Aussie Mangoes: Facts About The Exotic Fruits

Mangoes are popular exotic fruit in Australia and for a good reason! But do you know everything there is to know about the delicious fruits?

Aussie mangoes are sweet, refreshing, and full of vitamins and antioxidants. There are also at least nine Australian mangoes with unique flavors and characteristics.

Which variety is the best? What about the mango seasons? And where can we get our favorite mangoes?

Here are some interesting facts about Aussie mangoes and some delicious recipes that will make you want to try one ASAP!

Aussie Mangoes: What Are They?

Are Mangoes Exotic?

The answer is yes and no.

Mangoes are native to South Asia, specifically from the countries of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

But since they have been cultivated and enjoyed in many tropical countries for centuries, they are now widely considered a fruit that belongs to the tropics.

Are Mangoes Native to Australia?

The answer is no. Mangoes were introduced to Australia in the 1800s by traders and explorers from India, Sri Lanka, and other tropical countries.

However, mangoes have become such a staple fruit in Australia that it’s hard to imagine the country without them!

Australia is now one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of mangoes.

Where Do Aussie Mangoes Come from?

In Australia, mangoes are grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.

The mango production and mango season are as follows:

• It starts in the Northern Territory (Darwin and Kununurra in September and Katherine / Mataranka in October / November)
• Western Australia in September
• Queensland’s dry tropical regions (Townsville / Burdekin / Bowen) in mid-November
• Mareeba / Dimbulah in early to mid-December
• Central Queensland in late December
• South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales in January.

The outstanding record is that in 2017-18 mango season was the biggest!

The mango harvest is made up of at least five distinct varieties, with “Kensington Pride” being the most popular (52%), followed by CalypsoTM (22%), R2E2 (13%), Honey GoldTM (7%), Keitt (2%), and other types including Nam Doc Mai, Keo Savoy, Palmer, Keitt, Kent, Parvin, and Brooks.

90% of the Australian crop is consumed domestically. 10% of the Australian crop is exported overseas, including the US.

Are Mangoes in Season in Australia?

Each variety has its season. For example, Kensington Pride season is September to February, Calypso September to March, and R2E2 October to February.

The Australian “official” mango website will tell you that Kensington Pride is “sweet and tangy” with a “rich, juicy flesh.” While Calypso has a “sweet, juicy taste” and “no stringy bits.”

However, everyone has their favorite, which is usually influenced by where you reside and what kinds are accessible.

Kensington Pride (also known as the Bowen)

Flavor:	Sweet and tangy
Texture:	Rich, juicy flesh
Colour:	Yellow to orange skin tinged with a pretty pink blush. Vibrant yellow flesh.
Size:	Medium
Ripening Cues:	A strong mango aroma and slightly soft to touch
Peak Availability:	September – February

Calypso

Flavor:	Sweet juicy flavor
Texture:	Small seed, firm flesh, and no stringy bits
Colour:	Yellowy orange skin with a deep pink blush. Yellow, orange flesh
Size:	Medium
Ripening Cues:	No green tinge to the skin and slightly soft to touch
Peak Availability:	September to March

R2E2

Flavor:	Sweet fresh flavor
Texture:	Firm flesh
Colour:	Orange skin tinged with a red blush—yellow flesh.
Size:	Large and round
Ripening Cues:	It gives slightly to gentle pressure
Peak Availability:	October to February

Honey Gold

Flavor:	Rich sweet flavor
Texture:	The firm fibreless juicy flesh
Colour:	Brilliant golden apricot skin. Yellowy / orange flesh
Size:	Medium to large
Ripening Cues:	Skin is golden all over, with a distinct mango aroma and slightly soft to touch
Peak Availability:	November to March

Keitt

Flavor:	Sweet, mild flavor
Texture:	Firm
Colour:	Pinky red blush with a yellowy /orange flesh
Size:	Medium to large
Ripening Cues:	It gives slightly to gentle pressure
Peak Availability:	January to March

Palmer

Flavor:	Sweet flavor
Texture:	Firm
Colour:	All over, dark red blush. Orange flesh.
Size:	Small to medium-sized
Ripening Cues:	It gives slightly to gentle pressure
Peak Availability:	January to March

Kent

Flavor:	Sweet flavor
Texture:	Medium to firm
Colour:	Red to purple blush with a Yellow flesh
Size:	Medium to large
Ripening Cues:	It gives slightly to gentle pressure
Peak Availability:	January to March

Parvin

Flavor:	The sweet juicy, and tangy flavor
Texture:	Smooth, fibreless, and firm-fleshed
Colour:	Lovely pearl flecked skin with a bright orange to red blush and yellow flesh
Size:	Small
Ripening Cues:	It gives slightly to gentle pressure
Peak Availability:	February

Brooks

Flavor:	Sweet flavor
Texture:	Very firm
Colour:	Pale orange skin with no blush Yellow flesh
Size:	Medium
Ripening Cues:	It gives slightly to gentle pressure
Peak Availability:	February – April

Aussie Mangoes in the US

US Market

Since 2016, Aussie mangoes have entered the US market through an agreement to market mango license.

The first consignment of mangoes has been delivered to two US importers, who will receive it as the Australian season ends. “There’s a lot of potential in the United States that we’re missing out on.”

