Why You CAN’T Miss Mango Season in Belize!

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Tags: HopkinsJohn AranaMango season

Late May to the end of August is a magical time of the year in Belize.  It is mango season! For those of you who love a fresh, sweet, juicy and luscious tropical fruit like a mango, Hopkins Village in the Stann Creek district of Belize is where you want to be.

Here are a few reasons why you can’t miss mango season in Belize:

So Many Varieties

There are a plethora of Mangoes from which to choose! Photo: @HopkinsUncut. 

Mangos in Belize are like the apples of North America- there are SO many varieties.  Many people don’t realize that just like an apple, mangos come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, textures and taste profiles. While it is hard to say exactly how many varieties there are, recently Dirk of Hopkins Uncut in collaboration with John Arana put together a list of 52 species of mango found in Belize. (Look at the bottom for the list.)  If you enjoy mangos and discovering new flavors, visit Hopkins village during mango season as the streets are lined with mango trees and every vegetable stand carries a different variety of this tasty tropical fruit.

Mango Dishes to Try

An assortment of delicious mango dishes! Photo: Hopkins Uncut, Nice Cream & Roi Brooks

Just as there are an array of mangos to try, there are just as many snacks, dishes, desserts and drinks available that incorporate newly picked mangos. Here are some of our favorites:

Snacks:

  • mango salsa
  • fruit platter with fresh mango 
  • green mango dipped in chili salt
  • ripe mango dipped in chamoy
  • dried mango fruit roll ups

Dishes:

  • mango hudut
  • mango ceviche
  • mango salsa fish tacos

Desserts:

  • mango cobbler
  • mango tart
  • mango ice cream

Drinks:

  • mango chamoy daiquiri 
  • mango smoothie
  • freshly squeezed mango juice
  • mango margarita
  • mango infused water

Hopkins Mango Street Fest

Scenes from the 2023 Hopkins Mango Street Fest. Photos: Hopkins Uncut & Shelly Redden

Each year in June, Hopkins Village in the Stann Creek district puts on a mango themed extravaganza called the Hopkins Mango Street Fest. Booths and stands line the street all celebrating the mango. You can pulse to punta rhythms, stop by Nice Cream for a refreshing mango ice cream, participate in fun games and be filled with joyous laughter all while exploring everything mango from food, drinks and gifts to take home. It is an event the whole family can enjoy.

Mango Season is Green Season- Better Rates

Guests enjoying their local flight to Dangriga.  Photo: Hamanasi Guest, Dan Kelleghan

In case you need another reason for why you can’t miss mango season in Belize, here is one that will make your pocketbook sing — mango season is during slow season in Belize!  Most mango tree varieties flower in spring and begin to form fruit.  The fruits start to ripen by the end of May and continue through to the end of August. This means you can enjoy fresh mangos in Belize while benefiting from shoulder and low season rates on airfare and accommodations. Additionally, there will be less crowds adding to a more intimate experience while on vacation.

What Are You Waiting For?

Bartender Jared is ready to serve up delicious Mango Margaritas!

Mango season is an incredible time to visit Belize that will have your tastebuds and pocketbook happy!  Discover vast assortment of mango, dishes, and the excitement at Hopkins Mango Street Fest!  

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive resort is a great place to be during Mango season.  You can savor fresh mangos while enjoying the best of Belize on and off shore. 

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From Hopkins Uncut:

Here is a list of mangoes 🥭 found around Belize! 🇧🇿

Thanks to John Arana for the information.

1) Number 11

2) Haden

3) Thundershaw

4) Black

5) Blue

6) Common

7) Hairy

8) Judgewig

9) Cambodiana

10)Tommy Atkins

11) Kent

12) Keitt (Bellyfull)

13) Apple

14) Air

15) Carrie

16) Julie

17) Gabb Julie

18) Glenn

19) Sugar

20) Ataulfo (Early Gold) Mexico

21) Palmer

22) Gold

23) Manilla

24) Bombay

25) Valencia Pride

26) Florigon

27) Jin Huang (Golden Queen)

28) Bombay

29) Big Jim

30) Pairi

31) Turpentine

32) Alphonso

33) Casturi (May be Blue Mango)

34) Cogshall

35) East Indian

36) Kesar

37) Maha Chanok

38) Rosa

39) Early Gold

40) Pu Pyu Kalay (Lemon Meringue)

41) Brooks Late

42) St Mauii

43) Sweet Tart

44) Indian long

45) Tymour

46) Cac

47) Seacrest

48) Slippers

49) Carrie

50) Pickering

51) Nam Doc Mai

52) Choc Anon

Mangos! 📷: #HopkinsUnCut