Tropical & Subtropical Fruits

Introduction

Preamble

• The mango, Mangifera indica L , belongs to the Anacardeacea family which grows in a perennial tree of medium to large size with a symmetrical top.
• The flowers are produced in panicles which are about ten to twelve inches in length. The flower is hermaphroditic with male and female flowers in the same flower panicle.
• The fruit varies in size and has a fleshy pulp. The skin is leathery and varies in color from yellowish green to red. The seed is found in the center of the fruit.
• The fruit weighs about 1/4 pound to 3 pounds. Fruit may be round, ovate, or obovate depending on the variety.
• The immature fruit has green skin that gradually turns yellow, orange, purple, red, or combinations of these colors as the fruit matures.
• Mature fruit has a characteristic fragrance and a smooth, thin, tough skin.
• The flesh of ripe mangos is pale yellow to orange.
• The flesh is juicy, sweet, and sometimes fibrous.