Mangga is the Tagalog word for “mango.”
The most common variety of mango in the Philippines is what English speakers refer to as champagne mango. It’s been called Manila mango, Ataulfo mango (named after its Mexican grower) and Honey mango. Filipinos call it manggang kalabaw (carabao mango) while the Philippine government refers to it as ‘Manila Super-Mango’ — it is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the sweetest mango in the world.
Other popular mango varieties in the Philippines are Pico (Piko), Katchamita (Indian) and Pahutan (Mangifera altissima).
For decades, packaged dried mangoes from the Philippines, particularly those for export, have been dry and tough because of the addition of sugar and preservatives. The texture had become familiar and expected to regular eaters of this snack.
Recently though, the trend has been towards bringing to market “all-natural dried mangoes” which are moist and tenderly chewy.
The most common variety of mango in the Philippines is what Americans refer to as champagne mango. It’s been called Manila mango, Ataulfo mango (named after its Mexican grower) and Honey mango. Filipinos call it manggang kalabaw (carabao mango) while the Philippine government refers to it as ‘Manila Super Mango.’
The Filipino treat Sago’t Gulaman is a refreshing blend of pieces of gulaman (seaweed-derived “gelatin”) and sago pearls. Here’s a recipe with mango puree added.
Mangga is the Tagalog word for ‘mango.’
Ensalada and Salted Egg by Eva Argenos… Hilaw na mangga, itlog na maalat, sibuyas, kamatis, talong, okra, sitaw, kangkong, bagoong… Unripe mangoes, salted eggs, onions, tomatoes, eggplants, okra, string beans, swamp greens, fermented seafood paste…
Photo of Guimaras mangoes still waiting to become fully ripe.
* Guimaras is the name of an island province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region.
Choco Mangga is a product of Vermedes Inc, makers of R&M Preserves.
Green Indian Mangoes in the Philippines. Photo by Angie Pastor. In the