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Reported shortages in Australia's mango harvest have pushed up prices of many varieties, but Calypso mangoes have weathered the season's conditions well and are selling for little more than last year's prices, according to The Harvest Company which holds the trademark for the variety.
"Calypso is a very robust variety, so it hasn't been affected by the seasonal conditions which have reduced fruit set on other varieties such as Kensington Pride", says Robert Gray, General Manager of the Harvest Company. "We started supplying Calypso mangoes in 2000 and we are supplying more each year as the trees mature.
"In fact this year we've supplied about double the number of mangoes as last year, at a similar price. Calypso mangoes have filled the void left by other varieties."
The Harvest Company says it provides a quality product at a consistent price from year to year, with Calypso mangoes retailing between $1.99 and $3.99. "Mangoes appear a bit more costly this year, but the prices of Calypso mangoes are within 10-20% of last year's prices", says Robert.
Mangoes are one of the most popular seasonal fruits in Australia. However, around two thirds of Australians don't buy mangoes at all, in spite of the fact that one mango delivers more than three times the recommended daily intake of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, along with more of the antioxidant beta-carotine than any other fruit. Mangoes are also a rich source of potassium and dietary fibre, while having a low glycemic index.
"A lot of people don't know how to prepare and eat mangoes, so we're making that easier for them by providing advice on how to cut the cheeks so they're easy to eat and different ways of preparing them", he says. Robert says that Calypso mangoes have many of the qualities that attract people to the fruit.
"The skin goes golden when ripe, the flesh is firm but juicy and succulent, the seed is thin meaning there is more flesh per mango and of course the taste is sweet", he says. "Calypso mangoes provide a consistent, high quality product and a predictable price from year to year, which is encouraging Australians to purchase and eat more of this wonderful fruit." Calypso mangoes are available in all quality fresh fruit and vegetable retail outlets.
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