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Grown exclusively by Piñata Farms' family farmers in every mainland state except South Australia, Honey Gold mangoes stand out for their bold, intense taste, fibre-free flesh and all-over golden apricot skin. When ripe, the skin has a natural, glossy appeal.

An average of 500-600 grams each, Honey Gold mangoes remain firm when cut and are best eaten fresh.

Piñata Farms product co-ordinator Rebecca Scurr said consumer research conducted in 2012 showed as soon as mid-season Honey Gold mangoes arrived in store, shoppers switched from other varieties and continued to buy Honey Gold until the end of the season.

"During blind taste tests, participants rated Honey Gold mangoes as superior to any other variety, both in flavour and texture," Ms Scurr said.

"We pride ourselves on producing a great tasting mango which consistently has a rich, sweet flavour and firm yet juicy flesh. Honey Gold mangoes also have a smaller seed than other varieties – so there's more flesh to eat. Children love them because they are so sweet and luscious.

"Now is the time to give Honey Gold mangoes a go. Stock up the family fridge for Christmas, or buy a whole tray to reward staff or surprise a neighbour," she said.

Story of a special mango

Honey Gold mangoes were first bred by chance in Queensland's Rockhampton region in 1991 and are the natural result of a Kensington Pride off-type which was pollinated by another unknown variety.

A seed was replanted and when the tree bore fruit, the grower – recognising its special taste and appearance attributes – named it Honey Gold. Piñata Farms bought the plant breeders' rights to the variety in 2002 and expanded the orchard for commercial production, sending the first fruit to market in 2009. The original Honey Gold tree still bears fruit in the Rockhampton orchard.

Slide into summer with Honey Gold mangoes...

• Bites: On Chinese spoons, serve Honey Gold cubes with a slice of red chilli, coriander leaf and squirt of lime juice.
• Dippers: Skewer Honey Gold mango cubes on long toothpicks, dip in yoghurt and then crushed nuts.
• Scoops: Fill baby cos lettuce leaves with diced Honey Gold mango, avocado and red capsicum, drizzle with sweet chilli sauce.
• Salad: Scatter Honey Gold cubes in a salad of rocket, walnuts, goat's cheese and a zesty dressing.
• Trifle: Layer Honey Gold cubes in tall glasses along with slices of sponge roll, jelly and fill in with custard.  

Where to buy Honey Gold mangoes

Piñata Honey Gold mangoes are available nationally from November to March. Look for them at Coles, Woolworths, Harris Farm Markets and independent retail outlets.

Selecting and storing Honey Gold mangoes

Honey Gold mangoes are sold ripe and ready to eat. Hand-picked when mature green, they are packed and transported to special ripening rooms when it takes up to two weeks before they reach their full colour. Honey Gold mangoes have an exceptional shelf life and will last several weeks if kept in the fridge.