Season: March to June
Mango, the large oval smooth-skinned specimen with juicy aromatic flesh and a large hairy seed definitely belongs among the best tropical fruits. There are more than a dozen mango varieties growing in Thailand, some were locally developed or hybridized. The "Nam Dawk Mai", "Ok Long", "Keow Savoey" (green and sweet with a powdery texture) and other light-colored varieties of Thai mango are especially delicious treats. Prepared as the "Mango and Sticky (glutinous) Rice", it is best known and a much popular choice of dessert. Also, some sorts of mango with a delicate sour flavour are often eaten as salads such as the "Yam Ma-muang", or as a condiment to refine the dish taste sensation. Some mango varieties are pickled, soaked in sugarwater, salted, dried or turned into the jams and chutneys.
Mango is a major fruit crop in Sakhon Nakhon province in the North, Yasothon, Si Sa Ket and Chaiyaphum in the Northeast, Prachin Buri in the East, and Nakhon Phathom, Ratchaburi and Chon Buri in Central Thailand.
Mango (Ma-muang)One of the most popular Thai fruits, with many varieties to be found, mostly yellow and soft to the touch when ripe. Slice open lengthwise, remove the large seed, then scoop out the delicious juicy flesh with a spoon. It is also eaten unripe, in salads. Season: February to May
Mango is one of the most significant trees on the planet. Mango fruit is important in its native lands and now also eaten worldwide. Mango is also one of the oldest cultivated trees proven by writings from India over 4,000 years old. Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami boasts the world's largest collection, over 180 mango cultivars
Native to countries such as Malaysia, India and Burma, mangos are very large trees, to 90-100 feet in their homelands. Due to their size, they are also important for shade as well as food. The tree in the photo is an adolescent. This one is much larger growing here in Fort Lauderdale near its local maximum of about 40 feet
Due to tree size, harvesting mango fruit can be difficult. There are smaller tree varieties such as Graham, Cogshall, Julie, Fairchild, Mallika, Carrie and Glenn. Prune aggressively for shape and size to keep them smaller
The leaves are green, leathery and large, to 12 inches across. New leaves can be somewhat red or yellow in color. Mango flowers appear in spring to summer, depending on variety, are sweetly fragrant and attractive
About 10 mango varieties are grown in South Florida producing fruit from 3/4 lb. to over 4 lbs. each
This page lists 143 named varieties
Different mango types also produce at different times of the year. Also different colored fruits are seen and likewise around the tropical world, local favorites vary in size, color and taste. Although some people are allergic to the meat, mango is highly favored in Eastern cooking as well as fresh fruit
Pick mangos fully ripe off the tree and eat immediately for maximum taste and sweetness
Plant mango in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Water very regularly until established and be sure to fertilize properly. Be watchful for common pests such as scales and sooty-mold
Weather can be a factor in fruit production from year to year. For example, if it's too humid during the time of fruit setting, fungus can be a problem to fruit and leaves. Even after fruit is set, anthracnose fungus can attack. Be prepared to spray with copper fungicide to save your crop
As your mango tree approaches fruit bearing age, fertilizer should be a la 8-2-10 or 8-2-14 ...see what your garden center has available and buy some formulation that is close
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