If you’re coming from a cooler climate and you’re asking yourself, “What’s so special about mango season in Belize?”, allow us to bring you into the fold. Whether you’ve tried a mango from your local grocery or not—even if it was an expensive, organic, fair-trade mango exported from the tropics of Thailand—it’s simply not the same as eating a wild mango on a warm summer day in Belize.
At only a 2-hour flight from the continental United States hubs like Miami, you’d think the difference of flavor in Belize isn’t as stark as say Florida, but it is. Abundantly juicy, locally grown, and ripe with nearly 60 different varieties, mango season in Belize not only taste the best during the summer, but it also brings the southeastern coast to life in Hopkins for its Mango Festival.
To learn more about why mango season is a sweet time to visit Belize, keep reading.
Mango season in Belize, which typically runs from May through September, isn’t limited to only peak ripeness: Belizeans celebrate (aka devour) mangoes while green, turnt, and ripe.
Some of the more popular varieties are Julie, Black, Slippers, Apple, Number 11, Hayden, or Common mangoes — all of which the average Belizean mango enthusiast can likely recognize by blind tasting or just a quick glance at the fruit. Throughout the summer, you’ll find freshly picked mangoes at your neighborhood fruit stall, on menus throughout the country (both savory and sweet!), and more specifically, in overflowing baskets at the 2-day outdoor fete in Southern Belize, Mango Festival.
Started in 2013, the Hopkins Mango Festival celebrates all things of its namesake fruit: think jams and jellies, savory spins, frozen drinks, and more. From a mango recipe cook-off to a mango-eating competition, the Mango Festival is the perfect way to experience a Caribbean vacation with a distinctively Belizean flavor. Although the festival’s focus is indeed on the lusciously tropical mango, it also celebrated the Garifuna culture of the Garinagu in their home village of Hopkins.
This year, the festival has been renamed to use the Garifuna name for mango, which is “mangu” and pronounced mah-goo. A living representation of resilience, the Garifuna culture is also an important part of Belize’s vibrant, diverse history. Throughout the festival, you’ll also hear Garifuna music, get to experience authentic Garifuna food, plus witness punta, a drum-laden Garifuna dance of joy and festivity. Southern Belize’s mango festival is the best of both cultural and culinary worlds!
Even if you don’t have the opportunity to experience Hopkins Mango Festival in June 2023, you’ll have plenty of other opportunities to enjoy mango season in Belize.
Our local tip is to order your shrimp ceviche with freshly diced mango!
If you’re traveling to Belize during the mango season, May through September, you’ll want to pick up a bottle of Belizean White Rum on your way into Belize.
Available at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City at Arrival Duty & Tax Free Ltd inside the Arrivals gate, pick up a bottle of your favorite belize rum, and you’re set to enjoy mangoes in Belize like never before!
RECIPE
In a blender or shaker bottle with ice, combine all ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Enjoy it cold!
However you enjoy it, don’t miss out on mango season in beautiful Belize this Summer!
Mango season in Belize typically runs from May through September, but the exact timing depends on the weather. During this time, you'll find an abundance of fresh mangoes at local markets and street vendors throughout the country.
Fortunately for travelers on a budget, mangos in Belize are reasonably priced at anywhere from $0.50-$2 USD per pound depending on their variety and availability. This makes enjoying them an affordable luxury that shouldn't be missed out on.
While some species of Mango from around the world bear fruit two or even three times for the year, Mango trees in Belize are known to bear fruit once per year during Belize Mango season between May and September.
Many are curious, which country has the best mango in the world… and we say it’s Belize!
Known for its wild and flavorful mangoes, Belize is a must-visit destination for any fruit lover. The wild mango of Belize is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Unlike the more common manila variety found at grocery stores worldwide, wild mangos burst with flavor that cannot be replicated anywhere else. So if you're planning a trip to Belize during this time of year – don't miss out on indulging your taste buds with these delicious fruits
Mango season in Belize is a time of celebration and enjoyment. The unique flavor and nutrition of wild Belize mangos makes them a favorite among Belizeans and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to enjoy a mango smoothie, craft cocktail, or just a nice fresh mango, Belize has you covered. So why not take advantage of the mango season and join us for a unique taste of Belize?
Join our members list for 10% off your next purchase at Duty & Tax Free Ltd. and make the most of Belize's mango season.
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