“There are plenty of cheaper mangoes coming into the US from South America, but Australian mangoes have a unique flavor, and great quality that we think will be popular with US consumers.” Australia’s minister of agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, announced the opening of the US market to Australian mangoes and lychees.

Nowadays, thousands of cartons of mangoes arrive in the US every week, selling quite well.

Two of Australia’s favorite mangos available in the US market are the Kensington Pride and Calypso varieties. Depending on the season, you can sometimes find these varieties in specialty or local groceries.

Are Mangoes the Most Consumed Fruit in the World?

The mango is the world’s most popular fruit. However, in the United States, the tropical stone fruit does not even make it to the top ten fruits, trailing far behind produce department superstars like apples, bananas, and grapes.

Favorite Mango Recipes 

While eating fresh mangoes is still the ultimate way to enjoy mangoes, many other ways and recipes can make you enjoy the delicious fruit any month of the year.

Here is the list of the favorite mango recipes you can try.

Aussie Frozen Fruit: Mangoes

Just because we’re nearing the end of mango season, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ‘King of Fruit’ throughout the year. 

1. Grab some Aussie fresh mangoes while they’re still in season (from September to March) and freeze them at home.
2. Remove the mango skin from the mango and slice the two cheeks into bite-sized pieces.
3. Place the mango pieces into a baking tray or shallow casserole dish and freeze for 3 – 5 hours or until firm. 
4. Transfer the mango pieces to a ziplock bag or airtight container. Then, return them to the freezer, which will last up to ten months. 

Lime Syrup Mango

This recipe is perfect for when you want something sweet and refreshing. It also works well with strawberries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• Juice of one lime
• 4 cups diced mango

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients.
2. Stirring frequently, bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely before serving.

Mango Cheesecake

If you like cheesecakes, this one should be added to your repertoire.

This dessert is rich and creamy yet light enough to eat without feeling guilty.

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup flour
• Pinch salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup frozen mango chunks

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, and salt in a bowl. Add the vanilla and lemon juice and mix well.
3. Add the cottage cheese and stir until smooth.
4. Fold in the mango chunks.
5. Pour the filling into the prepared springform pan—Bake for 45 minutes or until set.
6. Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan.
7. Serve warm or chilled.

Mango Juice

If you like your fruity drinks, this is just what you need! This juice is perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up or even a breakfast drink.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 cups chopped fresh mango

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Serve chilled.

Mangoes & Coconut Sorbet

Mangoes and coconut go hand in hand. This sorbet is a great way to use up those extra mangos.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen mango chunks
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

Mango Ice Cream

I’m not sure if this ice cream is considered healthy, but it tastes amazing!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 5 ripe mangos, peeled, seeded, and chopped

Directions:

1. Heat milk, cream, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let stand for 1 hour. Chill thoroughly.
3. Freeze according to your ice cream maker instructions.

Mango Pancakes

These pancakes are delicious, served warm with some fresh fruit on top.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup plain flour
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• ½ cup mashed banana
• ½ cup mango puree

Directions:

1. Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Make a well in the center.
2. Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix wet ingredients into dry and mix just enough to form a soft dough. Do not overmix.
3. Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Spray lightly with nonstick spray.
4. Drop ¼ cupful of pancake batter onto a heated surface. Cook until bubbles appear on top and edges look cooked.
5. Flip and continue cooking until golden.
6. Keep warm while making more pancakes.

Mango Puree

This is an easy recipe and can be used in many different ways. For example, it makes a beautiful topping for breakfast cereals or is even added to oatmeal.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe mangos, peeled and diced
• 1/3 cup sugar

Directions:

1. Place mangos and sugar in a blender and process until smooth.
2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Mango Sauce

This simple sauce goes perfectly with grilled chicken or fish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mango puree
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (optional)

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Refrigerate until needed.

Mango Salsa

A perfect accompaniment to tacos or burritos.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mango salsa
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, minced
• 1 clove garlic

Directions:

Mix all ingredients and chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

Mango Yum Cha

This is one of my favorite desserts. I love how light and refreshing it is.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups mango puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup rice wine vinegar
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2-star anise pods
• 4 cardamom pods
• 4 whole cloves

Directions:

1. Bring sugar and water to boil in a pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Add remaining ingredients and bring back to boil. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Cool completely. Transfer mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
4. Serve chilled.

Mango Smoothie

I like this mango smoothie recipe as a healthy alternative to regular milkshakes.

Ingredients:

• 5 frozen bananas
• 1 cup mango pureed
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Optional: add ½ cup of strawberries

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy.
2. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

FAQs

What is the best mango in Australia?

The Kensington Pride and Calypso varieties are Australia’s most popular mangos. The Kensington Pride is a flavorful, tangy fruit with a brilliant orange-pink skin, while the Calypso has a tiny seed with an intense orange peel.

Which is the sweetest mango in Australia?

The most popular mango in Australia is probably the Calypso. This variety has a very sweet taste and bright yellow skin. The Kensington Pride is also quite sweet.

Are Australian mangoes good?

People eat Honey Gold because it is good for salads and smoothies and for eating independently. It does not have a lot of fibers in it, so they can eat it without getting stuck in their teeth. They are widely grown in most of Australia.

Are Kensington Pride and Bowen mangoes the same?

Yes, Kensington Pride is a type of mango similar to Bowen Mango. Therefore, people may use “KP” to refer to Kensington Pride Mango, Bowen Special, or Bowen mango.