Time for Mangoes!

The mango season is here, with farmers in different areas harvesting, and supplying to markets all over the country and beyond.

With support from the European Union (EU), the Market Access Upgrade Program (MARKUP) Kenya will be supporting the mango value chain in Machakos, Makueni and Embu Counties.

MARKUP Kenya aims at enhancing food safety and competitiveness for the selected value chains, in a bid to increase market access locally, regionally and internationally.

Mangoes are not only sweet and juicy, but also rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin K and Vitamin A.

Did you know there is so much you can do to enjoy mangoes?

Well, here are just but some ways to consume mangoes;

How about a glass of juice?

Mango juice can be further enriched and flavoured by adding some lemon juice or ginger.

Simply wash ripe mangoes in clean, running water, peel them and blend. Enjoy it better while chilled.

Mango Salad

For the lovers of salad, commonly known as kachumbari, here is the trick. Add some mango in your mixture of tomatoes, onions and carrots (you can add other ingredients such as coriander green, chili among others). This way, your salad will be sweeter, more colourful and of course, more nutritious.

Just munch it

And you can have just a piece of mango. Eat it as you like it, ripe or raw, with chili or pepper, these fruits are freshly available in the markets.

Dried Mangoes

With production high, it is time to take advantage of the fruits’ availability in plenty. Cottage industries can simply buy mangoes in bulk from farmers, and dry them for preservation and sale during the low seasons. This way, the farmers get market and therefore, there is reduction in post -harvest losses. Additionally, value addition means increased market, thus more income.

Mango Jam

Processors can manufacture mango jam, which is used as a nutritious, natural bread spread.