By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing food festivals is back again this summer.

The Nevis Mango & Food Festival, now in its fifth year, is set for July 4-7 with a focus on the island’s growing culinary power.

Nevis is home to 44 different varieties of mangos, which play an important role in everything from soups and salsas to cocktails on the island, and it’s at the center of the festival, which includes a series of culinary events, partnership with local eateries and events.

This year’s festival will include special “Mango Fest” menus at local restaurants, while chefs from local hotels and abroad will be competing at a “mango cook-off” on July 7 at Oualie Beach.

Frequent Food Network Chef Judy Joo has been tapped as the lead culinary ambassador for the festival.

“Chef Joo fell in love with Nevis upon her first visit and we are thrilled and honored that she has embraced the island and the festival each year,” said Greg Phillip, the chief executive officer of the Nevis Tourism Authority. “Not only is Judy inventive and innovative in her approach to cooking with mangoes, but her stewardship of the event has been an encouragement to our local Nevisian chefs who take part in the festival and competitions. We look forward to another spectacular year.”

For more, visit the Nevis Mango Festival.

— CJ