Ceylon Mango

About Ceylon Mango

Ceylon mangoes from the Jaffna Peninsula are among the most aromatic and flavourful mango varieties in South Asia. The Jaffna region’s unique combination of limestone-rich soil, dry-zone climate, and abundant sunshine produces mangoes with an exceptionally high sugar content and virtually no fibrous texture. These mangoes have a smooth, golden-orange flesh that melts on the tongue, releasing layers of tropical sweetness with subtle floral and citrus notes. The most prized varieties include “Karutha Colomban” and “Willard,” both celebrated for their rich flavour profiles.

Culinary Uses

In Sri Lankan cooking, ripe Ceylon mangoes are enjoyed fresh as a dessert fruit, blended into lassi-style drinks with curd and palm sugar, or incorporated into “amba maluwa” (mango curry), a tangy-sweet side dish made with green or semi-ripe mangoes, coconut milk, and spices. Green mangoes are pickled with mustard, chili, and vinegar to create “amba achcharu,” a fiery condiment served alongside rice and curry. Mango is also used in chutneys and sambols that accompany hoppers and string hoppers.

Japanese cooks will find Ceylon mangoes ideal for creating mango puree that can be layered into parfaits, folded into mochi, or served atop kakigori (shaved ice) during the summer months. The fruit’s intense sweetness pairs beautifully with the mild tang of Japanese-style cheesecake or panna cotta. Sliced Ceylon mango also makes an elegant topping for chirashi-style fruit bowls. For savoury applications, diced green mango can add a bright, tart note to salads dressed with ponzu or yuzu-based vinaigrettes.

Nutritional Benefits

Ceylon mangoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. They contain powerful antioxidants including mangiferin, quercetin, and gallic acid, which support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. The fruit is also rich in digestive enzymes that aid nutrient absorption. A single serving provides a significant portion of the daily recommended intake of vitamins while remaining moderate in calories, making it a naturally nourishing tropical treat.