Mango.org

The amazing mango tree (Mangifera Indica) is much more than just a source for mangos—It’s a beautiful, living form that gives back to the planet and to the people who tend it.

There are more than 1,200 cultivated varieties of mangos grown around the world. Trees range in sizes. Smaller ones grow up to 8 feet while the largest mango trees can reach heights of 60-100 feet with a canopy that can stretch out to nearly 35 feet. The most popular and widely grown mango tree (Tommy Atkins) reaches a height of around 12 feet. A mango tree’s leaves are long and leathery. They are a deep shade of green and around five to sixteen inches in length, alternating on a slim woody branch. Mango trees thrive in full sun, high temperatures, and compost-rich soil that is well drained and quick to dry.

When ready to harvest, mature mangos are usually hand-picked, then quickly transported to local packinghouses. The utmost care is given to these delicious and fresh fruits. While in the packinghouse, inspectors test, wash, size, and then load the fruit into specialized cartons that provide proper airflow and protection for their upcoming journey.