For the Love of Mangoes

Mangoes are beloved in Cayman—a treasured fruit on the island! The prime time to enjoy fresh mangoes in Grand Cayman is June and July as the fruit is ripe and ready for the taking. Locals look forward to this season every year. While you can get mangoes in the grocery stores here year round (imported from other places); nothing can compare to fresh mangoes grown on island.

Types of Mangoes

Ask around and you’ll discover there are many types of mangoes available in Grand Cayman—most people are very passionate about their favorite (which is best). But, let’s be honest, they're all wonderful. Some varieties you will find growing in Grand Cayman include:

• Julie
• Long (a local variety)
• Round (another local variety)
• East Indian
• Carrie
• Number 11
• Nam Doc
• and several more.

Where to Find Fresh Mangoes in Grand Cayman

During mango season you can find this locally grown fruit at farmers markets (Saturdays @ the Farmers’ Market at Cricket Square, Wednesdays at the Camana Bay Farmers’ Market), in grocery stores and at roadside stands. Some of the best roadside stands can often be spotted near the cruise terminal at Spotts and near the intersection of Frank Sound Road & Bodden Town Road.

How to Indulge

Of course, the purest way to enjoy a mango is the simplest—bite in and start eating. Be prepared for juice dripping goodness which often finds its way down your chin. If you like to keep things neat you can always take to slicing. And, if you’ve never indulged in this magnificent fruit, note that mangoes have a large pit in the center (much like a peach). You’ll want to avoid chomping down on the hard pit.

Aside from simply eating the fruit, there are many other ways to enjoy its harvest. Locals make incredible mango jams that can be enjoyed on crackers, bread or you name it. Willie’s Farm is well known for their mango jams and also well known in general for carrying a large variety of mangoes and yummy mango products. If you spot them at an event in June or July you may also find mango cookies, cakes, bread, juices and other goodies. In fact many vendors at the farmers markets carry mango goodies this time of year and some shelf stable products year round. You’ll find everything from fresh mango smoothies, to mango infused lotion and lip balm!

Mango Fest!

Of course, Mango Season would not be complete without a proper festival, and you can count on the Cayman Islands to deliver. The National Museum is throwing a Mango Fest on Saturday, July 20th from 4-8 in downtown George Town. The festival celebrates all things mango with local vendors selling fruit, mango infused products and more. The event lineup includes a mango peeling and eating contest, cooking competition, cocktail competition and dessert competition—all mango themed! Plus there will be activities for kids and much more for all to enjoy. Join the National Museum for a mango-licious time! You can find more details on their website here.

Enjoy the Mango Madness

If you find yourself in Grand Cayman in June or July make sure to indulge in a fresh mango, and don’t miss the cultural excitement—enjoy the mango madness!