Jamaican mangoes are world-renowned for their sweet, juicy flavor and lush texture. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best varieties of mangoes grown in Jamaica and provide helpful tips on finding them in your local markets.
The East Indian mango is one of the most popular varieties of Jamaican mangoes. It typically has a round shape and yellow-orange skin with creamy and bright orange flesh. It also boasts a sweet, fruity flavor with notes of lemon and pineapple. The East Indian mango is usually available in local markets from spring to early summer.
East Indian Mango
When selecting East Indian mangoes, look for specimens with evenly shaped skin and only a few dark spots. Check for any signs of softness or wrinkles in the skin, as these could indicate it’s overripe.
The mango should be slightly squishy but not too mushy when you press your fingers against it. If you don’t plan on eating the mango immediately, store it in the refrigerator for up to five days for optimal flavor. Once cut open, store it in an airtight container and use it within two days.
Julie/Cariya Mango
The Julie/Cariya mango is a long, oblong fruit with a crimson to yellow-orange color. Its flesh is sweet and creamy with a light yellow hue. It has high sugar content, making it taste especially sweet and juicy.
This variety pairs excellently with savory dishes, including grilled meats or fish. You can find this type of mango around late summer through early fall in local markets.
Good to Know: Villa Serenity has a Julie Mango Tree. You can enjoy fresh and tasty Julie Money at the villa.
Black Mango
Black Mango, also known as East Indian Mango, is a variety of mango grown predominantly in Jamaica. Its round shape and dark purple to the black exterior recognize it. Its texture is firmer than other varieties of mangoes and has an intense sweetness that will satisfy your sweet tooth. This variety can be hard to find, but when you come across it, don’t hesitate to pick some up – it will be worth it!
With its signature sweetness and crunch, the Black Mango makes an excellent addition to fruit salads and smoothies. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can use it to make chutney for a cheesy sandwich or savory side dish. You can also slice it up and enjoy it on its own – its juicy deliciousness will have your taste buds dancing! Black Mango is best enjoyed when ripe and fresh from the Jamaican trees, but if you’re looking for an equally tasty alternative to fresh mangoes, dried Black Mangoes are also available in specialty stores.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Good to Know: Black Mango is so delicious from the inside to the outside. You can eat the skin and all.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Long Mango
Long Mango, also known as Silver Mango, is a variety of mango recognizable by its long shape and yellow to the green exterior. This type of mango is typically firmer than other varieties but still has a deliciously sweet and juicy flavor. It isn’t easy to find local markets outside of Jamaica, but it can be worth seeking out local street markets or online vendors if you travel abroad.
Long Mango is an incredibly versatile fruit, perfect for marinating and grilling in savory sauces or baking with a sprinkle of nutmeg. Whether you enjoy it fresh, in a smoothie, or cut into cubes and sprinkled with fruit juice, its delicate sweet taste makes it one of Jamaica’s best mangoes. The Long Mango is also well-known for being rich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and vitamin C, making it the perfect guilt-free snack.
The Long Mango is native to Jamaica and has been grown for centuries. It grows well in tropical climates and in large groupings along roadsides or fields. The trees are tall with strong stems that tend to become twisted and mangled as they get higher into the canopy, giving them a unique look that stands out amongst other mango trees. The slightly elongated shape of the Long Mango provides additional texture when eating. Its light green peel must be carefully peeled away to reveal the smooth yellow flesh underneath – with an aroma reminiscent of a sweet summer day. A perfect balance between sweetness and tartness makes this one of Jamaica’s most sought-after fruits!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Good To Know: Long Mango is native to the parish of St. Mary.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Number Eleven Mango
Number Eleven Mango is native to Jamaica and has a unique oval-shaped shape with bright pinkish-red skin when ripe. This variety of mango is deliciously sweet, with a subtle hint of pineapple for an extra punch. Its firm flesh and fiberless texture make it perfect for slicing up in salads or enjoying it by itself. Number Eleven Mangoes can be found in seasonal Caribbean markets or from online vendors that specialize in exotic fruits.
Number Eleven Mango is considered by many to be one of the finest mangoes in Jamaica due to its incredibly sweet flavor and juiciness. When ripe, the skin turns a deep reddish-orange color, indicating it’s time to enjoy this fruit’s deliciousness.
The flesh has a creamy consistency and can be enjoyed or incorporated into your favorite recipes. So if you’re ever looking for a tropical treat as nutritious as it is delicious, you should seek out Number Eleven Mangoes!
With myriad types of mangoes, deciding on a Jamaican mango can be daunting. Whether you’re looking for a sweet, tart, or spicy flavor profile, this guide will provide an overview of different mango varieties and their essential facts, helping you find the perfect Caribbean treat.
Jamaican Mangoes
Depending on their variety, Jamaican mangoes vary in size, shape, and flavor. From the small, yellowish Haden to the large, juicy, and sweet Julie, these exotic fruits are waiting to be enjoyed. In addition to being delicious, mangoes contain high amounts of Vitamins A and C and potassium, making them a great addition to any diet.
When shopping for Jamaican mangoes, look for fruits with bright and unblemished skin that yield slightly to the touch. Whether you choose the Bombay, Julie, East Indian Mango, Stake Mango, or White Mango variety, enjoy your Jamaican mangoes at their peak ripeness! Visiting a local farmer’s market or specialty grocer is usually the best way to find fresh, locally grown specimens.
Next time you visit Jamaica, try some of our delicious mangoes.
Want to enjoy unlimited breakfast, lunch, and dinner while in Jamaica? Take a look at Family friendly Villa Serenity all-inclusive villa resort in Jamaica. Serving world-class gourmet food and offering a lot of inclusions.