The southcentral province Peravia is historically famous for its intellectuals and political leaders. But that was then, and this is now. June to July is the peak of mango season in the Dominican Republic. Most of the mangos here come from Peravia, best known for its capital city, Baní.
Today Baní is world-known as the Mango Capital. In 2022, the Peravia province’s main crop is expected to produce some US$40 million in exports alone. This is in addition to the massive amount of the crop that is consumed all over the country thanks to the efficient logistics that place the iconic fruit in all the major supermarkets of the nation.
In fact, you cannot get to any place in the Deep South without passing through Bani and its dozens and dozens of mango sellers. It is doubtful that this will end when the new beltway around the city is completed.
There are over 250 mango farmers in the Peravia area and at least 20 export companies that combine the mango harvest and the avocado harvest in their shipments to the United States and Europe.
When you are in the fruit and vegetable section of your local supermarket, look for the Mingolo variety of mangoes. These fruits nearly always carry a stamp, much in the way some oranges carry one. Check out the Keith variety, or the smaller yet not less delicious “Banilejo” variety.
The Dominican way to eat mangos is to get a very large aluminum bowl, a peeler, a wet hand towel, and at least a half dozen mangoes. The bowl is for the peels and the juices that fall as you devour the fruit. The towel is to wipe your arms, hands and your face after the feast. Do not miss this treat.
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Listin Diario
7 June 2022