Mangoes as Currency in Miami

In a fun twist, some folks in Florida are trading mangoes for food and drinks. It’s quite unique, really. During peak mango season in June and July, various restaurants in Miami are embracing this fruity form of currency.

One standout is Bodega Taqueria Y Tequila, known for its Mexican street cuisine. They have several locations, and they’re participating in a promotion dubbed “Bring Your Own Mango” or BYOM.

If customers bring in mangoes, they can snag a free “mango tango” cocktail. It’s a creative way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of Miami’s Latin culture, as Felix Martinez, senior general manager at Bodega, shared.

Martinez mentioned that the customer response has been fantastic, with some bringing in homegrown mangoes. He notes that the only request is that the fruit be in good condition—after all, it’s all about enjoying the flavor and the community spirit that comes with it. The BYOM event runs until Sunday, August 31st.

Another spot getting in on the action is Peel, a soft-serve joint focused on banana desserts. They’re allowing customers to bring five pounds of mangoes for a dairy-free dessert bowl with toppings, which sounds kind of fun. They’ve even been sharing this on their Instagram.

Then there’s Zak The Baker, an artisan bakery that’s continuing its annual mango trade. For the third year in a row, they’re offering a bread in exchange for six mangoes. Owner Zach Post expressed gratitude to everyone participating, emphasizing community spirit during the summer season.

Mangoes, introduced to the United States in Florida back in 1833, are a delightful part of this community celebration. With a history that dates back to Spanish explorers in the 1600s who brought them to South America and Mexico, it’s interesting to see how this tropical fruit has found its place in Miami’s culinary scene. The summer harvest really brings everyone together, doesn’t it?