I’ve heard of mangoes all of my life, but I don’t think I ever ate a mango until July of 1990, during my first visit to the Philippines. Little did I know at the time that the Philippines grows the best mangoes in the world! Few would argue that statement, and for those who would, did you know that the Philippine Mango is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the sweetest mango in the world? And, personally, I think they are accurate with that particular listing!
I remember when I first arrived in the Philippines, it was the last week of July 1990. I arrived first in Manila, and I stayed overnight at the Hyatt Regency Hotel there for one night, before flying to Cebu the next morning. When I got up and had breakfast at the Hyatt Regency, they had a wonderful buffet breakfast. I decided to start out with some tropical fruits, and honestly, I never got beyond that to sample the other foods! The fruits were so good, and in particular I fell in love with the mango and the pineapple. Mango was new to me. I had eaten pineapple before, but not pineapple like this! Needless to say, that first Philippine breakfast was not my last experience in eating mango, it was just too good to pass by!
Like I said, that first morning in the Philippines, I caught a flight to Cebu (which, by the way, is reputed to have the best mangoes in the Philippines). I met Feyma for the first time in Cebu, and after just a few days, we were off to General Santos City to meet her family. By this time, mangoes had practically become a regular part of my diet, and I didn’t miss an opportunity to eat mangoes! Not only eat, but drink too – I mean mango shakes have to be among the best treats to enjoy in the Philippines.
One day, I was out with Feyma and one of her cousins. We were walking along the road and Feyma said “Oh, that vendor has green mangoes.” Hearing the word “mangoes” I rushed to buy some! These mangoes looked different, though. They were green, as Feyma said. I just figured it was a different variety of mangoes, though. I mean, back in the States we have dozens of varieties of apples – red, green, yellow, etc. When I saw these green mangoes, though, they were already cut up, ready to eat, and they had something on them. I thought that it was sugar that was sprinkled on the mangoes. Anyway, we hopped into a tricycle to go somewhere, and while riding we would enjoy our delicious mangoes. I took one bite, and almost got sick! I spit it out, and said “what is that?” It was very sour! Feyma said – “It’s green mango, honey.” Well, what I didn’t realize is that it was green because it was not yet ripe! That wasn’t sugar on the mango pieces, but rather rock salt! Ha ha… I certainly wasn’t expecting that.
Well, I never ate green mangoes again, the taste just wasn’t for me. But, my love affair with ripe mangoes never ended, and I still enjoy them today. You know what? A few years ago, I was at a restaurant and saw “green mango shake” on the menu. Hmm… that sounds unique, I thought. So, I decided to give it a try. It was delicious! No salt involved, but indeed it was a mango that was not yet ripe, but squeezed into juice, and then made into a shake. I loved it! I haven’t had green mango shakes for a while, and I’m kind of craving one now after having written about it.
Maybe later today, I’ll have to go out and have a green mango shake. Want to join me?
A mango a day . . . . 😛
I'd beg to differ on where the best are – I'd vote for the trees in our yard. 😉
Pretty good mangoes in our town/barangay–they've opened a new processing plant about 0.5 km away from our house so our mangoes are being shipped to the USA. Of course, these are processed mangoes, canned mangoes, dried mangoes, and every type of mango except fresh mangoes.
The US only allows fresh mangoes from Guimaras Island to come into any part of the US market. (They're trying to get the laws changed so that mangoes from anywhere in the Philippines outside of Palawan could be imported into Guam and Hawaii.)
School kids vote for our mangoes, too! April finds our trees teaming with young climbers holding small bags of salt, all in search of that perfect noontime snack! 😆
Hi Paul – Just curious – where do you live? If you told me, I have forgotten, sorry.
By the way, just to be clear, note that I did not say that Cebu has the best mangoes. I said that they are reputed to have the best. In my opinion, mangoes from all over the Philippines are excellent.
Hi Bob iwill ioin you for amango shake i will even pay you just buy me my air ticket so i can join you. How is that for agood deal.
Hi Frank – I just went online and bought your plane ticket! Watch for the delivery boy, he should be coming around any time now! Don't leave the house, because you must be there to sign for it! 😆
Hi Bob. Mangoes are great. So yummy. How about Durians? You tried already? 😆
Hi Klaus – Absolutely! I love Durian, and eat it whenever I can! I even love the fragrance!
You lucked out Bob, the first timemy wife shoved green mango in my mouth it had Bagoong on it 😯 I ate mangoes back in the states, but those mexican mangos have got nothing on Philippine mangos. Don't get me started on pineapple. Every Sunday we goto the Palenke in Bankerohan and I just have to come home with a pineapple.
Hi Louis – I am sure glad that there was no bagoong! Of course, if bagoong had been present, the odor would have been an early warning system! 😆
Bob,
You have me starting to salivate. and I can't wait for my arrival in December. I have tasted mango shake and mango float at a few places but none compare to Elena's. Wow, amazing. I hope once I am there to invite you for a meal, and to also try Elena's prize drink and dessert.
lmao on ur reply to Frank !
