Mango on My Mind

As a child, one of my favorite places to spend my time was in a mango orchard.  I would scour the leaf covered floor bed for a freshly fallen mango.  I looked for the bright yellow color, usually with a shade of red.  I’d pick up my prospective gem and turn it over in my hands checking for brown spots or blemishes.  I’d squeeze the fruit gently.  If it had too much give, it was no good.  I’d hold my new prize close to my face and take in the sweet aroma.  Mmmm!  I’d found a perfect mango.

Mango Varieties in Hawaiʻi

There are dozens of mango varieties in Hawaiʻi, but the three most common are Rapoza, Haden and Pirie. They are all sweet, juicy when ripe and fiberless.

Rapoza

The variety of mango from my childhood story is the Rapoza. It is known for having ripe skin that is yellow with a red or purple blush.

Haden

The Haden is probably the most popular and easiest to find in Hawaiʻi. The ripe skin is red, yellow and green.

Pirie

The Pirie is an older variety.  The ripe skin tends to be more yellow and green than red.

Other Mango Varieties in Hawaiʻi

Other more regional varieties include:  Oʻahu’s Gouveia, Molokaʻi’s Mapulehu and Maui’s Golden Glow.

Growing Season in Hawaiʻi

Mango trees produce flowers from December through April. The trees will begin to bear fruit in May with peak season being July and some trees giving fruit as late as October.  They prefer hotter drier areas and can grow over 100 feet tall.

A Taste of Hawaiʻi

Local farmer’s markets are the best place to find fresh mangoes. Sometimes, the farmers will even be able to share with you the story behind the fruit. Many mango strains are unique to certain areas or only grown by one family. Mangoes, like people, have a heritage. Hawaiʻi's mangoes can also be found in local grocery stores like Foodland and Whole Foods — look for "locally-grown"

Besides being enjoyed in its pure form, mangoes are crafted into island dishes of every variety like shave ice, salsa and cheesecake. Mango also comes dried, pickled and frozen (mango ice cream, anyone?). During mango season in Hawai'i, you can expect to find chefs across the islands taking advantage of the abundance of fresh fruit to create new mouthwatering mango dishes.

Nutrition & Allergies

Besides being very delicious, mangoes cover the ABC’s of nutrition. They contain Vitamins A, B6 and C. Mangoes also provide fiber, folate and copper. They’re a wonderful superfood! But, beware. Many people are allergic to this fruit. Both the sap and the inner flesh can cause allergic reactions. So, if you’ve never eaten a mango before, sample slowly.

Mango on My Mind

Driving along the curving, tropical roadways of Hawai'i, the bright yellows and reds catch my eye. I see the sweet heavy fruit ripening in the warm sun, and my mind wanders back to the orchard of my childhood and my search for the perfect mango. May you find your perfect mango!