Mangoes with George the Farmer

Summary

Join Ben, Simone, and George the Farmer as they explore the tropical mango farm in Darwin, Northern Territory. Discover how mangoes are grown, harvested, and packed with the help of expert farmer Steve. From the fun ‘Mango Bango’ song to learning the ins and outs of mango harvesting and preparation, this video takes viewers on an educational journey. With insights into the nutritional benefits of mangoes, a demonstration on how to prepare them, and a refreshing mango smoothie recipe, this video celebrates the king of fruits in all its delicious forms!

Takeaways

• 😀 Mangoes thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, making Darwin, Northern Territory, an ideal location for growing them.
• 😀 Mangoes are known as the 'king of fruits' because of their popularity and rich nutritional content.
• 😀 Harvesting mangoes is a hands-on process, requiring pickers to carefully assess ripeness through visual checks and a bricks test.
• 😀 Mangoes are harvested by hand using a special picking stick, which helps to cut the stem and transport the fruit to a washing area.
• 😀 Once harvested, mangoes are washed, dried, and graded for quality and size at the packing shed.
• 😀 The mangoes are labeled with barcodes that allow consumers to trace the fruit back to the farm, ensuring traceability and transparency.
• 😀 Australia produces around 10 million trays of mangoes every season, with Berry Creek Packing handling around 550,000 of them.
• 😀 Mangoes are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from smoothies to chutneys to pickles.
• 😀 The skin of a mango is not edible, but the flesh can be easily prepared by cutting off the cheeks and slicing or dicing the fruit.
• 😀 Mangoes are a rich source of vitamin C and contain over 20 vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious superfood.
• 😀 Ben and Simone prepare a delicious mango smoothie with yogurt, banana, and ice, demonstrating how mangoes can be enjoyed in a refreshing, healthy way.

Q & A

What makes Darwin, Northern Territory, a great place for growing mangoes?

Darwin's tropical and subtropical climate, combined with its hot and humid summers, provides ideal conditions for mango cultivation.

Why is the mango often referred to as the 'king of all fruits'?

Mangoes are known as the 'king of all fruits' due to their popularity and nutritional value, making them a beloved fruit worldwide.

How long does it take for mangoes to be ready for harvest after flowering?

Mangoes typically take 90 to 110 days to ripen after they flower in June.

What is the 'bricks test' used for in mango harvesting?

The 'bricks test' is used to measure the dry matter content of the fruit, helping farmers determine when mangoes are ripe for picking.

How are mangoes harvested on the farm?

Mangoes are harvested by hand using a picking stick with cutters and jaws that help cut the mango and grab the stem. The mango is then washed in the harvester.

What types of dishes can mangoes be used in?

Mangoes can be used in a variety of dishes, including ice cream, chutney, and even pickles, thanks to their sweet taste and versatile texture.

How does the packing process work at Berry Creek Packing?

At Berry Creek Packing, mangoes are washed, dried, and graded by size and quality. A computer system sorts the mangoes, and each is labeled with a barcode for traceability, including information about the farm, picking date, and packing date.

How can consumers trace the origin of the mangoes they purchase?

Consumers can trace mangoes by using the barcode on the packaging, which provides information about the grower, the farm, and when the mango was picked and packed.

What is the recommended way to eat a mango according to the script?

The script recommends cutting down the sides of the mango, removing the 'cheeks,' and turning them inside out to easily enjoy the flesh without the skin.

What is the suggested favorite way to consume mangoes?

One popular way to consume mangoes is by making a smoothie, blending mango with ingredients like yogurt, banana, and ice for a healthy and delicious treat.