Mango season is here, and if you’ve got some left over from your tree and are wondering what to do with them (other than throw them away), fear not, Observer Online has put together a list of ways to use your mangoes.
1. Mango juice
Mangoes are great not only to eat, but also to make juice. Simply mix some ripe mango chunks with water and lime juice and you’re done! Add a pinch of ginger for extra flavour. You can then strain it to get a smoother texture if you like. Mango juice is a refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days and can also be used as a base for cocktails and smoothies.
2. Body scrub
Another way to use leftover mango is to make a body scrub. Blend and strain the mango and combine it with coconut oil, raw sugar and sweet orange essential oil (optional). Your body scrub is ready in less than 10 minutes. Mango is rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, which provide numerous health benefits. The sugar gently exfoliates and the coconut oil deeply moisturizes the skin, leaving it smoother and more radiant. Detailed step-by-step guides on how to make the scrub can be found online.
3. Mango ice cream
Mango flavor can cater to a variety of needs, especially as a sweet treat. There are many easy homemade treats you can make with mango, but one of the easiest is ice cream. All you need to do is mix ripe mango chunks with condensed milk and cream until smooth and place in the freezer until it sets. This simple recipe makes for a versatile dessert that you can share with friends or eat with other sweet treats.
4. Facial masks
Mango can also be used to make a homemade face mask. Mix the pulp of a ripe mango with a tablespoon of honey and a little yogurt to create a luxurious mask. Apply the mask evenly on your face and relax for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Your skin will love this invigorating treatment as the nutrients in mango promote glowing skin.
5. Mango chutney
The flavor of mango can be incorporated into a variety of Jamaican dishes. Whether it be mango curry, rice, mango chow, or using the flavor in various jerk seasonings, mangoes can be used as a substitute in a variety of dishes. This gives you a fresh way to dispose of mangoes while still enjoying them in different flavors. Another way to incorporate the flavor of mango in your cooking is to use the fruit to make chutney, a popular condiment. This is very simple. Cut a few pounds of mangoes into small pieces and mix the fruit with raisins, bell peppers, vinegar, sugar, ginger, garlic, onion, and other seasonings. Simmer the mixture of ingredients until the chutney thickens and turns brown.
6. Salad
Mangoes are great in salads: just dice the fruit and mix it in a bowl with tomatoes, carrots, lettuce and other fruits and vegetables of your choice.
7. Mango Bread
Have you ever made mango bread? I haven’t, but the internet is full of easy recipes that look delicious! Try this recipe for Jamaican Mango Nut Bread that caught our eye.
8. Sell!
Last week, a friend told me that he recently gave away a bag of St. Julian and East Indian mangoes to a stranger who had knocked on his gate and asked to pick some fruit from his tree. The next day, when he was driving at a nearby traffic light, the same stranger turned fruit seller and offered him the same mangoes for sale. This is the time of year when the mango market is booming. Take advantage of it to earn some extra cash.
*Additional reporting by Julian Richardson
