The mango, a real symbol of Cambodia

The mango, this sweet and juicy fruit, does not only brighten the stalls of Cambodian markets, it embodies the very essence of life in the province of Kampot. Every house in this iconic region has its own mango tree, bearing witness to the cultural and gastronomic importance of this fruit in the daily lives of Cambodians. In this article, we will delve into the world of Kampot mango, exploring its various culinary uses, our different mango preparations, and its health benefits.

Mango in Cambodian culture

The mango is much more than just a fruit in Cambodia; it is a symbol of vitality, abundance, and tradition. Cambodians celebrate the mango during festivities and rituals, considering it an essential element of their national identity. It is ubiquitous in Cambodian cuisine, used in a variety of traditional dishes, from refreshing salads to succulent desserts.

Cambodian mango-based recipes

Mangoes are widely used in traditional Cambodian cuisine, both in sweet and savory dishes, by harvesting the same fruit from the mango tree at different stages of ripeness;

• Green mangoes: Cambodians enjoy consuming pieces of green mango by dipping them in a mixture of salt and chili, which you can reproduce with our smoked blend. Green mangoes are also sliced ​​for a delicious green mango salad with chili and fish sauce.
• Ripe mangoes: they are consumed fresh as dessert, or in sticky rice with mango. They are also used in sweet-savory dishes and sauces.

Varieties and seasons of Mangoes

The province of Kampot is home to a plethora of mango varieties, including the famous Keo Romiet mango, prized for its sweet flesh and juicy texture. The mango season generally extends from March to June, with a peak harvest between April and May, coinciding with the hottest season of the year. This is when the markets are overflowing with fresh and delicious mangoes, offering an incomparable taste experience. This allows us, at the peak of the season, to offer our visitors at La Plantation mango juices picked on the same day, at full maturity for a vitamin boost!

Culinary innovation

Concerned with preserving the authenticity and freshness of Kampot mango, we have developed a range of products derived from mangoes from our own garden. Indeed, upon our arrival and the establishment of the Kampot Pepper plantation, we wanted to diversify the species, in a permaculture approach, and add the best mango varieties from Cambodia. Our commitment to sustainability has led us to offer processed products such as dried mango with red Kampot pepper, a spicy mango sauce: spicy mango, as well as green mango powder, also known as Amchoor.

Positive impact on the environment

These products allow us to share the true taste of Cambodian mango with the rest of the world, while minimizing our carbon footprint, we transport them to Europe in a more responsible way, by boat, and not by plane as is the case for fresh mango trade, harvested before its full maturity and transported in refrigerated cargo (or containing gas). Our dried mango and our spicy mango sauce are produced at the peak of ripeness of this fruit, and transformed as soon as possible to avoid any food waste. Mango trees produce very ripe fruit very quickly, and these innovations help avoid a surplus of fresh mangoes that perish quickly, and would barely have time to reach the markets. Our mango sauce, produced in Kampot, will surprise you with its originality and explosive mango taste.

How to use mango in cooking?

• Dried mango can be eaten as is, for a snack or an appetizer, or in pieces, added to cake dough, such as Madeleines, or in yogurts.
• The spicy mango sauce is also ready to use, it can be poured over raw or cooked fish, meats, on salads, with burgers!
• Green mango powder can be added in sweet or savory dishes, and develops very interesting lemony flavors. Ideal for yogurts, to flavor butter, on raw fish, vegetable salads or seasonal fruits.

Health benefits of mango

In addition to its delicious taste, mango offers a myriad of health benefits. Rich in vitamins C, A, and E, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium, it strengthens the immune system and promotes healthy skin. Furthermore, its high fiber content contributes to digestive health, offering a healthy and balanced diet.

Kampot mango is not just a fruit, it is a culinary and cultural symbol that enriches the lives of Cambodians for generations. Whether in its riper form, in sauce or in dried version, or harvested young, to be found in light green powder, the mango will surprise you with the diversity of its flavors, and by many possibilities of use in cooking!