Many backyard mango trees are often of unknown varieties - but that does not diminish their delightful surprise.

Mango season in Southwest Florida typically runs through October, with the early local varieties ripening on the tree as early as May. Peak season for most of the local mangos occurs during the summer months. A fruit-laden mango transforms the landscapes of backyard growers and the envy of many friends and neighbors!

Right now, backyard mango trees in Marco are loaded with fruit, and "mango gourmands" have been busy tracking the "ripe indexes" of neighborhood mango trees. According to experts, when ready to ripen, mangos turn from green to a rainbow of colors, including yellow, orange, crimson red, or even deep purple.

Southwest Florida

Those hanging fruits are usually located high up the mango tree and out of reach for an easy "ripe test."

At the supermarket, you might try the "squeeze test" or try the "sniff test" to determine the viability of the mangos at the produce section. But those mangos in the supermarket traveled a long way to get there, and though they are considered "fresh," those varieties are not "local." According to UF/IFAS agricultural experts, though South Florida is the largest mango-producing state in the U.S., with an estimated 60 million pounds harvested annually, we still import mangos from Mexico. These "imported varieties" tend to be more popular during the winter months.

But it is summertime and for local mangos, this is the best time to feast on them! It becomes a substitute for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner and yes, it is possible to gain weight, temporarily, on an over-consumption of local mangos. And with baskets of ripe fruits to share with your new best friends and neighbors, it's hard to resist!

South Florida

Culinary experts have an endless list on what to do with mangos. Eating a ripe, juicy mango can be messy - simply peel, slice, scoop, and enjoy every juicy bite!

Mangos can be added to salads, salsas, and curries, enhancing flavors with their exotic flavors. A mango salsa with diced cilantro, lime, and sweet onions is a great recipe for summertime! For dessert, there is mango cheesecake! For drinks, we have endless mixes for smoothies and mango cocktails for a refreshing summer beverage.

During the summertime, mango fans also engage in activities by visiting local nurseries looking for that perfect mango variety. Summertime also offers many tropical fruit festivals highlighting Southwest Florida's other tropical fruits! Local summer Farmer's Markets are a good place to talk to local vendors and to taste mid-to-late summer varieties. Look for listings in your local newspaper of events by local fruit growers offering a variety of locally grown tropical fruits. The Naples Botanical Garden has offered a Taste of the Tropics each June with fruits from their local collection, and with live educational demonstrations and tours.

Naples Botanical Garden

But guess what? Growing a mango tree in your backyard is the highlight of a summer indulgence, and you are likely a "friend to all the local birds." Ripe mangos have high water and sugar content and are an energy source even for humans. But you are also the best friend of all your local unwanted critters, as you watch your favorite mango fruits being devoured by even iguanas! And as the summer heat intensifies, the mangos tend to ripen all at once, and you find a messy and sticky mess underneath your mango tree.

Friends of ours had this "sticky" issue underneath their mature mango tree occupying half of their side yard. But the fruit tasted so delicious, though they had no clue as to the variety! It was a medium-sized mango and pale green to yellow when ripe, with a deep orange and fiber-free flesh! I will try to propagate the seed and see what happens. According to experts, Florida is home to over 500 varieties of mangoes. Like most Floridians, they like their mango tree, and Marco/Southwest Florida is one of the few places where they can enjoy this variety and many others locally.

It's summertime and the Mango is the king of the tropical fruits in the Southwest Florida! Time to indulge!

to determine the viability of the mangos at the produce section. But those mangos in the supermarket traveled a long way to get there, and though they are considered

Where this fits

Wild and seasonal foods reward anyone who buys little and often, since the difference between a good week and a great one is usually measured in days.

At a glance

  • Many backyard mango trees are often of unknown varieties - but that does not diminish their delightful surprise
  • Mango season in Southwest Florida typically runs through October, with the early local varieties ripening on the tree as early as May
  • Right now, backyard mango trees in Marco are loaded with fruit, and "mango gourmands" have been busy tracking the "ripe indexes" of neighborhood mango trees
  • At the supermarket, you might try the "squeeze test" or try the "sniff test" to determine the viability of the mangos at the produce section
  • It is summertime and for local mangos, this is the best time to feast on them!

Common questions

What should you know about Florida?

Mango season in Southwest Florida typically runs through October, with the early local varieties ripening on the tree as early as May.

What happens next?

I will try to propagate the seed and see what happens.

All told

The details will firm up over the coming months. What is already clear is that this is unlikely to be the last we hear of it.