Guimaras is mango country. The island grows the Carabao mango, and 'Guimaras Mango' is a registered Geographical Indication, the first in the Philippines, for fruit with a sweetness of at least 16 degrees Brix.
When. The peak season is roughly March to May, with the most fruit around April and May. Fresh mangoes can be found at other times of year too, in smaller quantities.
What to try. Eat the ripe fruit fresh, of course. Beyond that, look for dried mangoes, mango jam, mango barquillos, mango piaya and hopia, and mango bars. Several restaurants on the island serve mango pizza, a local favourite.
Where to buy. The Trappist abbey in San Miguel, Jordan, sells the monks' own mango jams and mango-flavoured baked goods. There is a pasalubong centre beside the Provincial Capitol, and delicacy shops and the public market in Jordan near the wharf sell boxed treats for the boat ride home. In May, the Manggahan Festival trade fair is the best place to taste from many producers at once.
See where they grow. The Bureau of Plant Industry's crop research centre in San Miguel, Jordan, long known as the mango research centre, welcomes walk-in visitors and educational tours, and sells grafted mango seedlings.
Remember. Mangoes from outside Guimaras may not be brought onto the island; buy yours here. Salamat gid!