I'm with u on the mango's..best in the world..I call them 'ice cream that grows on trees " ….
u don't want me to tell u what I call durian…….
Hi Bob
We get mangoes imported from India and Pakistan in UK. They are not very nice, the Filipino Mango is out on its own, beyond compare, it is not obtainable over here .
Regards
Malcolm
Hello BOb ———– i miss mango!!! same as Malcolm, mangoes here are imported from India & Pakistain but its not as tasty as good as the one in Phils….
Btw, i have to try that green mango shake on my next vacation…
Hi Bob- You have struck the right chord with me regarding Mangoes. I think I've now become a bit of a connoisseur on the subject of Mangoes due to the fact I have eaten so many of them since discovering how good they taste. Marilou has had to restrain me at times as I wanted to be included in the Guinness Book of Records unintentionally of course for the number of Mangoes eaten by any one person at a sitting. I just love them and could eat the entire Philippine annual crop if given the time and permission.
Bob you did mention that you ate Mango for breakfast and so do I but only after finishing my English breakfast first.
The mangoes of Guimaras Island is the best in the world. Unfortunately there is not enough supply for the US. I can only find them in Hawaii and Guam. I eat mexican mangoes as an alternative.
Bob- I wish I could get some mangoes right now, my mouth is watering!!!!! Mangoes here are not very good. Eat some for me.
Marilou
Hi Bruce – I can imagine how you are missing that mango shake and float! I bet Elena is just waiting to make them upon your arrival!
Hi Brian – "Ice Cream that grows on trees." I like that!!
Hi Malcolm – It seems that there is no comparison!
Hi Marygrace – Don't miss out on the green mango shake! It is very delicious and refreshing!
Hi Jim – Ha ha… nice! That English Breakfast will be bad enough for you… that mango just might push you over the brink!
Hi Bobby – When I was in the States, we used to get Mexican mangoes. They were pretty good, but stringy. Can't compare against the Philippine mangoes.
Hi Marilou – Since you are twisting my arm, I will eat one with my breakfast again today! 😆
Every bit of info here, Bob, about mangoes make me drool already (especially you mentioning about the green mango w/c is my favorite fruit of all). Ah, eating each cheek of that mango with rock salt is heaven (or even bagoong). Yum.
I know Bob that you don't like much the sour version, but yes the ripe one is very good and the best among mangoes in Asia. Mom usually like to cube them (slice in squares the mango cheeks) before she serves them up. 🙂
Does Davao have other versions of mangoes like the Indian apple (smaller ones) and Carabao or "Kalabaw" mangoes (the big ones)?
The only Philippine mangoes I get here in Singapore are already dried and preserved candied ones that fellow Pinoy co-workers would bring back from RP.
Hi Jio – I had a nice mango cheek with my breakfast this morning – ah, delicious! Yes, there are lots of mango varieties here in Davao. But, the Cebu Mango is the most available.
Hi Bob. We get mangos here in canada. Usually from Brazil or Mexico. Once in a while the Philippine mango will show up in China Town,but very expensive, like $2.00 per pound. I still pay it though. They are so much superior. After my operation,& I can walk better,I am off to the Philippines again For some real Mango & Pineapple. Hopefully soon! I can taste it already. The snow is flying here. All the more reason. Guy
Bob- Thanks a lot and we are going to the produce market in Atlanta tomorrow hoping we will find some good ripe mangoes.
Hi Guy Finnell – Howdy! Glad to hear that you are able to get mangoes in Canada! $2 per pound, they are well worth that! Of course, we pay P35 per kilo or so! That's a little different! Good luck with your operation, I hope it's a great success!
Hi Marilou – I hope you are able to find to mangoes that suit you! Enjoy!
Hi Bob- If you peel a green mangoes and cut them up into chunks and add sugar and water and gently boil till soft it can be used as a substitute for apple if you want a pie filling or with custard for dessert.
Hi Jim – Interesting! I had no idea!
Bob- Anyhow the Mango trees I planted for our hammocks will ensure a plentyful supply for us well into the future.
Jim, Bob and all –
Mango trees make great supports for hammocks during most of the year. When the trees have grown tall and are full of ripening fruit, hammock use could be dangerous! 😉
We have a large, mature Hawaiian mango tree that is full of ripe fruit in April (summertime – prime hammock time!). It routinely drops ripe fruit onto the thatched roof of a small bahay cubo with a resounding thud. That roof has saved me from many headaches (or worse – those mangoes can get large) as well as saved many beverages from being spilled (or worse) on a hot summer's day! 😆
Hi Jim – Those hammocks do sound nice. It would be kind of cool if the mangoes will fall right down into our hands so we can have a snack too! Ha ha… Well, while we are sleeping, the mangoes might fall on our heads though!
Hi Paul – See, you are confirming my point! Oh, the troubles of living in paradise! 😆
Hi Bob, Paul- If we wear hard hats whilst in the hammocks and also pitchers gloves we can catch and keep safe and enjoy our Mangoes.
Where thers a will theres a way. lol
Hi Jim – Great idea! You are a real "can-do" guy! 😆