Though summer’s end is nearing, there is still time to find and enjoy the sweet tropical goodness of Florida-grown mangoes. With so many cultivars available, Florida’s mango season typically stretches from as early as March, with the ripening of Rosigold, all the way into the fall months of September and October. If you act now, you can still savor the flavors of this crown jewel of the tropics.

Peak season for Florida mangoes are the summer months of June and July because so many more cultivars are producing fruit compared to the fall and spring when fewer cultivars are ripening. The longer you wait to search the internet for south Florida mango shippers the fewer cultivar choices you have. With such popularity, locally and abroad the breeding efforts for these fruits have yielded several great tasting late season mango cultivars. Some late season mango cultivars you may find available in south Florida to ship this time of year include Keitt, Kensington Pride, Lancetilla and Palmer.

Keitt – is generally available from July until October. The fruit is tangy and sweet with firm flesh and medium fiber. It is a popular import variety for supermarkets.

Kensington Pride – is available mid-season through mid-November. The fruit is soft and juicy with minimal fiber

Lancetilla – ripens between August and September with firm and juicy sweet tasting fiberless fruit.

Palmer – Is another popular import for supermarkets even though it originated in Florida during the 1940’s. The fruit is mildly sweet and smooth with limited fibers.

These are just a few of the late season mango cultivars still available from south Florida growers. If you have never eaten a fresh mango from Florida, I encourage you to do so. The flavor is sure to wake taste buds you never knew you had.

For more information on mangoes of Florida, please refer to UF/IFAS EDIS #HS2 Mango Growing in the Florida Home Landscape.

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