National Mango Board celebrates Florida's mango heritage

The National Mango Board is celebrating mangoes all summer long, with a special emphasis on South Florida’s contributions to the U.S. mango industry.

The highlight of the board’s promotions and events is the inaugural South Beach Mango Festival, Aug. 5 in Miami Beach, Fla., according to a news release.

Mangoes were introduced to South Florida more than 200 years ago, according to the release. Haden mangoes were developed in Coconut Grove, Fla., from the Indian grafted mulgoba variety and the Caribbean turpentine mango, according to the release.

Kent, keitt and tommy atkins varieties were eventually developed from the haden.

“It is amazing to trace back the origin and birth of the U.S. mango industry to our neighbors in South Florida,” said Valda Coryat, director of marketing for the mango board.

“We are so inspired by the passion and love Florida natives and families have towards their mangoes. Their varieties are a part of their history. For generations they’ve cared for their own trees in their backyards and fields. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to celebrate with them and experience Florida’s mango culture.”

The South Beach Mango Festival was created in part by Miami-area real estate investor Robert Lansburgh to celebrate the region’s fruit.

The event features a variety of entertainment including live music, a recipe contest and a kids’ mango eating competition, and mango dishes created by professional chefs. Proceeds from the event benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Miami, according to the festival’s website. For more information and for tickets, visit www.sobemangofest.com.

This story is from The Packer.

Tags: Agriculture