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 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. Rusnak, Paul. "More Florida Mangoes, Please! Scientists Are Working on It". growingproduce.com. Growing Produce. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  5. 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.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.