Gardener Tip:
Use a stringless variety like Julie. Feel free to toss in chopped mango pieces, swirl in some passionfruit, or spike it with a splash of rum for grown-up flair.

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Wrapping It Up: Celebrate the Season

So while the mangoes are dropping like golden gifts from the sky, take a moment to savour the season. Share them. Preserve them. Try something new in the kitchen. And maybe plant a tree — your future self will thank you.

Got your own mango recipes or memories?  Share in the comments — let’s spread the mango love.

Until next time —
Stay curious, stay joyful, and as always… happy gardening (and snacking)!
🌿 The Grey-Haired Gardener