Nothing says summer like a ripe, juicy mango.
Did you know, more fresh mangoes are eaten around the world every day than any other fruit?
Mangoes come from the Indian subcontinent and legend has it that Buddha was presented with a mango grove, so he could rest in the shade.
This delicious fruit spread gradually throughout Asia, and then to the rest of the world.
While mangoes are a tasty snack in summer, they spoil rather easily. So how can you enjoy mangoes all year round?
The answer: freeze them.
What are the best mangoes in Australia?
The best type of mango can lead to a passionate debate. There are people who love Calypso mangoes for their sweet, juicy flavour, while others who prefer the rich, tangy flesh of Kensington Pride mangoes.
There’s also Honey Gold and R2E2, with the latter named from the row and position in the field of the original tree at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Bowen Research Facility.
Everyone has their own personal favourite, which is often influenced by what’s available and what’s in season. Mangoes are in season from September through to March, depending on the variety.
Is it OK to eat frozen mango?
As any fan of mangoes would know, this delicate fruit can bruise or go off quite quickly even when stored in the fridge. A great way to avoid wasting precious mangoes is by freezing them.
Frozen mangoes are actually better for making smoothies than fresh mangoes because smoothies turn out creamier and less watered-down. They are also easily accessible, as you can buy frozen mango that’s already peeled and cubed in most supermarkets or from an online wholesaler.
How do you store fresh mango in the freezer?
Have you got some mangoes in the fridge that you’re not quite ready to eat? Luckily, freezing them is very simple.
First, you want to freeze mangoes that are ripe, so you’re able to preserve the best possible flavour.
Line a baking tray with a sheet of baking paper.
Then remove the skin of the mango and slice the two cheeks into small pieces. If you want to use as much mango as possible, you can cut around the outside of the stone to get some extra mango pieces.
Once you’ve cut up all the mangoes, place the pieces on the tray lined with baking paper. Make sure all the pieces are spaced apart, so they freeze individually.
Place the tray in the freezer and leave it in there for three to five hours, or until firm.
Transfer the mango pieces into an airtight container or a sandwich bag. Label it with the date and place it in the freezer immediately.
How long can you keep frozen mango in the freezer?
Frozen mangoes can last for up to 12 months if stored correctly in the freezer.
Discard mangoes if you notice dark spots or oozing.
What can you make with frozen mango?
There are many delicious dishes and snacks that you can make using frozen mango:
– Salads
– Chutneys
– Sauces
– Smoothies
Mango popsicles
Mango popsicles are refreshing on a hot summer’s day and they’re incredibly easy to make.
You only need two ingredients:
– Frozen mango
– Water
Step #1
Place frozen mango chunks and water in a high-speed blender.
Step #2
Blend until smooth.
Step #3
Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds (ice-cream moulds work fine).
Step #4
Place the mods in the freezer for 4-6 hours or until frozen.
Step #5
Remove the popsicles from the moulds and enjoy!
