Florida is one of the few places in the continental United States where mangoes can be grown successfully, primarily in southern counties like Miami-Dade, Lee, and Palm Beach. The subtropical climate and warm, humid conditions mimic the native environment of Mangifera indica, allowing consistent fruit maturation. Although Florida’s commercial production is small compared to international markets, the state holds a unique place in mango history as the origin of many widely grown varieties. This local cultivation results in a diverse landscape of fruit, from hardier types shipped worldwide to delicate cultivars found only at local markets.
Primary Commercial Varieties
The varieties most often seen in large grocery stores are selected for traits that favor commercial handling, such as durability, long shelf life, and attractive red skin blush. The ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango is the most extensively planted export variety, largely due to its resistance to disease and ability to withstand shipping. It has a distinctive red-orange blush over a yellow-green background, but its flavor is often mild and its texture tends to be fibrous.
The ‘Haden’ mango originated in Florida in the early 1900s and was the first major commercial variety, serving as the foundation for the state’s breeding program. It is known for its strong flavor, deep yellow skin with a crimson blush, and moderately fibrous texture. A late-season favorite is the ‘Keitt’ mango, prized for its large size and sweet, juicy flesh with very little fiber. The ‘Keitt’ is unusual because it retains a green skin color even when fully ripe.
Specialty and Heirloom Florida Cultivars
Beyond the commercial types, Florida’s groves are home to specialty and heirloom cultivars favored by local enthusiasts for their superior eating quality. These fruits are often softer and more delicate, offering intense, unique flavor profiles but not handling long-distance shipping well. The ‘Carrie’ mango is a prime example, celebrated for having virtually no fiber and a rich, aromatic sweetness.
The ‘Glenn’ is a popular home-grown variety known for its reliable production and virtually fiberless, mild, sweet flesh. It is generally easier to grow in the Florida climate than many temperamental cultivars. The ‘Valencia Pride’ is a vigorous tree that produces large, elongated fruit with a sweet, classic mango flavor. Asian varieties like ‘Nam Doc Mai’ are also highly sought after, offering a slender, golden fruit that is firm, non-fibrous, and intensely sweet.
Distinguishing Characteristics and Flavor Profiles
The most significant difference between Florida-grown mangoes lies in their fiber content, which greatly affects the eating experience. Commercial varieties tend to have higher fiber near the seed, contributing to firmness for shipping. In contrast, premium cultivars like ‘Kent’, ‘Carrie’, and ‘Glenn’ were bred to be low- or non-fibrous, resulting in a smooth, buttery texture.
Flavor profiles also vary dramatically beyond simple sweetness, often containing complex aromatic notes. The ‘Mallika’ mango, for instance, is exceptionally sweet and features distinct citrus, melon, and honey undertones. Specialty fruits, like the ‘Coconut Cream’ mango, may develop a subtle coconut-like hint in the flesh. The ‘Haden’ offers a classic, strong, slightly tangy flavor, while the ‘Keitt’ provides a mild, juicy sweetness versatile for cooking and desserts.
Peak Availability and Harvest Timing
The Florida mango season typically spans from late spring through early fall, with the greatest production occurring from May through September. This window is dictated by the time it takes for fruit to mature after the tree flowers. The harvest is not uniform, as different cultivars are classified as early, mid, or late-season.
Early-season mangoes, such as ‘Tommy Atkins’ and some ‘Haden’ crops, begin ripening around May and June. The peak of the season, from July through early August, brings mid-season varieties like ‘Glenn’, ‘Kent’, and ‘Valencia Pride’ to market. The season concludes with late-ripening fruits, primarily the large ‘Keitt’ mango, which continues to be harvested through August and into September.