Botanical Name:
Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae)
Alternative Names:
Indian Mango
Mangga
General Description/History:
- Oblong, pear sized fruit
- Green skin when unripe, fuming orange/yellow and red on the side most exposed to the sun
- Juicy, peach coloured flesh
- 1 large, flat stone
A dome shaped evergreen which grows up to 16m in height. The leaves are dark green and leathery, new leaves are red.
Select mangoes according to their stage of maturity in relation to turnover rates expected in your store. The fruit itself should be free of bruises and of an even size. A peach colouration on the skin is not an indication of ripeness. Fruit grown on the outer branches of the tree, in direct sunlight, will have more colour than those grown on inner, shaded branches. When ripe, mangoes will yield to gentle pressure at the stem end and will have a distinctive mango aroma.
If picked at the mature-green stage, the fruit is usually ripe within 7 - 14 days. Mangoes can be control ripened or allowed to ripen at room temperature.
Select mangoes that yield to gentle pressure and emit a distinctive aroma if you want ripe fruit. Avoid those showing signs of bruising.
Mangoes can be eaten simply diced or sliced. They can be served on fruit and cheese platters as well as incorporated into a range of salads. Mango sorbets, ice cream, parfait or mousse can be served as a refreshing summer treat.
The fruit also complements seafood, chicken, veal as well as curries. If juiced in a blender, it will produce a thick juice that can be served “au natural” or as a base for an exotic cocktail.
It can also be used in sauces, chutneys, cakes, pies, cheesecakes, puddings and preserves.
Mango Tree
The mango grows well in tropical and subtropical regions, but will not tolerate areas where rainfall is continuous. The tree prefers moderate moisture and appears to do well in regions where there is a definite dry season.
The mango is quite drought tolerant and can also withstand heavy rainfall. Trees tend to rema in vegetative in tropical regions with a regular rainfall, and flower and fruit in a dry season. Usually 4-5 months elapses between flowering and fruiting. A tree under favourable conditions can grow quickly and reach a height of 16 metres.
The mango is grown on a wide variety of soil types however, good drainage is essential.
The mango belongs to the same family as the Jamaican plum and the cashew nut. The fruit has been cultivated for more than 4000 years in many warm countries around the world and is believed to be native to the East Indies and Malaysia. Evidence suggests that the fruit also grew wild in Ceylon and regions at the base of the Himalayas.
The mango is given reference in many religious writings. Firstly, Buddha was presented with a mango grove so that he might find repose in its shade. According to Hindu belief, the fruit sheltered the sun daughter as an evil sorceress pursued her.
By early twentieth century the fruit was considered very popular and has been described by ancient travellers as the world’s most delicious fruit.
The Kensington Pride is Queensland’s major fresh market variety. The variety was named after the property on which it was first commercially grown, although it is better known today as the Bowen Special.
Varieties:
Keitt, Pearl, Calypso, Honeygold, Palmer, Brooks, Tommy Atkins,
Fa Lan, Kensington Pride, Nam Doc Mai, R2E2, Kent
Smaller Mango Tree varieties include: Graham, Cogshall, Julie, Fairchild, Mallika, Carrie, Glenn
