Kensington Pride Mango

Kensington Pride mango, also known as Bowen mango, is one of the most popular and widely grown mango varieties in Australia. It is prized for its rich, sweet flavor, juicy flesh, and vibrant orange color. This variety originated in the town of Bowen in Queensland, Australia, and has since become a favorite in both domestic and export markets. Kensington Pride mangoes are known for their excellent balance of sweetness and slight tang, making them a top choice for eating fresh or using in a variety of culinary applications.

Appearance and Flavor:

• Appearance: Kensington Pride mangoes are medium to large in size, typically weighing around 300-600 grams. The skin is smooth and can range from green to yellow, with a blush of red or pink. The flesh inside is vibrant orange, juicy, and smooth, with minimal fiber.
• Flavor: The flavor of Kensington Pride mango is sweet, with a subtle tartness that gives it a refreshing complexity. It has a rich, tropical aroma, and the flesh is juicy and buttery, making it a highly enjoyable mango variety. The balance between sweetness and acidity sets it apart from other mango varieties.

Culinary Uses:

Kensington Pride mangoes are versatile and can be enjoyed in various culinary applications, from fresh snacking to desserts and savory dishes. Their sweet and tangy flavor makes them suitable for both sweet and savory recipes.

• Eaten Fresh: Kensington Pride mangoes are often eaten fresh by slicing or cubing the flesh. The juicy, sweet flesh makes it a perfect snack or addition to fruit salads.
• Smoothies and Juices: Kensington Pride mangoes are excellent for blending into smoothies or juicing. Their rich, sweet flavor pairs well with other tropical fruits like banana, pineapple, and passionfruit.
• Desserts: Kensington Pride mangoes are often used in desserts, such as mango sorbet, ice cream, cakes, and fruit tarts. Their natural sweetness and smooth texture make them ideal for sweet treats.
• Mango Salsa: Diced Kensington Pride mango can be mixed with ingredients like onions, cilantro, lime juice, and chili for a sweet and tangy salsa. This salsa is perfect for pairing with grilled fish, chicken, or pork.
• Mango Lassi: Kensington Pride mangoes are a great choice for making mango lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink that highlights the mango's creamy texture and sweetness.
• Mango Chutney: Kensington Pride mango can be used to make a sweet and tangy chutney, often served as a condiment with grilled meats or curry dishes.

Nutritional Benefits:

Like other mango varieties, Kensington Pride mangoes are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your diet.

• Rich in Vitamin C: Kensington Pride mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, promotes healthy skin, and helps the body absorb iron.
• High in Vitamin A: The deep orange color of Kensington Pride mangoes indicates a high content of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which supports vision and skin health.
• Dietary Fiber: Kensington Pride mangoes provide dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Antioxidants: Kensington Pride mangoes contain antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation and protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Potassium and Folate: Kensington Pride mangoes are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and folate, which supports healthy cell function and development.

Health Benefits:

• Boosts Immune Function: The vitamin C content in Kensington Pride mangoes helps strengthen the immune system, supporting the body’s defense against infections.
• Promotes Skin and Eye Health: The beta-carotene (vitamin A) in Kensington Pride mangoes supports healthy skin and vision by promoting cell regeneration and protecting against damage from UV rays.
• Aids Digestion: The dietary fiber in Kensington Pride mangoes aids digestion, promotes healthy bowel movements, and helps prevent constipation.
• Heart Health: The potassium in Kensington Pride mangoes helps regulate blood pressure, while antioxidants support heart health by reducing oxidative stress and protecting blood vessels.
• Hydration: Kensington Pride mangoes have high water content, making them a hydrating and refreshing fruit, especially in warm climates.

How to Prepare Kensington Pride Mango:

1. Rinsing: Rinse the mango under cold water to remove any dirt or debris from the skin.
2. Peeling: While the skin is edible, most people prefer to peel Kensington Pride mangoes before eating. You can use a knife or vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
3. Cutting: Slice the mango lengthwise along both sides of the flat seed in the center. The flesh can then be cubed or sliced for serving.
4. Serving: Serve fresh Kensington Pride mango as a snack, in fruit salads, or as part of a dessert or smoothie.

Popular Dishes Featuring Kensington Pride Mango:

• Mango Sorbet: Blend fresh Kensington Pride mango with lime juice and freeze to create a refreshing sorbet that highlights the mango’s natural sweetness.
• Mango Salsa: Combine diced Kensington Pride mango with onions, cilantro, lime juice, and chili for a sweet and spicy salsa, perfect for serving with grilled meats or seafood.
• Mango Lassi: Blend Kensington Pride mango with yogurt, milk, and a dash of cardamom to create a creamy and refreshing mango lassi.
• Mango Cheesecake: Use fresh Kensington Pride mango slices to top a rich, tropical mango cheesecake.
• Mango Sticky Rice: Serve sliced Kensington Pride mango with sweet coconut sticky rice for a traditional Thai dessert.

Storage:

Kensington Pride mangoes should be stored at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, the fruit can be refrigerated to slow down further ripening and will keep for up to a week. If the mango has been cut, store the pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can also freeze mango cubes for longer storage.

Cooking Tips:

• Ripeness: A ripe Kensington Pride mango will give slightly when pressed and have a fruity, tropical aroma near the stem. Avoid mangoes with wrinkles or dark spots, as these may be overripe.
• Cutting Around the Seed: Kensington Pride mangoes have a large, flat seed in the center. Slice along both sides of the seed to separate the flesh, then scoop or cut the flesh into cubes or slices.
• Pair with Citrus: Kensington Pride mango pairs beautifully with lime or lemon juice, which enhances its natural sweetness and adds a refreshing contrast.

In summary, Kensington Pride mango is a beloved mango variety from Australia, known for its sweet and tangy flavor, juicy flesh, and vibrant color. Whether eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, or used in salsas and desserts, Kensington Pride mango offers numerous health benefits, including boosting immune function, promoting skin and eye health, and aiding digestion. Its versatile, tropical flavor makes it a perfect addition to a wide variety of culinary dishes.