Mango Season in the Caribbean: The Best Islands to Visit
Fresh mangoes are among the best delicacies that the Caribbean offers. The climate, as well as the fertile soil, enables the Caribbean to develop exclusive varieties of sweet mango. Mangoes generally grow in the Caribbean between April and September.
Visiting the Caribbean during this season can become a perfect experience for anyone who enjoys eating mangoes. The local markets have various mango varieties available. There are also many mango festivals taking place to celebrate this tropical season. Let’s talk about the best islands that you can explore during the mango season.
Why the Caribbean Is Perfect for Mango Lovers
The tropical weather of the Caribbean creates perfect conditions for mango cultivation. The Caribbean region experiences warm temperatures and abundant sunshine along with moisture-drained soil. This tropical climate nurtures mango trees so they can develop fruit with the ultimate sweetness and deep flavors.
The culture of the Caribbean region relies heavily on mango consumption. The Caribbean folks use mangoes for making fresh salads and juices. They even use mangoes to make chutneys and many other dishes. Nonetheless, several islands also produce rare mango species that are mostly out of reach for the typical grocery store consumers.
Best Islands to Visit for Mango Season
1. Jamaica
The Caribbean region recognizes Jamaica as a trusted source of premium mangoes among the islands. The nation cultivates two main mango strains:
- East Indian Mango: Large, sweet, and fibrous.
- Julie Mango: Small, soft, and extremely sweet.
Mangoes are distributed by local markets in addition to street stalls and farming areas throughout the island. They are readily available at several locations throughout the island, including:
- Coronation Market (Kingston): The largest fresh produce market in Jamaica.
- Brown’s Town Market (St. Ann): This serves as an excellent location for buying diverse mango varieties.
2. Trinidad & Tobago
Mangoes from Trinidad & Tobago stand out as a different breed of fruits among its counterparts. The two most popular varieties here are the Starch and Long mangoes because of their rich flavor.
- Starch Mango: A very sweet mango with a soft texture.
- Long Mango: A longer, less fibrous variety.
Mangoes hold significant importance in the coconut and asparagus street food culture of Trinidad. Locals in Trinidad consume mangoes through their two most popular methods:
- Mango Chow combines mango slices with salt, lime juice, and black pepper.
- Kuchela is a spicy mango relish served as a condiment.
Mango season peaks in June and July on these islands. You can find fresh mangoes across Trinidad and Tobago at various roadside stalls as well as the local markets.
3. Haiti
The Caribbean region ranks Haiti as its major producer of mango fruits. Among all mango varieties found in Haiti, the Madame Francis Mango serves as the most well-known local variety. The Madame Francis Mango is large in size and has its own sweet flavor and creamy consistency. Mangoes from Haiti are recognized among the leading agricultural products the nation exports to international markets.
Fresh mangoes are available at various locations:
- Marché de Fer (Iron Market) in Port-au-Prince: The largest market in Haiti.
- Home growers in Haiti sell their mango crops immediately from their farms beside main roads.
4. Puerto Rico
The people of Puerto Rico have been growing mango trees for many generations. Many different types of mangoes are cultivated throughout the island
- Mayor Mango: A large and juicy mango that has a mild flavor.
- Keitt Mango: A late-season mango that is firm and fiber-free.
The month of July brings the Mayagüez Mango Festival. This festival provides visitors with the best experience during the mango season. The festival includes various activities, such as mango flavor testing and culinary challenges. It also portrays Puerto Rican agriculture through exhibits.
Multiple areas throughout Puerto Rico serve as popular locations to discover mangoes.
- Santurce Market (San Juan): A top spot for fresh local fruits.
- Cabo Rojo together with Mayagüez constitute areas recognized for their extensive mango orchards.
5. Nevis
The island of Nevis maintains a total of more than 40 unique mango types that flourish on its land. Thanks to the volcanic soil found in Nevis, the mango trees produce extremely sweet mangoes. The island’s most popular mango varieties are:
- Julie Mango: Small, soft, and very sweet.
- The Nevisian farm cultivates Amory Polly Mango as its unique variety, which grows exclusively in the island territory.
Nevis is known to host the popular Nevis Mango Festival every July. This festival features cooking competitions and food demonstrations by top chefs. Tourists even gain the opportunity to explore local mango farms and discover the agricultural story behind Nevis.
Fresh mangoes are readily available at the following places:
- The Charlestown Public Market is a premier location to purchase fresh Nevisian produce.
- Tree crop farmers and small agricultural businesses operate together to distribute fresh mangoes.
Conclusion
Mango season in the Caribbean provides every tourist with an opportunity to visit local markets and eat fresh mangos while enjoying exotic festivals. When you visit the Caribbean, choose to maximize your experience with the local mango produce.
