Summertime on St. Croix can only mean one thing – mango season! The abundance of this delicious, fragrant fruit can be seen all over our island and, in this summer heat, it is worth celebrating this perfect snack!
There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy our local mangoes – juice, ice cream, cake and more! We could not think of a better way to celebrate than to ask one of our favorite local chefs, the Crucian Contessa, to share a recipe with our readers! Here is the recipe for her Contessa Mango Salsa:
Ingredients:
1 Firm but ripened mango
1/2 Red Onion
A drizzle of Honey
1 Lime (Zested and Juiced)
2 Stalks of Culantro or 1 Tablespoon of Chopped Cilantro
1 Sweet Seasoning Pepper
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Directions
“Dice the mango into small pieces and set aside in a bowl. The mango should not be so ripened that it is too soft to work with. It should be firm enough to keep its shape in the salsa without softening. Dice the red onion, and chop the Culantro or cilantro, add to the mango. Zest and juice the lime and add to the mix. Finely chop the seasoning pepper and toss in.
Drizzle a bit of local raw honey over the mixture, about two teaspoons for just a hint of sweetness. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss all the ingredients together until it is mixed in well and lightly coated with the lime and honey.”
For tips on pairing the salsa and more incredible recipes, head over to Crucian Contessa now!
Finally, don’t forget to head over the to Botanical Gardens tomorrow, July 12th, for their annual Mango Melee festival! It is a fun, educational event complete with great food, music and activities for everyone!
