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 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

See also

References

  1. ↑ Sowder, Amy. "What's the mango's origin story?". The Packer. thepacker.com. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  2. ↑ Hughes, Debbie. "Growing mangoes in Southwest Florida". news-press.com. News-Press. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  3. ↑ Jones, Amanda. "Hollywood Brewing Company taps into South Florida's craft beer boom". hollywoodgazette.com. Hollywood Gazette. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  4. 1 2 Rusnak, Paul. "More Florida Mangoes, Please! Scientists Are Working on It". growingproduce.com. Growing Produce. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  5. 1 2 Sickmen, Erin Stover. "MANGO SEASON IN THE KEYS". keysweekly.com. Keys Weekly. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  6. ↑ Popenoe, Juanita. "From the Extension: Growing mangoes in central Florida requires careful supervision". dailycommercial.com. Daily Commercial. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  7. ↑ McClellan, Yvonne Ayala. "Man-gone: A fruit falters". News-Press. news-press.com. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  8. ↑ Delk, Katie. "'Just heartbreaking': Southwest Florida small family farmers struggle after Hurricane Ian". wuft.org. WUFT. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  9. ↑ Keeler, Janet K. "Explore South Florida's global love affair with mangoes". tampabay.com. Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  10. ↑ Miles, Mandy. "MANGO FEST KEY WEST CELEBRATES THE SWEETNESS OF SUMMER". keysweekly.com. Keys Weekly. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
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