Mangoes are popular exotic fruit in Australia, and for a good reason! But do you know everything there is to know about 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 seasons? And where can we get our favorites?
Here are some interesting facts and delicious recipes that make you want to try one ASAP!
Aussie Mangoes: What Are They?
Are Mangoes Exotic?
The answer is yes and no.
They 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. They were introduced to Australia in the 1800s by traders and explorers from India, Sri Lanka, and other tropical countries.
However, they have become such a staple fruit in Australia that it’s hard to imagine the country without them!
Where Do Aussie Mangoes Come from?
In Australia, they are grown in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
The production and 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 the 2017-18 season was the biggest!
The 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 firm mango aroma and slightly soft to touch |
| Peak Availability: | September – February |
Calypso
| Flavor: | Sweet juicy flavor |
| Texture: | Tiny 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 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 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 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 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 bright orange-to-red blush and yellow flesh |
| Size: | Small |
| Ripening Cues: | It gives slightly 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 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 the licenses.
The first consignment 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 opening the US market to Australian mangoes and lychees.
Thousands of cartons arrive in the US every week, selling quite well.
Are Mangoes the Most Consumed Fruit in the World?
Favorite Mango Recipes
While eating fresh 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.
Aussie Frozen Fruit: Mangoes
Just because we’re nearing the end of the season doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ‘King of Fruit’ throughout the year.
- Grab some fresh while they’re still in season (from September to March), and freeze them at home.
- Remove the skin and slice the two cheeks into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the pieces into a baking tray or shallow casserole dish and freeze for 3 – 5 hours or until firm.
- Transfer the 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:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients.
- Stir frequently, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 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:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, and salt in a bowl. Add the vanilla and lemon juice and mix well.
- Add the cottage cheese and stir until smooth.
- Fold in the chunks.
- Pour the filling into the prepared springform pan—Bake for 45 minutes or until set.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan.
- 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:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve chilled.
Mangoes & Coconut Sorbet
They go hand in hand. This sorbet is a great way to use up those extras.
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 healthy, but it tastes fantastic!
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:
- Heat milk, cream, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let stand for 1 hour. Chill thoroughly.
- 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:
- Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl. Make a well in the center.
- Combine wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix wet ingredients into dry and mix just enough to form a soft dough. Do not overmix.
- Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat. Spray lightly with nonstick spray.
- Drop ¼ cupful of pancake batter onto a heated surface. Cook until bubbles appear on top and the edges look cooked.
- Flip and continue cooking until golden.
- 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:
- Place them in a blender and process until smooth.
- 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:
- Bring sugar and water to a boil in a pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and bring back to boil. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cool completely. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve chilled.
Mango Smoothie
I like this smoothie recipe as a healthy alternative to regular milkshakes.
Ingredients:
- 5 frozen bananas
- 1 cup pureed mango
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Optional: add ½ cup of strawberries
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
FAQs
What is the best mango in Australia?
Which is the sweetest mango in Australia?
The most famous one 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 suitable 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 that is similar to Bowen. Therefore, people may use “KP” to refer to Kensington Pride, Bowen Special, or Bowen.
Related Topics
What Is the King of Fruit?
The king of fruit is the durian.
It’s considered a delicacy in Southeast Asia, where it’s native and has a strong, pungent odor that some people find offensive. The taste is also unique – some people love it, while others hate it.
But there’s no denying that durian is one of the most exciting fruits in the world.
How Long Do Mango Trees Live?
They can live for up to 100 years.
They are incredibly sturdy and long-lived. They can quickly grow in tropical and subtropical climates, and some varieties can survive in colder climates.
The oldest one on record is over 100 years old!
Which Is the Best Quality Mango?
The best quality is said to be Alphonso Mango.
It’s sometimes called the “King of Mangoes” because of its intense sweetness and rich flavor.
Some other popular varieties include Kent, Haden, and Valencia Pride.
Which Is the Sweetest Mango in the World?
Which Country Mango Is Best in the World?
India.
It’s a small to medium-sized fruit with a yellow skin that turns orange when ripe. The flesh is sweet, creamy, and juicy with a delicate floral fragrance.
Are Mangoes Native to Australia?
What Is the Biggest Mango in the World?
The biggest one in the world is found in Colombia.
It is a large, yellow-skinned fruit with sweet, juicy flesh. It’s often used in juices, smoothies, and desserts.