Sunday May 19, 2024.

Seasonal Treats: Mango Season in Guanacaste 

As you wander through Las Catalinas and explore Guanacaste over the next few weeks, you'll notice an abundance of green mangoes hanging from the trees that swiftly transition to vibrant yellow or orange hues as they ripen. The arrival of mango season brings with it a delightful surplus of this tropical fruit at its peak sweetness, which begins to make appearances in various culinary delights, from refreshing smoothies to delectable desserts, appearing on menus throughout the town.

Globally, there are hundreds of mango cultivars, each exhibiting variations in size, shape, sweetness, skin color, and flesh color. These differences can result in mangoes ranging from pale yellow to gold, green, or orange hues. Mango trees can reach heights of 30–40 meters (98–131 feet) with a crown radius spanning 10–15 meters (33–49 feet). Remarkably long-lived, certain specimens continue to bear fruit even after 300 years. 

Occasionally, you might notice dark spots on organically grown mangoes, typically occurring when sap seeps from the mango stem and dries on the skin's surface. These small spots don't necessarily indicate spoilage. In most cases, they are superficial and have no bearing on the fruit's taste or quality. As long as the flesh of the mango remains free from dark spots, you can still enjoy its delicious flavor.  

Discover mango season by exploring the local fruit stands in the area like the one in Brasilito, head into Copper & Stone, savoring mango-inspired dishes on menus throughout town, or simply picking one fresh from a tree.