Test kitchen secrets
Our cookery assistant Helena Busiakiewicz shares what she’s learned about mangoes
WHICH MANGO SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR? The most well-known types are alphonso, kesar and Pakistani honey. Each is distinct in lavour; the alphonso has more tropical notes and kesar, an intense sweetness. Honey mangoes taste, as you’d imagine, like honey!
HOW CAN I TELL WHEN THEY’RE RIPE?
Scent is the main indicator. A ripe mango smells sweet, and it’s apparent without getting close. The lesh should yield slightly when touched and slight wrinkling of the skin near the stem is often an indicator of ripeness, too.
IF A MANGO IS A BIT OVERRIPE OR UNDERRIPE, WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH IT? Mango lassi is one of the most delicious things you can make with less-than-perfect mangoes. Blitz the lesh of two mangoes with 250ml natural yogurt and a pinch each of cardamom and salt. Serve over ice.
I CRAVE MANGO ALL YEAR ROUND WHAT’S THE NEXT BEST THING?
Canned alphonso and kesar mango pulp is sold in many major supermarkets. It’s not quite the same, but should satisfy a craving, and is a good base for mango soulés.