It’s that time of the year again when mango season bears an abundance of the fruit for us to utilise. If you’ve found yourself swimming in a surplus of mangoes from your trees and wondering what to do aside from giving them way, there is no need to worry. Observer Online has compiled a list of alternative ways to make use of your mangoes.
1. Mango Juice
Mangos are not just for eating but they can make excellent juice! All you have to do is blend ripe mango chunks with water and a squeeze of lime and you’re a good to go. For some extra flavour you can add a hint of ginger. Then, based on your preference, you can strain it for a smoother texture. Mango juice is the ultimate refresher for hot summer days and can be used as a base for cocktails or even to make smoothies.
2. Body Scrub
Another way to take advantage of your mango surplus is by using them to make a body scrub. This can be made by blending and straining the fruit before combining it with coconut oil, raw sugar and sweet orange essential oil (optional). Within 10 minutes your body scrub will be ready for use. Mangoes are filled with vitamins, minerals and fibres which carry a number of health benefits. The sugar gently exfoliates and coconut oil deeply moisturizes, leaving your skin smooth and radiant. You can find detailed step-by-step guides to making the scrub on the internet.
3. Mango Ice Cream
The mango flavour can cater to diverse needs especially as a sweet treat. There are many simple homemade treats that you can make with mangoes, one of the simplest being ice cream. Simply blend ripe mango chunks with condensed milk and cream until smooth, then leave it in the freezer until it sets. As simple as that you have a multipurpose dessert to share with friends or eat alongside other sweet treats.
4. Facial Mask
Mangoes can also be used for homemade face masks. Blend ripe mango flesh with a tablespoon of honey and a splash of yogurt to create a luxurious mask. Apply the mask evenly to your face, relax for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Your skin will thank you for this refreshing treat, as the mangoes’ nutrients work to promote a radiant complexion.
5. Mango Chutney
Mango flavours can be incorporated into a multitude of Jamaican dishes. Whether it be mango curry, rice, mango chow, or the use of the flavour in different jerk seasonings, mango has many substitute uses in different forms of cuisine. This provides fresh ways to rid your mangoes while still appreciating it within different tastes. Another way to incorporate the mango-flavour in your cuisine is by using the fruit to make the popular condiment, chutney. It’s quite easy – chop several pounds of mangoes into small pieces and combine the fruit with raisins, peppers, vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, onions and other seasonings. Boil the mash up of ingredients until chutney is thick and brown.
6. Salad
Mangoes make for a great addition to salads. Dice the fruit up and toss together in a bowl with tomatoes, carrots, lettuce and other fruits and vegetables of your choice.
7. Mango Bread
Ever made mango bread before? Me neither, but there are a number of simple recipes on the Internet that look absolutely delicious! Try this ‘Jamaican Mango Nut Bread Recipe’ which caught our eye.
8. Sell them!
Last week, a friend of mine shared that he had recently given away bags of St Julian and East Indian mangoes to a stranger who knocked on his gate and asked him to be allowed to pick some of the fruit from his trees. He said the following day, he was in his vehicle at a nearby traffic light when the same stranger, now in the capacity of a fruit vendor, offered him the same mangoes on sale! There’s a big market for mangoes at this time of the year, make use of it to make some extra cash.
*Additional reporting by Julian Richardson