If you are vacationing in St. Lucia during the right time of year, you will quickly realize that mangoes are a big part of life here. In our own backyard at IslanderKeys, we have two mango trees that bear a lot of fruit every single year. It is one of those things we are used to as Lucians, but for our guests, it is a total “wow” moment.
It is always great to see how excited people get when they see the fruit ripening. Our guests often come to us and ask for permission to eat the mangoes from the tree. We always tell them, “Of course!”. The mango tree is there for your enjoyment, and we love sharing the local bounty with the people staying in our suites.
The Great Mango Race: Us vs. The Birds
I always tell people that the animals have a feast during mango season, and I am not joking! As soon as those mangoes start to get ripe, the local birds, the blackbirds and the smaller yellow-bellies, start picking at them every single day.
It really becomes a race between the birds and us to see who can grab the best fruit first. We want you to have the best experience possible, which means getting those juicy mangoes into your hands before the birds make a meal out of them!
Meet the Palwee: The “No-Floss” Mango
The type of mango we have in our backyard is called the Palwee. That is the local Creole name we use for it here in St. Lucia. While I am not sure what the name is in English, every Lucian knows a Palwee is a delicious treat.
What makes the Palwee special is its firm texture. When you peel one and take a bite, your teeth sink right into it because it is very meaty. One of the best things about it? It does not have those “threads” or fibers that other mangoes have. You can eat your fill without needing to go hunting for dental floss afterward! While it might not be the absolute sweetest variety on the island, the smooth, fleshy texture will excite your taste buds.
When to Catch the Harvest
If you want to experience this for yourself, timing is everything. Mango season in St. Lucia typically starts around May and runs through August. In some parts of the island, you can even find them all year round, but that summer window is when you can find them everywhere.
In this photo, you can see the fruit dangling overhead with IslanderKeys Elegant Suite (Apartment 1) in the background. I was standing right under the tree to capture that view. Having these trees on the property really adds to that authentic Lucian vibe we want you to feel the moment you arrive.
Tips:
- Ask us for help: If you aren’t sure if a mango is ready or if you can’t reach them in the tree, just ask us! We would be happy to help you pick the perfect ones.
- Watch the Ground: In the peak of the season, mangoes are everywhere—on the roadsides and the floor. Just be careful where you step, as they can be slippery!
- Eat Like a Local: Don’t be afraid to get messy. The best way to enjoy a mango is right there in the backyard under the shade with the juices running down your hand.
If you are staying at our Airbnb and the trees are full, help yourself! Feel free to grab them and enjoy as many as you want. It is all part of the IslanderKeys experience.
Damian is your co-host at Islanderkeys, where he turns his passion for St. Lucian hospitality into memorable guest experiences. An IT Manager by profession and a dedicated family man at heart, Damian loves nothing more than sharing the ‘hidden gems’ of his island home. Through his writing, he aims to help travelers discover the authentic spirit of St. Lucia.
