Every single year, I anticipate the arrival of the luscious sweetness of my favorite island fruit, the mango. I must not be alone, because the Annual Mango Festival just keeps getting bigger! More on that later.
Throughout Guam, the magnificent mango trees dot the island from one end to the other. Perhaps you’ve driven by and not even noticed, but they’re literally everywhere, in all shapes and sizes.
Have you had your mango quota yet? If not, I invite you to stroll through some of the local fruit and veggie stands to pick up a few. Of the several varieties found on Guam, my all time favorite is the local carabao mango — fully ripened, quite sweet and very juicy. If you prefer a tarter mango, you may like yours a little less ripe and still firm. Many locals pickle mango and sell them in jars. Most likely your nearest village store will have a jar on the counter. Whatever your taste, Guam has plenty of mangos to go around. Just make sure you get yours while they’re still in season.
Not sure what to do with a mango? Wash, peel, and eat! Repeat as desired. Blend with bananas and ice, mix in with desserts, no-bake cheesecakes, make mango sorbet, mango bread, mango cake. Or, how about a platter of mango-lime salsa and shrimp? Possibilities are endless. Mango margarita anyone? Ooooh, I might need to make a trip to the kitchen!
How about a dozen or so mango cheeks, some tequila, calamansi or lime, ice, a bit of sugar syrup and blend, pour into chilled glass?
Listen to some summertime music, sit outside at about 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. and unwind. Perfect your own island style downtime.
Okay, now, how about that mango festival I mentioned? It is held annually in the southern seaside village of Agat usually around the last weekend of May. Go early so you get the best offerings. Because this is a popular event, it gets crowded and hot; shorts and a hat will help. A feast for the eyes as well as the palate, you’ll try mango smoothies, mango jelly, and see an array of color and texture.
Don't forget to check out our article on Guam's Annual Hagat Mango Festival to learn more about the event!
