Mango Season In Belize: When To Go

Mango season in Belize typically runs from May through September. The Hopkins village in Belize is home to the annual Mango Festival, which is held in June when the fruits are at their peak flavour. The festival is a celebration of the mango fruit, with mango-inspired dishes, jams, jellies, smoothies, juices, and savoury fare.

Mango season in Belize typically runs from May to September

Mango trees are incredibly productive, bearing huge quantities of fruit. This means that, in addition to enjoying the fresh ripe fruit straight from the tree, locals have devised a variety of ways to make the most of the mango bounty. These include mango wine, chutney, smoothies, cheesecake, crumble, juice, jam, BBQ sauce, and margaritas.

Mangoes are also eaten when green and unripe. Unripe mangoes are peeled, and the flesh is sliced off the seed, put in a plastic bag with salt and/or hot pepper, and sold on the street as a popular snack. They can also be made into a chutney or cooked into a sauce with brown sugar and cinnamon, which tastes similar to apple sauce.

Mangoes are so abundant in Belize that children often play a cherished summertime game called "stoning", which involves knocking mangoes down out of the trees.

The Hopkins village in Belize is particularly famous for its nutrient-rich soil, which is ideal for growing a wide variety of mangoes, including Black, Blue, Number Eleven, Apple, and more. The village even hosts an annual Mango Festival to celebrate the fruit, usually held in June when the mangoes are at their most flavoursome. The festival features mango-inspired dishes, jams and jellies, candies, and drinks, as well as cultural activities and performances.

There are up to 900 different types of mangoes

Mango season in Belize usually falls between May and September. During this time, you can find mangoes for sale at local fruit and vegetable stands, and many restaurants on the peninsula showcase fresh mangoes in fruit salads, desserts, and blended drinks.

Alphonso

Known as the "king of mangoes," Alphonso mangoes are native to India and are incredibly juicy and sweet. They have a bright yellow skin with soft orange undertones, and the flesh is a rich golden-red colour.

Keitt

Grown in Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, and the United States, Keitt mangoes are popular in Asian cultures and are often enjoyed green or pickled. They have a dark to medium green colour, sometimes with a pink blush, and the flesh is deep yellow and slightly fibrous.

Tommy Atkins

Native to Florida, Tommy Atkins mangoes are the most widely grown commercial variety in the United States. They have a dark red blush with green and orange-yellow accents, and the flesh is bright yellow and firm with high fibres.

Kent

Kent mangoes, originating from Florida, are ideal for juicing and drying. They have a dark green skin with red punctuations, and the flesh is a juicy, tender, and slightly fibrous yellow.

Haden

The Haden mango is a true Floridian legend. It was one of the first commercially successful mango cultivars in 1902 and is known for its generous size, typically weighing between 15 to 25 ounces. The skin is bright red, turning yellow as it ripens, and the flesh is a light yellow with thick fibres.

Francis

The Francis mango is a popular variety known for its sweet and fruity flavour. It is grown on small farms in Haiti and has a bright yellow skin with green overtones. The flesh is soft, juicy, and fibrous.

Irwin

Often called the Apple Mango because of its apple-like flavour, Irwin mangoes are grown in Japan, Central America, Taiwan, and Australia. They have a deep yellow flesh with red skin and are known for their lack of fibres.

Palmer

Palmer mangoes are large, commercially grown late-season mangoes originating from South Florida. They are popular for fresh eating due to their sweetness and minimal fibre. The skin is red and green, and the flesh is a golden yellow.

Chaunsa

Chaunsa mangoes are native to India and Pakistan and are considered one of the sweetest varieties in the world. They have a yellow skin with a red blush, and the flesh is soft, creamy, and very fibrous.

Kesar

Kesar mangoes, native to India, are the second-largest export variety from the country. They have a distinct saffron or yellowish-orange skin with a slight greenish tinge, and the flesh is a bright orange.

Dasheri

Dasheri mangoes, also from India, are sweet and aromatic. The skin is a pale green-yellow, and the flesh is a peachy colour. They are available from mid-May to late August.

