Mango production in Florida
Florida is the largest producer of mangoes in the United States.
History
The first commercial mango orchard in Florida was planted in 1833.[1] Mango growing and breeding was a hobby of wealthy men in South Florida including Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.[2]
As a craft beer industry developed in Florida beers which included mango began to appear.[3] In 2021 Florida was the largest producer of mangoes in the United States.[4]
Season
In the Florida Keys mango season is May-July.[5]
Risks
Outside of South Florida frost is an issue with Central Florida providing marginal production with adequate protection.[6]
Variable weather can make the harvest unreliable.[7] South Florida has significant hurricane risk.[8]
Culture
The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Florida hosts the annual International Mango Festival.[9]
Key West holds an annual Mango Festival,[10] in the Keys a "mango fairy" is said to leave ripe mangoes for people.[5]
Breeding
Florida is home to a number of mango breeders. In the 21st century the University of Florida has used genetic profiling to improve the industry.[4]
Varieties developed in Florida
- Alice (mango)
- Anderson (mango)
- Angie (mango)
- Bailey's Marvel
- Beverly (mango)
- Brooks (mango)
- Carrie (mango)
- Coconut Cream (mango)
- Cogshall (mango)
- Cushman (mango)
- Dot (mango)
- Duncan (mango)
- Earlygold
- Edward (mango)
- Eldon (mango)
- Fairchild (mango)
- Fascell
- Florigon
- Ford (mango)
- Glenn (mango)
- Haden (mango)
- Hatcher (mango)
- Irwin (mango)
- Jakarta (mango)
- Jean Ellen
- Keitt (mango)
- Kent (mango)
- Lippens (mango)
- Osteen (mango)
- Palmer (mango)
- Parvin (mango)
- Rosigold
- Ruby (mango)
- Sensation (mango)
- Sophie Fry
- Southern Blush
- Spirit of '76 (mango)
- Springfels
- Sunset (mango)
- Tommy Atkins (mango)
- Torbert (mango)
- Valencia Pride
- Van Dyke (mango)
- Young (mango)
- Zill (mango)
See also
References
- ^ Sowder, Amy. "What's the mango's origin story?". The Packer. thepacker.com. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Hughes, Debbie. "Growing mangoes in Southwest Florida". news-press.com. News-Press. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Jones, Amanda. "Hollywood Brewing Company taps into South Florida's craft beer boom". hollywoodgazette.com. Hollywood Gazette. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ a b Rusnak, Paul. "More Florida Mangoes, Please! Scientists Are Working on It". growingproduce.com. Growing Produce. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ a b Sickmen, Erin Stover. "MANGO SEASON IN THE KEYS". keysweekly.com. Keys Weekly. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Popenoe, Juanita. "From the Extension: Growing mangoes in central Florida requires careful supervision". dailycommercial.com. Daily Commercial. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ McClellan, Yvonne Ayala. "Man-gone: A fruit falters". News-Press. news-press.com. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Delk, Katie. "'Just heartbreaking': Southwest Florida small family farmers struggle after Hurricane Ian". wuft.org. WUFT. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Keeler, Janet K. "Explore South Florida's global love affair with mangoes". tampabay.com. Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Miles, Mandy. "MANGO FEST KEY WEST CELEBRATES THE SWEETNESS OF SUMMER". keysweekly.com. Keys Weekly. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
