My pick of the week this week is definitely KP mangoes from the tablelands district in Northern Queensland. They will not be as cheap as in previous years as the season is running a little later than normal. The fruit is mostly a little smaller so large mangoes will be on the dearer side - look for smaller fruit for the best value. The quality is definitely better than was available in the last two years for Christmas and the KP season will go on for longer than normal, at this stage all of January is looking good.
Kensington Pride is a soft medium-sized mango with golden flesh that has a sweet and slightly tangy full-bodied flavour. It has a rich orange skin tinged with a pink or red blush. It is the most popular variety grown in the sub-tropical and tropical regions of Australia and are available from late September to March.
A 200g serve of ripe mango (less than one mango) provides you with up to three times your recommended daily intake of vitamin A and vitamin C.
HOW TO PICK
The best way to buy a mango is to simply use your nose and look for the fragrant tropical fruity aroma. Ripe mangoes would also have a full colour and will give slightly to the touch. Avoid very soft or bruised fruit.
HOW TO STORE
Unripe mangoes should be stored out of direct sunlight at room temperatures for a few days until ripe. Once ripe, a mango should last in your fruit bowl for at least two to three days. Never refrigerate unripe mangoes and do not store them in plastic bags as they would need to breathe.
