Mango

Until recently rarely seen in Britain in their fresh state, mangoes are now available in supermarkets. They are used both ripe and in their green, unripened state in savoury dishes and in chutneys and pickles, where their high pectin levels help give a good set.

When buying them ripe, the skins should be unblemished and the flesh very sweet and succulent. Allow them to ripen fully for a few days at room temperature, wrapped in paper. They are ready when they give to gentle pressure and smell sweet and perfumed.