Many of us think that Guimaras is only about mangoes and beaches. What we failed to notice was that the island’s soul is best savored through its delicacies. Each pack is crafted with love, tradition, and a dash of tropical magic.
Guimaras is unquestionably famous for its mangoes and agritourism. Another one to highlight is its delicacies scene. It is also a hidden treasure waiting to be savored. We often see these bags on exhibits and pasalubong shops, but over the weekend, we embarked on a delicious hunt. What we visited was a feast for the senses and warmth on the heart. Indeed, Guimaras shouts “Mangoes and More”, and this “More” offers a vibrant tapestry of flavors crafted from local produce like dragonfruit, cashews, and calamansi.
McNester Food Products
The first we visited was McNester Food Products in San Isidro, Buenavista. This proud local business transforms Guimaras mangoes and calamansi into kitchen staples and delectable treats. Their mango ketchup brings a tangy twist to the classics. Every bottle is great for pasta or dipping sauces.
From our last visit, I was able to prepare a simple mango-spaghetti dish. Instead of the usual spaghetti red sauce, we used their mango ketchup. The flavor was rich and glazed with a subtle sweetness that teases the tongue. Their calamansi juice is refreshing, and the dried mangoes, especially when the spicy variant is available in store, offer a chewy and fiery kick that wakes up the senses.
Parolas Guimaras (Emhyu Foods)
Known as Parolas Food Products, Emhyu Foods is home to Serafina. These are crispy, bite-sized dough balls deep-fried to golden perfection and coated in caramelized sugar. Each bite crackles, then melts into a sweet, buttery finish. Flavors range from the iconic Guimaras mango to dragonfruit, calamansi, and pineapple. A dusting of white sugar adds a delicate crunch, making it impossible to stop at just one.
Aside from Serafina, Parolas Guimaras is also proud to share that they are in the quest to develop what they could offer the market. They are home to giant mango piaya that is as big as regular plates.
Nonnies Delicacies
If you are a lover of everything that melts in your mouth, Nonnies is the place to visit. Their best-seller is their lengua de gato, which dissolves like snowflakes in your mouth. It is light, buttery, and a bite of heaven here on Earth. Another thing we loved was their butterscotch bars, which pair well with a cup of coffee thanks to their delightful sweetness balance.
Merly Cashew Nuts and Delicacies
Merly’s flagship product is their roasted cashew nuts. Every handful promises an earthy, nutty, and satisfyingly crisp. But Merly’s is full of surprises. They also have a version of their mango piaya oozing with tropical flavor. Aside from these,they also have Barquillos and cashew-based treats. Every corner of their shop is a testament to Guimaras’ creativity and resourcefulness.
Bonus: Guimaras Wonder’s Farm
Before going home to Iloilo City, we made a stop at Guimaras Wonder’s Farm. This place is the home of over 600 mango trees, and they are a proud advocate of natural farming. This may not be a delicacies shop, but it’s a must-visit for fresh fruits, vegetables, dried mangoes, jams, and pickles. The scent of peace and earthy greens fills the air, and the farm’s vibe makes it a perfect last stop.
These places were even made more special because of the hearts behind each business. Amazingly, these businesses are headed by women. The heart and soul that runs and manages the, are mothers, daughters, and grandmothers who’s love is too pure to pour a legacy in every recipe they have. Rooted in the dreams they have for the betterment of their families, they find time to collaborate through exhibited, cross-promotion of each other’s goods, and continuous improvement to share knowledge and hone their crafts.
So next time you are in Guimaras, don’t just taste the mangoes. Explore also the island’s rich, flavorful soul. Let your senses guide you to every place filled with sizzling pans, sweet aromas, and the warm smiles of women behind every pasalubong we bring home.
