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Tobie Puttock talks mangoes

What role do you think mangoes play in the Australian summer?

I think it's safe to say that mangoes are deeply cemented in our culture and everyone has a story about eating mangoes. Although we have adopted cuisines from all over the world I think dishes such as mango and chicken, mango and prawn and mango smoothies are truly Australian dishes. The mere fact that a mango auction exists is proof alone of Australians love for these delicious fruits.

What are your favourite memories involving mangoes?

When I was in my early twenties I was working in Far North Queensland at the Reef House in Palm Cove. I was staying in staff accommodation and apart from having a resident snake that a friend found in his room we were also lucky enough to have a huge mango tree in our garden. This tree produced so many mangoes that we would freeze them and on those hot summer nights after a long day in the kitchen there was nothing better than sitting around outside and eating these delicious frozen fruits.

Why did you choose to throw your support behind mangoes?

We are in a time when you can go to the supermarket and get tomatoes at any time of the year, the same goes for many other types of fruits and vegetables such as asparagus. Mangoes are one of the fruits that are still very seasonal and this means for some months of the year we do not have them. I love this, it means that our eating changes depending on seasons and it gives us something to look forward to. Every year I look forward to those first forest mushrooms or the first heirloom root vegetables and every year I look forward to being able to eat mango on the hot nights in summer.

What foods do you think go particularly well with mangoes?

Mangoes are one of the few ingredients that can jump between savory and sweet. One of my favourite ingredients to serve with mango is maple syrup, it's so amazing. In also love to play with the sweetness of mango by adding in flavours such as chilli or salty flavours such as fish sauce or even prosciutto.

Anything else you wish to say about mangoes?

Sure. Mangoes are grown in Australia. By eating mangoes not only do you get to savor the goodness of these golden fruits but you are helping Australian farmers, supporting seasonal produce and also supporting the Australian economy.


You're known for your Italian cooking - do you have an Italian recipe using mangos?

Sure. Apart from the famous mango bellini mangoes actually fit well into quite a few of my favourite Italian dishes including sorbetto’s, gelati and of course my caramelised brioche with grilled mango.

Mango recipes:
Armagnac and mango crepes
Fish Tacos with fresh mango salsa
Grilled mango with caramelised brioche
Mango Bellini
Som Tam (Green Papaya & Mango Salad)
Spiced chicken and mango salad

Spring is picnic weather, what do you like to bring to a picnic?

I always try and keep picnics pretty easy. Of course I would bring sparkling water and maybe a cheeky bottle of champagne and maybe some mango sorbet or Som Tam would be lovely as well.

What's your favourite 5 ingredient-or-less dish using mangoes?

Grilled mango, plain yoghurt, pistachio nuts, palm sugar

What are you looking forward to cooking this spring/summer?

I love cooking Thai food at home and during summer its perfect, those hot, sour, sweet and salty flavours and perfect for heat.

We all love mangos in a fruit salad, but how can you make a fruit salad a bit more exciting?

Making flavoured sugars always brings life to fruit salad, its very easy. To make mint sugar you simply pound some mint and sugar together in a mortar and pestle until the sugar is a punchy green colour and then sprinkle the sugar over the top of the fruit salad. Another naughty one is using champagne, simply drizzle a little over the fruit and serve.




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