Totapuri

Totapuri mangoes are a popular Indian variety known for their versatility. They have a greenish-yellow skin and tart, juicy flesh. Totapuri mangoes can be enjoyed even when unripe with a sprinkle of salt and chilli powder.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of mango varieties available, each with its own unique characteristics, including flavour, aroma, colour, and texture.

Mangoes were introduced to the Caribbean in the 1700s

Mangoes are believed to have originated in India over 4,000 years ago and are considered a sacred fruit in the country. They were introduced to the Caribbean in the 1700s, having spread gradually throughout Asia and then to the rest of the world. The large seed of the mango meant that the fruit could be easily transported and planted across the world.

Mangoes were introduced to Brazil by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century, and from there, they spread throughout the Americas. The fruit was first planted in Barbados in 1742 and, by the early 19th century, was being grown in Mexico.

Mango season in Belize typically runs from May through September. During this time, mangoes are available for sale at local fruit and vegetable stands, and many restaurants on the peninsula showcase fresh mango in fruit salads, desserts, and blended drinks.

There are as many as 900 different varieties of mango, each with its own taste, size, shape, and unique name. In Placencia village, Belize, you can find at least 15 varieties, including blue, black, and white mangoes, the slipper-shaped thundershaw, the famous Julie mango, the tiny sweet judge-wig, apple mango, garlic mango, hairy mango, and the ballet shoe-shaped slippers mango.

Common types include blue, black, white, apple, and hairy mangoes

Mango season in Belize runs from May through September, and there are as many as 900 different types of mangoes, each with its own taste, size, shape, and unique name. In Placencia village alone, you can find around 15 varieties, including blue, black, white, apple, and hairy mangoes.

Blue mangoes are one of the most common types found in Belize. They are known for their vibrant colour and sweet flavour. Black mangoes are another popular variety, often larger and with a deeper, richer taste. White mangoes, as the name suggests, have a pale flesh and a subtle, delicate flavour. Apple mangoes are so-called because of their round shape, and they have a crisp, refreshing taste. Hairy mangoes are distinct due to their long stringy fibres, and they have a slightly more fibrous texture than other varieties.

These common types of mangoes are beloved by locals and visitors alike during the mango season in Belize. Each variety has its own unique characteristics, and they can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, from fresh off the tree to blended into drinks or cooked into desserts.

The Hopkins Mango Festival celebrates the fruit with music, food, and games

Mango season in Belize typically runs from May through to June, July or even September. And one of the best ways to celebrate this tropical treat is by attending the Hopkins Mango Festival. This annual event is held in the village of Hopkins, Stann Creek, eight miles south of Dangriga and four miles off the highway. The festival is a celebration of all things mango, with the fruit taking centre stage in a variety of forms, from food to music and games.

The Hopkins Mango Festival is a two-day affair, usually taking place in early June. The festivities kick off with a dory fishing contest, followed by the official opening of the festival at 11 am. Live cultural music fills the air as visitors explore the gaily decorated booths offering a variety of mango-themed treats and souvenirs. From jewellery to arts and crafts, woodworks and paintings, there is something for everyone. And of course, there is no shortage of delicious mango dishes to indulge in.

The village of Hopkins is known for its sweet mangoes, with trees brimming with delicious black, blue, number eleven, apple, and other varieties. The festival showcases the versatility of this fruit, with cooking demonstrations and food vendors offering a range of mango-inspired dishes. From mango coffee cake and mango pineapple slaw to fresh mango slices and mango smoothies, there is something for every taste.

In addition to the food, the Hopkins Mango Festival also features a variety of fun activities and carnival games for children. There are also spa booths offering massages and pedicures for those who need a break from the heat. The festival usually goes on until late at night, with local restaurants and bars welcoming visitors with good food and live music. The second day of the festival includes a cocktail contest, providing even more opportunities to celebrate the mango.

The Hopkins Mango Festival is more than just a celebration of fruit; it is a showcase of the rich Garifuna culture and the warm hospitality of the people of Belize. With its vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and entertainment, the festival is a must-attend event for anyone looking to experience the unique culture and flavours of Belize.

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