In the spotlight - Mangos

As these are unlikely to be in season in the UK - though never say never, as the climate may shift - now seems as good a time as any to put mangos in the spotlight.

• Mangos originated in India, where they are a symbol of love and word has it that they are the shape that inspired the paisley print.
• They belong to the same family of trees as the cashew and pistachio.
• Mango fruits, like apricots, peaches and plums are known as "drupes" - they contain a hard stone encasing a seed.
• All parts of the mango plant have played an important role in South Asian folk medicine.
• Apparently the greener the skin of a mango, the higher the Vitamin C content, though as they ripen they become richer in Beta-carotene.
• There's more to mangos than merely chutney - serve them sliced in a salad, blend as part of a smoothie, add them to rice dishes and curries, use them in baking or whatever else you can imagine.

Breakfast salad (serves 2)

• Cube a mango, peel and slice 2 kiwis and add a handful of blueberries.
• Serve with natural yoghurt and a sprinkling of oats

Vegetable and mango curry stir-fry (serves 4)

• Chop 2 onions and an aubergine, and stir-fry for 5 mins.
•  Add 4tsp each of curry powder, cumin and coriander, stirring well.
• Add 2 chopped courgettes and 2 chopped red peppers, along with a cubed mango, cooking for another 5 mins.
• Serve with rice.