Reputed to be the world's most popular fruit, mangos are now cultivated and enjoyed in over one hundred countries. The top five mango producing countries in the world are India, China, Thailand, Pakistan and Mexico, in descending order. (Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations)
Mango trees need a warm, tropical climate to thrive, therefore, domestic production is limited to Hawaii, Florida and some parts of California.
As a result, most mangos consumed in the U.S. are imported from other countries. Mexico is our primary supplier of mangos. Other U.S. mango suppliers include Ecuador, Brazil, Guatemala, Peru and Haiti.
Between the original wild mango varieties and hybridization, there are literally hundreds of mango varieties in the entire world. Few varieties make their way to American supermarkets.
The most common varieties available are:
Ataulfo
More compact compared to other varieties, it has a kidney-shaped form, with a skin that turns from green to a deep golden yellow when fully ripe. The inside is velvety smooth, with almost no fibrous texture, unlike other varieties, and a much thinner pit (about the thickness of a wafer). The taste is intensely sweet and full. The Champagne® mango is of this variety.
Availability: March through July from Mexico
Haden
These are medium, rounder mangos with an oval-round shape. Haden mangos have skin that is yellow in color accompanied by a red-orange blush when ripe. They have a juicy and yellow pulp that is sweet in flavor and have moderate fiber.
Availability: March through June from Mexico
Tommy Atkins
Large, oblong shaped fruit with green skin that has some hues of red. Tommy Atkins are characterized by firm, juicy flesh with a smaller pit and moderate fiber. They emit a strong and pleasant scent.
Availability: February through July from Mexico
KentA large fruit, primarily green colored on the outside, with an occasional red blush. Kents have smooth flesh with minimal to mild fiber and are very juicy with a sweet, rich flavor.
Availability: June through August from Mexico
KeittThis large, oval-shaped fruit has green skin with a hint of a rosy-orange blush. Its flesh is smooth, sweet and juicy with mild fiber. Keitts have a flavorful aroma and also have a smaller pit than other green mango counterparts.
Available July through September from Mexico
Variety photos provided by the National Mango Board
