Our mango obsession is only growing stronger in Grenada
Have I mentioned how much we love mangoes? We’ve arrived here at the height of mango season, and we just can’t get enough tree-ripened, freshly picked, juicy mangoes. We’ve made a hobby of sampling all of the different kinds, rating them by flavor, texture, and aroma to decide which we like best (Brian likes the electric orange Ceylons, I prefer the floral, slightly stringy Julies) So, when we heard that the Grenadian agricultural organization gets up an annual fete celebrating all things mango, we were excited to join in on the fun!
At the festival, there were vendors selling all kinds of mango-based products – from soap to wine – all made by local artisans. New friends not yet acquainted with Brian’s eating habits were impressed/horrified by the sheer amount of mango-enhanced foods cooked by locals that he was able to put away in a single hour.
For me, the highlight of the festival was cheering on the kids in the mango sucking competition. Kids line up for their chance to eat two whole mangoes in one minute, and the winning title is given to the kid who does the best job cleaning every bit of pulp and juice from the remaining pits and skin. It was all flying elbows and orange pulp – a joyful thing to witness.
The educational/welcome table
Examples of all the different kinds of mangoes grown in Grenada. There were over 20 varietals represented on the table, each with it’s own flavor and texture.
The mango mascot was quite a babe magnet. Pictured here with Noi.
…and Debbie
… and me! It was at least 90 degrees with 90% humidity – maybe that suit is stuffed with ice?
Brian tucking into the very messy and super delicious sandwich known in the West Indies as a “double”. It’s an addictive chickpea curry (made with mangoes for the festival) sandwiched between two pancake thin pieces of roti-like bread.
Homemade mango ice cream
Brian vs. mango bread
The mango sucking contest was the highlight of the event. Local children are given a minute to eat two whole mangoes. When the minute is up, the child who has cleaned the most fruit from the skin and pit is declared the winner. Boys and girls were split into separate rounds.
Wash buckets were provided for the competitors
This little dude was a fan favorite. He stretched and warmed up the crowd while we waited for the round to begin.
He must have practiced prior to the event, he blew the other kids away
Kaylee from s/v Aqua Vida didn’t feel like competing, but she smiled for a photo with her mom Danielle and Noi and Scott of s/v Symbiosis instead.
Where are we now?
I have read this book over again, several times; enjoyed it enough to even give it as a gift to a few people. A GREAT read, if you get the chance!
https://www.amazon.com/Embarrassment-Mangoes-Caribbean-Interlude/dp/0767914279
Yes, indeed a great primer on Grenada! We recommend this one a lot. Glad you enjoyed it too!