Mango – A Taste of Paradise in Every Bite

    Known as the “king of fruits,” mangoes are deeply intertwined with Virgin Islands culture, food, and lifestyle, making them a must-try experience for any traveler seeking to immerse themselves in BVI’s natural beauty and local traditions.

    For locals, the mango tree is often seen as a sacred part of their agricultural heritage, with many trees throughout the Territory dating back over 100 years. Mango trees can be found scattered across gardens and throughout the lush, green land of the islands. The fruit’s distinctive sweetness, paired with its juicy, tender texture, signals the arrival of summer.

    Whether enjoyed freshly sliced, blended into a refreshing mango smoothie, made into frozen mango ice cream, used in savoury sauces, or baked into a mango cheesecake, mangoes are a key ingredient in local dishes, offering a unique taste of the islands. For tourists, sampling the diverse varieties of mangoes—from the island’s favourite – fleshy and sweet grafted mango to the firm, yellow cottage mango and the stringy, solid kidney, each variety provides a truly authentic taste. Many varieties are so specific that they are only grown in certain villages.

    Mangoes hold deep cultural significance in the Virgin Islands. For many locals, the mango tree represents more than just food; it symbolises family, heritage, community and a strong connection to the land. Mangoes are often featured in local festivals, with mango-eating competitions where both the young and old can vie for the title “Mango Eating Champ”.  Gifting mangoes to family and friends is a common tradition.  It’s a way of expressing love, togetherness, blessings and goodwill.

    If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a local home, you may be treated to fresh mangoes picked directly from the tree. Grab a seat and enjoy the beauty of eating a mango Virgin Islands-style—using your teeth to peel back the skin and biting into the sweet, juicy flesh, as the juice from the mango rolls down your arms. It’s a simple but unforgettable experience.

    Stewed Mango

    Stewed mango is a delicious and comforting dish, often enjoyed as a dessert or along side a scoop of ice cream,

    Ingredients:

    • 5 Fully Ripe mangoes (preferably kidney or cottage)
    • 1/2 cup of sugar (adjust to taste, depending on the sweetness of the mangoes)
    • 1/4 cup of water
    • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
    • 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger (optional)
    • 1 tablespoon of lemon or lime juice
    • 1-2 tablespoons of butter (optional, for richness)
    • A pinch of salt

    Instructions:

    • Peel the mangoes (remove all the skin only)
    • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
    • Stir in the ground cinnamon and ginger if using.
    • Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is slightly simmering, add the mangoes
    • Reduce the heat to low and let the mangoes simmer or about 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender and the syrup has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning or sticking.
    • Aad the lemon or lime juice for a touch of brightness and balance. For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter. This will give the stew a silky texture and enhance the flavou

    Enjoy!!!