Are mangoes citrus fruits? This question often arises due to their shared presence in tropical and subtropical climates and sometimes similar vitamin content. However, from a botanical perspective, mangoes are not citrus fruits. Despite superficial resemblances, these two fruit types belong to distinct plant families, possessing unique characteristics. This article will explore the defining features of both citrus fruits and mangoes to clarify their differences.
Characteristics of Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are members of the Rutaceae family, known for producing pulpy fruits with thick skins. Botanically, citrus fruits are a specialized type of berry called a hesperidium. This fruit type is characterized by its leathery rind, which contains numerous oil glands, and a segmented interior filled with juice-filled vesicles. Common examples include oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
The rind, also known as the peel, is typically not consumed due to its tough and often bitter nature, though its outermost pigmented layer, the flavedo, is used as zest. Citrus fruits are recognized for their tart taste, primarily attributed to high levels of citric acid. Beyond their acidity, citrus fruits are recognized for their substantial vitamin C content, with a single orange or grapefruit providing a significant portion of the daily recommended intake.
Characteristics of Mangoes
Mangoes are the edible stone fruit produced by the tropical tree Mangifera indica, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Unlike citrus, a mango is botanically classified as a drupe, or stone fruit, characterized by its fleshy outer layer surrounding a single, large, hard pit. This pit encases the seed, which is protected by a woody husk.
The fruit’s skin is typically smooth and can range in color from green to yellow, orange, or red when ripe, while the interior flesh is juicy and sweet, often with a fibrous texture depending on the variety. Mangoes thrive in frost-free tropical and warmer subtropical climates. Many varieties exist, differing in size, shape, flavor, and texture.
Why They Are Different
The fundamental difference between mangoes and citrus fruits lies in their botanical classification. Citrus fruits belong to the Rutaceae family, while mangoes are part of the Anacardiaceae family. This familial distinction underpins other structural and chemical variations. For instance, citrus fruits are hesperidia with segmented flesh and a leathery, oil-gland-rich rind, whereas mangoes are drupes with a single, large central pit surrounded by non-segmented pulp.
Their internal structures reflect these classifications: citrus fruits have distinct carpels filled with juice vesicles, while mangoes feature fibrous flesh enclosing a single hard endocarp. Although both fruit types are known for their vitamin C content, citrus fruits generally have a higher concentration and a tart flavor due to citric acid, while mangoes are typically sweeter, containing malic and tartaric acids in smaller amounts.